Mass transfer in thin films under counter-current gas: experiments and numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucquiaud, Mathieu; Lavalle, Gianluca; Schmidt, Patrick; Ausner, Ilja; Wehrli, Marc; O Naraigh, Lennon; Valluri, Prashant

2016-11-01

Mass transfer in liquid-gas stratified flows is strongly affected by the waviness of the interface. For reactive flows, the chemical reactions occurring at the liquid-gas interface also influence the mass transfer rate. This is encountered in several technological applications, such as absorption units for carbon capture. We investigate the absorption rate of carbon dioxide in a liquid solution. The experimental set-up consists of a vertical channel where a falling film is sheared by a counter-current gas flow. We measure the absorption occurring at different flow conditions, by changing the liquid solution, the liquid flow rate and the gas composition. With the aim to support the experimental results with numerical simulations, we implement in our level-set flow solver a novel module for mass transfer taking into account a variant of the ghost-fluid formalism. We firstly validate the pure mass transfer case with and without hydrodynamics by comparing the species concentration in the bulk flow to the analytical solution. In a final stage, we analyse the absorption rate in reactive flows, and try to reproduce the experimental results by means of numerical simulations to explore the active role of the waves at the interface.

Role of zonal flow predator-prey oscillations in triggering the transition to H-mode confinement.

PubMed

Schmitz, L; Zeng, L; Rhodes, T L; Hillesheim, J C; Doyle, E J; Groebner, R J; Peebles, W A; Burrell, K H; Wang, G

2012-04-13

Direct evidence of zonal flow (ZF) predator-prey oscillations and the synergistic roles of ZF- and equilibrium E×B flow shear in triggering the low- to high-confinement (L- to H-mode) transition in the DIII-D tokamak is presented. Periodic turbulence suppression is first observed in a narrow layer at and just inside the separatrix when the shearing rate transiently exceeds the turbulence decorrelation rate. The final transition to H mode with sustained turbulence and transport reduction is controlled by equilibrium E×B shear due to the increasing ion pressure gradient.

Salivary buffer effect in relation to late pregnancy and postpartum.

PubMed

Laine, M; Pienihäkkinen, K

2000-02-01

We studied the salivary pH, buffer effect (BE), and flow rates of unstimulated and paraffin-stimulated saliva of 8 women in their late pregnancy and postpartum. Salivary samples were collected about 1 month prior to and about 2 months after delivery. In non-pregnant control women, two paraffin-stimulated salivary samples were collected 1 month apart. The salivary BE increased significantly from late pregnancy to postpartum without exception. The increase was 2.04 +/- 1.17 pH units (P < 0.001) on average. The BE increased from 4.79 +/- 1.64 (final pH) to 6.82 +/- 1.01 (final pH). This change was not due to variation in salivary flow rates, since both unstimulated and paraffin-stimulated flow rates remained unchanged. In control women the difference between the 2 BE measurements was only 0.13 +/- 0.47 pH units on average. We concluded that women with high postpartum BE values may have moderate or even low BE values in late pregnancy. In control women, individual variation was found to be low in all variables studied.

Dilution jets in accelerated cross flows. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipshitz, A.; Greber, I.

1984-01-01

Results of flow visualization experiments and measurements of the temperature field produced by a single jet and a row of dilution jets issued into a reverse flow combustor are presented. The flow in such combustors is typified by transverse and longitudinal acceleration during the passage through its bending section. The flow visualization experiments are designed to examine the separate effects of longitudinal and transverse acceleration on the jet trajectory and spreading rate. A model describing a dense single jet in a lighter accelerating cross flow is developed. The model is based on integral conservation equations, including the pressure terms appropriate to accelerating flows. It uses a modified entrainment correlation obtained from previous experiments of a jet in a cross stream. The flow visualization results are compared with the model calculations in terms of trajectories and spreading rates. Each experiment is typified by a set of three parameters: momentum ratio, density ratio and the densimetric Froude number.

Revised Planning Methodology For Signalized Intersections And Operational Analysis Of Exclusive Left-Turn Lanes, A Simulation-Based Method, Part - I: Literature Review (Final Report)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-04-01

THE STUDY INVESTIGATES THE APPLICATION OF SIMULATION ALONG WITH FIELD OBSERVATIONS FOR ESTIMATION OF EXCLUSIVE LEFT-TURN SATURATION FLOW RATE AND CAPACITY. THE ENTIRE RESEARCH HAS COVERED THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS: (1) A SATURATION FLOW MODEL ...

Are large clinical trials in orthopaedic trauma justified?

PubMed

Sprague, Sheila; Tornetta, Paul; Slobogean, Gerard P; O'Hara, Nathan N; McKay, Paula; Petrisor, Brad; Jeray, Kyle J; Schemitsch, Emil H; Sanders, David; Bhandari, Mohit

2018-04-20

The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the necessity of large clinical trials using FLOW trial data. The FLOW pilot study and definitive trial were factorial trials evaluating the effect of different irrigation solutions and pressures on re-operation. To explore treatment effects over time, we analyzed data from the pilot and definitive trial in increments of 250 patients until the final sample size of 2447 patients was reached. At each increment we calculated the relative risk (RR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) for the treatment effect, and compared the results that would have been reported at the smaller enrolments with those seen in the final, adequately powered study. The pilot study analysis of 89 patients and initial incremental enrolments in the FLOW definitive trial favored low pressure compared to high pressure (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.75-3.04; RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.60-3.23, respectively), which is in contradiction to the final enrolment, which found no difference between high and low pressure (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.81-1.33). In the soap versus saline comparison, the FLOW pilot study suggested that re-operation rate was similar in both the soap and saline groups (RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.50-1.92), whereas the FLOW definitive trial found that the re-operation rate was higher in the soap treatment arm (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.57). Our findings suggest that studies with smaller sample sizes would have led to erroneous conclusions in the management of open fracture wounds. NCT01069315 (FLOW Pilot Study) Date of Registration: February 17, 2010, NCT00788398 (FLOW Definitive Trial) Date of Registration: November 10, 2008.

Ethanol production during semi-continuous syngas fermentation in a trickle bed reactor using Clostridium ragsdalei.

PubMed

Devarapalli, Mamatha; Atiyeh, Hasan K; Phillips, John R; Lewis, Randy S; Huhnke, Raymond L

2016-06-01

An efficient syngas fermentation bioreactor provides a mass transfer capability that matches the intrinsic kinetics of the microorganism to obtain high gas conversion efficiency and productivity. In this study, mass transfer and gas utilization efficiencies of a trickle bed reactor during syngas fermentation by Clostridium ragsdalei were evaluated at various gas and liquid flow rates. Fermentations were performed using a syngas mixture of 38% CO, 28.5% CO2, 28.5% H2 and 5% N2, by volume. Results showed that increasing the gas flow rate from 2.3 to 4.6sccm increased the CO uptake rate by 76% and decreased the H2 uptake rate by 51% up to Run R6. Biofilm formation after R6 increased cells activity with over threefold increase in H2 uptake rate. At 1662h, the final ethanol and acetic acid concentrations were 5.7 and 12.3g/L, respectively, at 200ml/min of liquid flow rate and 4.6sccm gas flow rate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy policy act transportation study: Interim report on natural gas flows and rates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1995-11-17

This report, Energy Policy Act Transportation Study: Interim Report on Natural Gas Flows and Rates, is the second in a series mandated by Title XIII, Section 1340, ``Establishment of Data Base and Study of Transportation Rates,`` of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102--486). The first report Energy Policy Act Transportation Study: Availability of Data and Studies, was submitted to Congress in October 1993; it summarized data and studies that could be used to address the impact of legislative and regulatory actions on natural gas transportation rates and flow patterns. The current report presents an interim analysis of naturalmore » gas transportation rates and distribution patterns for the period from 1988 through 1994. A third and final report addressing the transportation rates and flows through 1997 is due to Congress in October 2000. This analysis relies on currently available data; no new data collection effort was undertaken. The need for the collection of additional data on transportation rates will be further addressed after this report, in consultation with the Congress, industry representatives, and in other public forums.« less

Stratification, segregation, and mixing of granular materials in quasi-two-dimensional bounded heaps.

PubMed

Fan, Yi; Boukerkour, Youcef; Blanc, Thibault; Umbanhowar, Paul B; Ottino, Julio M; Lueptow, Richard M

2012-11-01

Segregation and mixing of granular mixtures during heap formation has important consequences in industry and agriculture. This research investigates three different final particle configurations of bidisperse granular mixtures--stratified, segregated and mixed--during filling of quasi-two-dimensional silos. We consider a large number and wide range of control parameters, including particle size ratio, flow rate, system size, and heap rise velocity. The boundary between stratified and unstratified states is primarily controlled by the two-dimensional flow rate, with the critical flow rate for the transition depending weakly on particle size ratio and flowing layer length. In contrast, the transition from segregated to mixed states is controlled by the rise velocity of the heap, a control parameter not previously considered. The critical rise velocity for the transition depends strongly on the particle size ratio.

Analysis of Convective Weather Impact on Pre-Departure Routing of Flights from Fort Worth Center to New York Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arneson, Heather; Bombelli, Alessandro; Segarra-Torne, Adria; Tse, Elmer

2017-01-01

In response to severe weather conditions, Traffic Managers specify flow constraints and reroutes to route air traffic around affected regions of airspace. Providing analysis and recommendations of available reroute options and associated airspace capacities would assist Traffic Managers in making more efficient decisions in response to convective weather. These recommendations can be developed by examining historical data to determine which previous reroute options were used in similar weather and traffic conditions. This paper describes the initial steps and methodology used towards this goal. The focus of this work is flights departing from Fort Worth Center destined for New York Center. Dominant routing structures used in the absence of convective weather are identified. A method to extract relevant features from the large volume of weather data available to quantify the impact of convective weather on this routing structure over a given time range is presented. Finally, a method of estimating flow rate capacity along commonly used routes during convective weather events is described. Results show that the flow rates drop exponentially as a function of the values of the proposed feature and that convective weather on the final third of the route was found to have a greater impact on the flow rate restriction than other portions of the route.

Experimental analysis of flow structure in contra-rotating axial flow pump designed with different rotational speed concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Linlin; Watanabe, Satoshi; Imanishi, Toshiki; Yoshimura, Hiroaki; Furukawa, Akinori

2013-08-01

As a high specific speed pump, the contra-rotating axial flow pump distinguishes itself in a rear rotor rotating in the opposite direction of the front rotor, which remarkably contributes to the energy conversion, the reduction of the pump size, better hydraulic and cavitation performances. However, with two rotors rotating reversely, the significant interaction between blade rows was observed in our prototype contra-rotating rotors, which highly affected the pump performance compared with the conventional axial flow pumps. Consequently, a new type of rear rotor was designed by the rotational speed optimization methodology with some additional considerations, aiming at better cavitation performance, the reduction of blade rows interaction and the secondary flow suppression. The new rear rotor showed a satisfactory performance at the design flow rate but an unfavorable positive slope of the head — flow rate curve in the partial flow rate range less than 40% of the design flow rate, which should be avoided for the reliability of pump-pipe systems. In the present research, to understand the internal flow field of new rear rotor and its relation to the performances at the partial flow rates, the velocity distributions at the inlets and outlets of the rotors are firstly investigated. Then, the boundary layer flows on rotor surfaces, which clearly reflect the secondary flow inside the rotors, are analyzed through the limiting streamline observations using the multi-color oil-film method. Finally, the unsteady numerical simulations are carried out to understand the complicated internal flow structures in the rotors.

City traffic flow breakdown prediction based on fuzzy rough set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xu; Da-wei, Hu; Bing, Su; Duo-jia, Zhang

2017-05-01

In city traffic management, traffic breakdown is a very important issue, which is defined as a speed drop of a certain amount within a dense traffic situation. In order to predict city traffic flow breakdown accurately, in this paper, we propose a novel city traffic flow breakdown prediction algorithm based on fuzzy rough set. Firstly, we illustrate the city traffic flow breakdown problem, in which three definitions are given, that is, 1) Pre-breakdown flow rate, 2) Rate, density, and speed of the traffic flow breakdown, and 3) Duration of the traffic flow breakdown. Moreover, we define a hazard function to represent the probability of the breakdown ending at a given time point. Secondly, as there are many redundant and irrelevant attributes in city flow breakdown prediction, we propose an attribute reduction algorithm using the fuzzy rough set. Thirdly, we discuss how to predict the city traffic flow breakdown based on attribute reduction and SVM classifier. Finally, experiments are conducted by collecting data from I-405 Freeway, which is located at Irvine, California. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is able to achieve lower average error rate of city traffic flow breakdown prediction.

Use DNA solutions to model polymer entanglement in flow: simultaneous rheometric and particle-tracking velocimetric measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boukany, Pouyan; Wang, Shi-Qing

2008-03-01

Entangled aqueous DNA solutions are ideal as a model system to examine nonlinear flow features including stress overshoot in startup shear and shear thinning phenomenon. These soft systems can be strongly entangled with 60 entanglement points per chain and a terminal relaxation time as long as 1000 s at 1 % concentration [1-2]. They allow a comparison between the steady state attained with a startup shear and that attained through an ``infinitely'' slow ramping up of the applied shear rate. Indeed, startup shear in the nonlinear (stress plateau) region causes the DNA solutions to yield inhomogeneously, resulting in permanent shear banding. However, the slowly ramped-up shear into the same final rate as applied in startup shear allowed the solutions to avoid shear inhomogeneity. Thus, we demonstrated that it is possible for the final steady states to be different depending on how an entangled system is brought into the same final experimental condition. This result implies that it is ill-defined to pursue conventional constitutive relationship in flow of entangled polymers. [1] Boukany, P. E.; Hu, T. H.; Wang, S. Q. textitMacromolecules 2007, under review. [2] Boukany, P. E.; Wang, S. Q. J. Rheol. 2007, under review.

An Integrated Instrumentation System for Velocity, Concentration and Mass Flow Rate Measurement of Solid Particles Based on Electrostatic and Capacitance Sensors.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Kong, Ming; Xu, Chuanlong; Wang, Shimin; Fan, Ying

2015-12-10

The online and continuous measurement of velocity, concentration and mass flow rate of pneumatically conveyed solid particles for the high-efficiency utilization of energy and raw materials has become increasingly significant. In this paper, an integrated instrumentation system for the velocity, concentration and mass flow rate measurement of dense phase pneumatically conveyed solid particles based on electrostatic and capacitance sensorsis developed. The electrostatic sensors are used for particle mean velocity measurement in combination with the cross-correlation technique, while the capacitance sensor with helical surface-plate electrodes, which has relatively homogeneous sensitivity distribution, is employed for the measurement of particle concentration and its capacitance is measured by an electrostatic-immune AC-based circuit. The solid mass flow rate can be further calculated from the measured velocity and concentration. The developed instrumentation system for velocity and concentration measurement is verified and calibrated on a pulley rig and through static experiments, respectively. Finally the system is evaluated with glass beads on a gravity-fed rig. The experimental results demonstrate that the system is capable of the accurate solid mass flow rate measurement, and the relative error is within -3%-8% for glass bead mass flow rates ranging from 0.13 kg/s to 0.9 kg/s.

Channel overflows of the Pōhue Bay flow, Mauna Loa, Hawai'i: examples of the contrast between surface and interior lava

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurado-Chichay, Zinzuni; Rowland, Scott K.

1995-04-01

A number of overflows from a large lava channel and tube system on the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa were studied. Initial overflows were very low viscosity gas-rich pāhoehoe evidenced by flow-unit aspect ratios and vesicle sizes and contents. Calculated volumetric flow-rates in the channel range between 80 and 890 m3/s, and those of the overflows between 35 and 110 m3/s. After traveling tens to hundreds of meters the tops of these sheet-like overflows were disrupted into a surface composed of clinker and pāhoehoe fragments. After these 'a'ā overflows came to rest, lava from the interiors was able to break out on to the surface as pāhoehoe. The surface structure of a lava flow records the interaction between the differential shear rate (usually correlated with the volumetric flow-rate) and viscosity-induced resistance to flow. However, the interior of a flow, being better insulated, may react differently or record a later set of emplacement conditions. Clefts of toothpaste lava occurring within fields of clinker on proximal-type 'a'ā flows also record different shear rates during different times of flow emplacement. The interplay between viscosity and shear rate determines the final morphological lava type, and although no specific portion of lava ever makes a transition from 'a'ā back to pāhoehoe, parts of a flow can appear to do so.

The two-stroke poppet valve engine. Part 2: Numerical investigations of intake and exhaust flow behaviour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamili Zahidi, M.; Razali Hanipah, M.

2017-10-01

A two-stroke poppet valve engine is developed to overcome the common problems in conventional two-stroke engine designs. However, replacing piston control port with poppet valve will resulted different flow behaviour. This paper presents the model and simulation result of three-dimensional (3D) port flow investigation of a two-stroke poppet valve engine. The objective of the investigation is to conduct a numerical investigation on port flow performance of two-stroke poppet valve engine and compare the results obtained from the experimental investigation. The model is to be used for the future numerical study of the engine. The volume flow rate results have been compared with the results obtained experimentally as presented in first part of this paper. The model has shown good agreement in terms of the flow rate at initial and final valve lifts but reduced by about 50% during half-lift region.

Selective Use of Optical Variables to Control Forward Speed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Walter W.; Awe, Cynthia A.; Hart, Sandra G. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Previous work on the perception and control of simulated vehicle speed has examined the contributions of optical flow rate (angular visual speed) and texture, or edge rate (frequency of passing terrain objects or markings) on the perception and control of forward speed. However, these studies have not examined the ability to selectively use edge rate or flow rate. The two studies reported here show that subjects found it very difficult to arbitrarily direct attention to one or the other of these variables; but that the ability to selectively use these variables is linked to the visual contextual information about the relative validity (linkage with speed) of the two variables. The selectivity also resulted in different velocity adaptation levels for events in which flow rate and edge rate specified forward speed. Finally, the role of visual context in directing attention was further buttressed by the finding that the incorrect perception of changes in ground texture density tended to be coupled with incorrect perceptions of changes in forward speed.

Aeroacoustic and aerodynamic applications of the theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horne, W. Clifton; Smith, Charles A.; Karamcheti, Krishnamurty

1991-01-01

Recent developments in the field of nonequilibrium thermodynamics associated with viscous flows are examined and related to developments to the understanding of specific phenomena in aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. A key element of the nonequilibrium theory is the principle of minimum entropy production rate for steady dissipative processes near equilibrium, and variational calculus is used to apply this principle to several examples of viscous flow. A review of nonequilibrium thermodynamics and its role in fluid motion are presented. Several formulations are presented of the local entropy production rate and the local energy dissipation rate, two quantities that are of central importance to the theory. These expressions and the principle of minimum entropy production rate for steady viscous flows are used to identify parallel-wall channel flow and irrotational flow as having minimally dissipative velocity distributions. Features of irrotational, steady, viscous flow near an airfoil, such as the effect of trailing-edge radius on circulation, are also found to be compatible with the minimum principle. Finally, the minimum principle is used to interpret the stability of infinitesimal and finite amplitude disturbances in an initially laminar, parallel shear flow, with results that are consistent with experiment and linearized hydrodynamic stability theory. These results suggest that a thermodynamic approach may be useful in unifying the understanding of many diverse phenomena in aerodynamics and aeroacoustics.

Effect of sputtering parameters on optical and electrical properties of ITO films on PET substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Kun-San; Lo, Yu-Lung

2013-11-01

The optical and electrical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films deposited on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates using a DC magnetron sputtering technique are investigated as a function of the deposition time, the argon flow rate and the target-substrate distance. It is found that all of the ITO films contain a high fraction of amorphous phase. The volume fraction of crystallite precipitates in the amorphous host increases with an increasing deposition time or a reducing argon flow rate. The deposition time and argon flow rate have higher effects on the optical transparency of the ITO films than the target-substrate distance has. Increasing film thickness is not the only reason for the transmittance reduced. It is found that an increase of the extinction coefficient by increasing deposition time or an increase of the refractive index by decreasing argon flow rate also reduces the transmittance of thin film. For a constant deposition time, the resistivity of the ITO films reduces with a reducing argon flow rate or a reducing target-substrate distance. For a constant argon flow rate, a critical value of the deposition time exists at which both the resistivity and the effect of the target-substrate distance are minimized. Finally, it is concluded that the film resistivity has low sensitivity to the target-substrate distance if the best deposition conditions which mostly attain the lowest resistivity are matched.

Sagnac-interferometer-based fresnel flow probe.

PubMed

Tselikov, A; Blake, J

1998-10-01

We used a near-diffraction-limited flow or light-wave-interaction pipe to produce a Sagnac-interferometer-based Fresnel drag fluid flowmeter capable of detecting extremely small flow rates. An optimized design of the pipe along with the use of a state-of-the-art Sagnac interferometer results in a minimum-detectable water flow rate of 2.4 nl/s [1 drop/(5 h)]. The flowmeter's capability of measuring the water consumption by a small plant in real time has been demonstrated. We then designed an automated alignment system that finds and maintains the optimum fiber-coupling regime, which makes the applications of the Fresnel-drag-based flowmeters practical, especially if the length of the interaction pipe is long. Finally, we have applied the automatic alignment technique to an air flowmeter.

Modelling the Thermal and Infrared Spectral Properties of Active Vents: Comparing Basaltic Lava Flows of Tolbachik, Russia to Arsia Mons, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramsey, M. S.; Harris, A. J. L.

2016-12-01

Satellite observations of active vents commonly group into several broad categories: thermal analysis, deformational studies, and gas/ash detection. These observations become increasingly detailed depending on the spatial, spectral and/or temporal resolution of the sensor. Higher temporal resolution thermal infrared (TIR) data are used to determine the time-averaged discharge rate (TADR) and the potential down-slope inundation of the newly-forming flow using thermorheologic-based modelling. Whereas, increased spectral resolution leads to improved measurement of the flow's composition, crystal content, and vesicularity. Combined, these data help to improve the accuracy of cooling-based viscosity models such as FLOWGO. In addition to topography, the dominant (internal) factors controlling flow propagation are the discharge rate combined with cooling and increasing viscosity. The cooling of the glassy lava surface is directly imaged by the TIR instrument to determine temperature, which is then used to calculate the model's starting conditions. Understanding the cooling, formation and dynamics of basaltic surfaces therefore helps to resolve compositional, textural, and silicate structural changes. Models, coupled with accurate knowledge of the characteristics of older, inactive flows (such as those on Mars), can be reversed to predict the vent conditions at the time of the eruption. Being able to directly connect the final flow morphology to specific eruption conditions is a critical goal to understand the last stages of volcanism on Mars and becomes an important educational tool where combined with 3D visualization. The 2012-2013 eruption of Tolbachik volcano, Russia was the largest and most thermally intense flow-forming eruption in the past 50 years, producing longer lava flows than that of a typical eruption at Kilauea or Etna. These flows have been studied using various scales of TIR data at the time of eruption and following cooling. The input parameters for the FLOWGO model are then tuned to produce the best fit of eruptive conditions to final flow morphology. The refined model can then be used to determine the TADR from the vent and make improved estimates of cooling, viscosity, velocity and crystallinity with distance. Final results are visualized and their educational potential assessed.

Lava flow-field morphology: A case study from Mount Etna, Sicily

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guest, J. E.; Hughes, J. W.; Duncan, A. M.

1987-01-01

The morphology of lava flows is often taken as an indicator of the broad chemical composition of the lava, especially when interpreting extraterrestrial volcanoes using spacecraft images. The historical lavas of the active volcano Mount Etna in Sicily provide an excellent opportunity to examine the controls on flow field morphology. In this study only flow produced by flank eruptions after the middle of the 18th century are examined. The final form of a flow-field may be more indicative of the internal plumbing of the volcano, which may control such factors as the effusion, rate, duration of eruption, volume of available magma, rate of de-gassing, and lava rheology. Different flow morphologies on Etna appear to be a good indicator of differing conditions within the volcanic pile. Thus the spatial distribution of different flow types on an extraterrestrial volcano may provide useful information about the plumbing conditions of that volcano, rather than necessarily providing information on the composition of materials erupted.

Design flow factors for sewerage systems in small arid communities.

PubMed

Imam, Emad H; Elnakar, Haitham Y

2014-09-01

Reliable estimation of sewage flow rates is essential for the proper design of sewers, pumping stations, and treatment plants. The design of the various components of the sewerage system should be based on the most critical flow rates with a focus on extremely low and peak flow rates that would be sustained for a duration related to the acceptable limits of behavior of the components under consideration. The extreme flow conditions and to what extent they differ from the average values are closely related to the size of the community or network, and the socioeconomic conditions. A single pumping station is usually sufficient to pump flow from small community in either flat or non-undulating topography. Therefore, the hydraulic loading on the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) results from the pumped flow from the pumping station rather than the trunk sewer flow. The intermittent operation of the pumping units further accentuates the sewage hydrograph in the final trunk sewer. Accordingly, the design flow for the various components of the WWTP should be determined based on their relevant flow factors. In this study, analysis of one representative small community out of five monitored small communities in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is presented. Pumped sewage flow rates were measured and the sewer incoming flows were hydraulically derived. The hourly and daily sewer and pumped flow records were analyzed to derive the relationship between the flow factors that would be sustained for various durations (instantaneously, 1 h, 2 h, etc.) and their probability of non-exceedance. The resulting peaking factors with a consideration for their sustained flow duration and specified probability would permit the design of the various components of the treatment plant using more accurate critical flows.

Design flow factors for sewerage systems in small arid communities

PubMed Central

Imam, Emad H.; Elnakar, Haitham Y.

2013-01-01

Reliable estimation of sewage flow rates is essential for the proper design of sewers, pumping stations, and treatment plants. The design of the various components of the sewerage system should be based on the most critical flow rates with a focus on extremely low and peak flow rates that would be sustained for a duration related to the acceptable limits of behavior of the components under consideration. The extreme flow conditions and to what extent they differ from the average values are closely related to the size of the community or network, and the socioeconomic conditions. A single pumping station is usually sufficient to pump flow from small community in either flat or non-undulating topography. Therefore, the hydraulic loading on the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) results from the pumped flow from the pumping station rather than the trunk sewer flow. The intermittent operation of the pumping units further accentuates the sewage hydrograph in the final trunk sewer. Accordingly, the design flow for the various components of the WWTP should be determined based on their relevant flow factors. In this study, analysis of one representative small community out of five monitored small communities in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is presented. Pumped sewage flow rates were measured and the sewer incoming flows were hydraulically derived. The hourly and daily sewer and pumped flow records were analyzed to derive the relationship between the flow factors that would be sustained for various durations (instantaneously, 1 h, 2 h, etc.) and their probability of non-exceedance. The resulting peaking factors with a consideration for their sustained flow duration and specified probability would permit the design of the various components of the treatment plant using more accurate critical flows. PMID:25685521

Development and analysis of closed cycle circulator elements. Final report 31 Jul 978-31 May 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shih, C.C.; Karr, G.R.; Perkins, J.F.

1980-05-01

A series of experiments with various flow rates of laser gas and coolants under several levels of energy inputs has been conducted on the Army Closed Cycle Circulator for pulsed EDL to collect sufficient data for flow calibration and coefficient determination. Verification of the theoretical models depicting the functions of the heat exchangers in maintaining the thermal balance in the flow through the steady and transient states are made through comparison with results of the experimental analysis.

Slip length measurement of gas flow.

PubMed

Maali, Abdelhamid; Colin, Stéphane; Bhushan, Bharat

2016-09-16

In this paper, we present a review of the most important techniques used to measure the slip length of gas flow on isothermal surfaces. First, we present the famous Millikan experiment and then the rotating cylinder and spinning rotor gauge methods. Then, we describe the gas flow rate experiment, which is the most widely used technique to probe a confined gas and measure the slip. Finally, we present a promising technique using an atomic force microscope introduced recently to study the behavior of nanoscale confined gas.

LAV@HAZARD: a Web-GIS Framework for Real-Time Forecasting of Lava Flow Hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Negro, C.; Bilotta, G.; Cappello, A.; Ganci, G.; Herault, A.

2014-12-01

Crucial to lava flow hazard assessment is the development of tools for real-time prediction of flow paths, flow advance rates, and final flow lengths. Accurate prediction of flow paths and advance rates requires not only rapid assessment of eruption conditions (especially effusion rate) but also improved models of lava flow emplacement. Here we present the LAV@HAZARD web-GIS framework, which combines spaceborne remote sensing techniques and numerical simulations for real-time forecasting of lava flow hazards. By using satellite-derived discharge rates to drive a lava flow emplacement model, LAV@HAZARD allows timely definition of parameters and maps essential for hazard assessment, including the propagation time of lava flows and the maximum run-out distance. We take advantage of the flexibility of the HOTSAT thermal monitoring system to process satellite images coming from sensors with different spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions. HOTSAT was designed to ingest infrared satellite data acquired by the MODIS and SEVIRI sensors to output hot spot location, lava thermal flux and discharge rate. We use LAV@HAZARD to merge this output with the MAGFLOW physics-based model to simulate lava flow paths and to update, in a timely manner, flow simulations. Thus, any significant changes in lava discharge rate are included in the predictions. A significant benefit in terms of computational speed was obtained thanks to the parallel implementation of MAGFLOW on graphic processing units (GPUs). All this useful information has been gathered into the LAV@HAZARD platform which, due to the high degree of interactivity, allows generation of easily readable maps and a fast way to explore alternative scenarios. We will describe and demonstrate the operation of this framework using a variety of case studies pertaining to Mt Etna, Sicily. Although this study was conducted on Mt Etna, the approach used is designed to be applicable to other volcanic areas around the world.

Effect of flow rate and lead/copper pipe sequence on lead release from service lines.

PubMed

Cartier, Clément; Arnold, Roger B; Triantafyllidou, Simoni; Prévost, Michèle; Edwards, Marc

2012-09-01

A pilot experiment examined lead leaching from four representative configurations of service lines including: (1) 100% lead (Pb), (2) 100% copper (Cu), (3) 50% Pb upstream of 50% Cu, and (4) 50% Pb-downstream of 50% Cu using a range of flow rates. The cumulative mass of lead release indicated that a typical partial replacement configuration (50% lead downstream of copper) did not provide a net reduction in lead when compared to 100% lead pipe (85 mg for 50% Pb-downstream versus 83 mg for 100%-Pb) due to galvanic and deposition corrosion. The partially replaced service line configuration also had a much greater likelihood of producing water with "spikes" of lead particulates at higher flow rates, while tending to produce lower levels of lead at very low flow rates. After the first 214 days the galvanic current between copper and lead was only reduced by 34%, proving that galvanic impacts can be highly persistent even in water with optimized corrosion control by dosing of zinc orthophosphate. Finally, this experiment raises concern about the low flow rates used during some prior home sampling events, which may underestimate exposure to lead during normal water use, especially when galvanic Pb:Cu connections are present. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of fluid flow and solute transport through a single fracture with variable apertures intersecting a canister: Comparison between fractal and Gaussian fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, L.; Neretnieks, I.

Canisters with spent nuclear fuel will be deposited in fractured crystalline rock in the Swedish concept for a final repository. The fractures intersect the canister holes at different angles and they have variable apertures and therefore locally varying flowrates. Our previous model with fractures with a constant aperture and a 90° intersection angle is now extended to arbitrary intersection angles and stochastically variable apertures. It is shown that the previous basic model can be simply amended to account for these effects. More importantly, it has been found that the distributions of the volumetric and the equivalent flow rates are all close to the Normal for both fractal and Gaussian fractures, with the mean of the distribution of the volumetric flow rate being determined solely by the hydraulic aperture, and that of the equivalent flow rate being determined by the mechanical aperture. Moreover, the standard deviation of the volumetric flow rates of the many realizations increases with increasing roughness and spatial correlation length of the aperture field, and so does that of the equivalent flow rates. Thus, two simple statistical relations can be developed to describe the stochastic properties of fluid flow and solute transport through a single fracture with spatially variable apertures. This obviates, then, the need to simulate each fracture that intersects a canister in great detail, and allows the use of complex fractures also in very large fracture network models used in performance assessment.

Convective thinning of the lithosphere: A mechanism for rifting and mid-plate volcanism on Earth, Venus, and Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spohn, T.; Schubert, G.

1982-01-01

Thinning of the Earth's lithosphere by heat advected to its base is a possible mechanism for continental rifting and continental and oceanic mid-plate volcanism. It might also account for continental rifting-like processes and volcanism on Venus and Mars. Earth's continental lithosphere can be thinned to the crust in a few tens of million years by heat advected at a rate of 5 to 10 times the normal basal heat flux. This much heat is easily carried to the lithosphere by mantle plumes. The continent is not required to rest over the mantle hot spot but may move at tens of millimeters per year. Because of the constant level of crustal radioactive heat production, the ratio of the final to the initial surface heat flow increases much less than the ratio of the final to initial basal heat flow. For large increases in asthenospheric heat flow, the lithosphere is almost thinned to the crust before any significant change in surface heat flow occurs. Uplift due to thermal expansion upon thinning is a few kilometers. The oceanic lithosphere can be thinned to the crust in less than 10 million years if the heat advection is at a rate around 5 or more times the basal heat flow into 100 Ma old lithosphere. Uplift upon thinning can compensate the subsidence of spreading and cooling lithosphere.

[A capillary blood flow velocity detection system based on linear array charge-coupled devices].

PubMed

Zhou, Houming; Wang, Ruofeng; Dang, Qi; Yang, Li; Wang, Xiang

2017-12-01

In order to detect the flow characteristics of blood samples in the capillary, this paper introduces a blood flow velocity measurement system based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA), linear charge-coupled devices (CCD) and personal computer (PC) software structure. Based on the analysis of the TCD1703C and AD9826 device data sheets, Verilog HDL hardware description language was used to design and simulate the driver. Image signal acquisition and the extraction of the real-time edge information of the blood sample were carried out synchronously in the FPGA. Then a series of discrete displacement were performed in a differential operation to scan each of the blood samples displacement, so that the sample flow rate could be obtained. Finally, the feasibility of the blood flow velocity detection system was verified by simulation and debugging. After drawing the flow velocity curve and analyzing the velocity characteristics, the significance of measuring blood flow velocity is analyzed. The results show that the measurement of the system is less time-consuming and less complex than other flow rate monitoring schemes.

Fast blood flow monitoring in deep tissues with real-time software correlators

PubMed Central

Wang, Detian; Parthasarathy, Ashwin B.; Baker, Wesley B.; Gannon, Kimberly; Kavuri, Venki; Ko, Tiffany; Schenkel, Steven; Li, Zhe; Li, Zeren; Mullen, Michael T.; Detre, John A.; Yodh, Arjun G.

2016-01-01

We introduce, validate and demonstrate a new software correlator for high-speed measurement of blood flow in deep tissues based on diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). The software correlator scheme employs standard PC-based data acquisition boards to measure temporal intensity autocorrelation functions continuously at 50 – 100 Hz, the fastest blood flow measurements reported with DCS to date. The data streams, obtained in vivo for typical source-detector separations of 2.5 cm, easily resolve pulsatile heart-beat fluctuations in blood flow which were previously considered to be noise. We employ the device to separate tissue blood flow from tissue absorption/scattering dynamics and thereby show that the origin of the pulsatile DCS signal is primarily flow, and we monitor cerebral autoregulation dynamics in healthy volunteers more accurately than with traditional instrumentation as a result of increased data acquisition rates. Finally, we characterize measurement signal-to-noise ratio and identify count rate and averaging parameters needed for optimal performance. PMID:27231588

Study of Natural Fiber Breakage during Composite Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quijano-Solis, Carlos Jafet

Biofiber-thermoplastic composites have gained considerable importance in the last century. To provide mechanical reinforcement to the polymer, fibers must be larger than a critical aspect ratio (length-to-width ratio). However, biofibers undergo breakage in length or width during processing, affecting their final aspect ratio in the composites. In this study, influence on biofiber breakage by factors related to processing conditions, fiber morphology and the flow type was investigated through: a) experiments using an internal mixer, a twin-screw extruder (TSE) or a capillary rheometer; and b) a Monte Carlo computer simulation. Composites of thermomechanical fibers of aspen or wheat straw mixed with polypropylene were studied. Internal mixer experiments analyzed wheat straw and two batches of aspen fibers, named AL and AS. AL fibers had longer average length. Processing variables included the temperature, rotors speed and fiber concentration. TSE experiments studied AL and AS fiber composites under various screws speeds, temperatures and feeding rates of the polymer and fibers. Capillary rheometers experiments determined AL fiber breakage in shear and elongational flows for composites processed at different concentrations, temperatures, and strain rates. Finally, the internal mixer experimental results where compared to Monte Carlo simulation predictions. The simulation focused on fiber length breakage due to fiber-polymer interactions. Internal mixer results showed that final fiber average length depended almost solely on processing conditions while final fiber average width depended on both processing conditions and initial fiber morphology. In the TSE, processing conditions as well as initial fiber length influenced final average length. TSE results showed that the fiber concentration regime seems to influence the effect of processing variables on fiber breakage. Capillary rheometer experiments demonstrated that biofiber breakage happens in both elongational and shear flows. In some cases, percentage of biofiber breakage in elongational flow is higher. In general, simulation predictions of final average lengths were in good agreement with experiments, indicating the importance of fiber-polymer interactions on fiber breakage. The largest discrepancies were obtained at higher fiber concentration composites; these differences might be resolved, in future simulations, by including the effect of fiber-fiber interactions.

Robust estimation of simulated urinary volume from camera images under bathroom illumination.

PubMed

Honda, Chizuru; Bhuiyan, Md Shoaib; Kawanaka, Haruki; Watanabe, Eiichi; Oguri, Koji

2016-08-01

General uroflowmetry method involves the risk of nosocomial infections or time and effort of the recording. Medical institutions, therefore, need to measure voided volume simply and hygienically. Multiple cylindrical model that can estimate the fluid flow rate from the photographed image using camera has been proposed in an earlier study. This study implemented a flow rate estimation by using a general-purpose camera system (Raspberry Pi Camera Module) and the multiple cylindrical model. However, large amounts of noise in extracting liquid region are generated by the variation of the illumination when performing measurements in the bathroom. So the estimation error gets very large. In other words, the specifications of the previous study's camera setup regarding the shutter type and the frame rate was too strict. In this study, we relax the specifications to achieve a flow rate estimation using a general-purpose camera. In order to determine the appropriate approximate curve, we propose a binarizing method using background subtraction at each scanning row and a curve approximation method using RANSAC. Finally, by evaluating the estimation accuracy of our experiment and by comparing it with the earlier study's results, we show the effectiveness of our proposed method for flow rate estimation.

Plastic deformation history in infeed rotary swaging process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Herrmann, Marius; Schenck, Christian; Kuhfuss, Bernd

2017-10-01

In bulk forming processes, the net shape of a final product is achieved by plastic deformation as the material flows from the initial shape to the final shape of the workpiece. The material flow during the process is an important issue for its relationship with forging force, heat generation, microstructure transformation and energy consumption. Hence, the final properties of the product are directly influenced. Former researches showed that the material flow in the rotary swaging process is affected by different processing parameters like die angle, feeding velocity and friction condition. Thus, a profound knowledge of detailed material flow during the process is essential for a better understanding of the process. By using FEM, the material flow was investigated by the history of the plastic strain (PEEQ) development. In this study a 2D-axisymmetric model was built by using ABAQUS explicit. Both aluminum alloy (3.3206) and steel (1.0308) are studied with different feeding velocities and coefficients of friction. To achieve the development of PEEQ in different areas, the workpiece was divided into radial layers. The PEEQ history of each layer was tracked during the quasi-static forming process. Based on that, the plastic strain rate (PSR) was calculated and examined in a single stroke of the process. In that way, the material flow in different layers is presented and the material flow on the surface differs from that in the center, just the first 1/4 radial area from the surface is sensitive to different friction conditions.

Numerical method for predicting flow characteristics and performance of nonaxisymmetric nozzles. Part 2: Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, P. D.

1980-01-01

A computer implemented numerical method for predicting the flow in and about an isolated three dimensional jet exhaust nozzle is summarized. The approach is based on an implicit numerical method to solve the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations in a boundary conforming curvilinear coordinate system. Recent improvements to the original numerical algorithm are summarized. Equations are given for evaluating nozzle thrust and discharge coefficient in terms of computed flowfield data. The final formulation of models that are used to simulate flow turbulence effect is presented. Results are presented from numerical experiments to explore the effect of various quantities on the rate of convergence to steady state and on the final flowfield solution. Detailed flowfield predictions for several two and three dimensional nozzle configurations are presented and compared with wind tunnel experimental data.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Shifeng; Wang, Shuyu; Lu, Ming

In this paper, vanadium thin films were deposited on sapphire substrates by DC magnetron sputtering and then oxidized in a tube furnace filled with oxygen under different temperatures and oxygen flow rates. The significant influence of the oxygen flow rate and oxidation temperature on the electrical and structural properties of the vanadium oxide thin films were investigated systematically. It shows the pure vanadium dioxide (VO 2) state can only be obtained in a very narrow temperature and oxygen flow rate range. The resistivity change during the metal-insulator transition varies from 0.2 to 4 orders of magnitude depending on the oxidationmore » condition. Large thermal hysteresis during the metal-insulator phase transition was observed during the transition compared to the results in literature. Proper oxidation conditions can significantly reduce the thermal hysteresis. Finally, the fabricated VO 2 thin films showed the potential to be applied in the development of electrical sensors and other smart devices.« less

Effect of Pedestrians on the Saturation Flow Rate of Right Turn Movements at Signalized Intersection - Case Study from Rasht City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roshani, Mostafa; Bargegol, Iraj

2017-10-01

Saturation flow rate is one of the important items in the analysis of the capacity of signalized intersections that are affected by some factors. Pedestrian crossing on signalized intersection is one of the factors which influence the vehicles flow. In addition, the released researches determined that the greatest impact of pedestrian on the saturation flow occurred in the Conflict zone where the highest chance of the encounter of pedestrians and vehicles has in turning movements. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the saturation flow rate considering the effect of a pedestrian on right turn movements of the signalized intersections in Rasht city. For this goal, 6 signalized intersections with 90 cycles of reviews were selected for the estimation of saturation flow rate by the microscopic method and also 3 right turn lanes containing radius differences with 70 cycles of reviews were collected for the investigation of the pedestrians’ effects. Each phase of right turn lanes cycle was divided in the pieces of 10-second period which was totally 476 sample volumes of considered pedestrians and vehicles at that period. Only 101 samples of those were ranged as saturated conditions. Finally, using different regression models, the best relationship between pedestrian’s volume and right turning vehicles flow parameters was evaluated. The results indicate that there is a primarily linear relationship between pedestrian volume and right turning vehicles flow with R2=0.6261. According to this regression model with the increase in pedestrians, saturation flow rate will be reduced. In addition, by comparing the adjustment factor obtained in the present study and other studies, it was found that the effect of pedestrians on the right-turn movements in Rasht city is less than the rest of the world.

Assessment and application of Reynolds stress closure models to high-speed compressible flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatski, T. B.; Sarkar, S.; Speziale, C. G.; Balakrishnan, L.; Abid, R.; Anderson, E. C.

1990-01-01

The paper presents results from the development of higher order closure models for the phenomological modeling of high-speed compressible flows. The work presented includes the introduction of an improved pressure-strain correlationi model applicable in both the low- and high-speed regime as well as modifications to the isotropic dissipation rate to account for dilatational effects. Finally, the question of stiffness commonly associated with the solution of two-equation and Reynolds stress transport equations in wall-bounded flows is examined and ways of relaxing these restrictions are discussed.

Near-wall modelling of compressible turbulent flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

So, Ronald M. C.

1990-01-01

Work was carried out to formulate near-wall models for the equations governing the transport of the temperature-variance and its dissipation rate. With these equations properly modeled, a foundation is laid for their extension together with the heat-flux equations to compressible flows. This extension is carried out in a manner similar to that used to extend the incompressible near-wall Reynolds-stress models to compressible flows. The methodology used to accomplish the extension of the near-wall Reynolds-stress models is examined and the actual extension of the models for the Reynolds-stress equations and the near-wall dissipation-rate equation to compressible flows is given. Then the formulation of the near-wall models for the equations governing the transport of the temperature variance and its dissipation rate is discussed. Finally, a sample calculation of a flat plate compressible turbulent boundary-layer flow with adiabatic wall boundary condition and a free-stream Mach number of 2.5 using a two-equation near-wall closure is presented. The results show that the near-wall two-equation closure formulated for compressible flows is quite valid and the calculated properties are in good agreement with measurements. Furthermore, the near-wall behavior of the turbulence statistics and structure parameters is consistent with that found in incompressible flows.

Lava effusion rate definition and measurement: a review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Calvari, Sonia; Dehn, Jonathan; Harris, A.

2007-01-01

Measurement of effusion rate is a primary objective for studies that model lava flow and magma system dynamics, as well as for monitoring efforts during on-going eruptions. However, its exact definition remains a source of confusion, and problems occur when comparing volume flux values that are averaged over different time periods or spatial scales, or measured using different approaches. Thus our aims are to: (1) define effusion rate terminology; and (2) assess the various measurement methods and their results. We first distinguish between instantaneous effusion rate, and time-averaged discharge rate. Eruption rate is next defined as the total volume of lava emplaced since the beginning of the eruption divided by the time since the eruption began. The ultimate extension of this is mean output rate, this being the final volume of erupted lava divided by total eruption duration. Whether these values are total values, i.e. the flux feeding all flow units across the entire flow field, or local, i.e. the flux feeding a single active unit within a flow field across which many units are active, also needs to be specified. No approach is without its problems, and all can have large error (up to ∼50%). However, good agreement between diverse approaches shows that reliable estimates can be made if each approach is applied carefully and takes into account the caveats we detail here. There are three important factors to consider and state when measuring, giving or using an effusion rate. First, the time-period over which the value was averaged; second, whether the measurement applies to the entire active flow field, or a single lava flow within that field; and third, the measurement technique and its accompanying assumptions.

The Relationship Between Serum Endocan Levels With the Presence of Slow Coronary Flow: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Kundi, Harun; Gok, Murat; Kiziltunc, Emrullah; Topcuoglu, Canan; Cetin, Mustafa; Cicekcioglu, Hulya; Ugurlu, Burcu; Ulusoy, Feridun Vasfi

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endocan levels with the presence of slow coronary flow (SCF). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 88 patients, who admitted to our hospital, were included in this study. Of these, 53 patients with SCF and 35 patients with normal coronary flow were included in the final analysis. Coronary flow rates of all patients were determined by the Timi Frame Count (TFC) method. In correlation analysis, endocan levels revealed a significantly positive correlation with high sensitive C-reactive protein and corrected TFC. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the endocan levels were found as independently associated with the presence of SCF. Finally, using a cutoff level of 2.3, endocan level predicted the presence of SCF with a sensitivity of 77.2% and specificity of 75.2%. In conclusion, our study showed that higher endocan levels were significantly and independently related to the presence of SCF.

Application of Natural Air Drying on Shelled Corn in Timor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nino, J.; Nelwan, L. O.; Purwanto, Y. A.

2018-05-01

A study of the application of natural air drying on shelled corn in Timor using a bed- type dryer has been performed. The study aspects were limited to obtain the suitable air flow rate requirement and duration of the drying operation per day. For each aspect, the treatments were carried out simultaneously. The results showed that at the average ambient air temperature of 30.6°C and relative humidity (RH) of 73.0% the air flow rate of 0.83 L/s-kg provided the highest drying rate. Subsequently, by using the same air flow rate, three scheme of drying operations duration were used, i.e., 8 hours per day (08.00-16.00), 6 hours per day (09.00-15.00) and 4 hours per day (10.00-14.00). The average temperature and RH of ambient air condition at the second experiment were 30.3°C and 73.3% respectively. After 4 days of drying, the 8 hours per day (first scheme) treatment was able to dry the shelled corn from the initial moisture content of 27.24% w.b. to the final moisture content of 14.05% w.b. The specific energy consumption (SEC) of the first scheme was 1.75 MJ/kg. The final moisture content of the second and third schemes were 15.08 % w.b. and 18.45 % w.b. respectively with SEC of 1.41 MJ/kg and 1.21 MJ/kg respectively.

Low-Cost 3-D Flow Estimation of Blood With Clutter.

PubMed

Wei, Siyuan; Yang, Ming; Zhou, Jian; Sampson, Richard; Kripfgans, Oliver D; Fowlkes, J Brian; Wenisch, Thomas F; Chakrabarti, Chaitali

2017-05-01

Volumetric flow rate estimation is an important ultrasound medical imaging modality that is used for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Flow rates are obtained by integrating velocity estimates over a cross-sectional plane. Speckle tracking is a promising approach that overcomes the angle dependency of traditional Doppler methods, but suffers from poor lateral resolution. Recent work improves lateral velocity estimation accuracy by reconstructing a synthetic lateral phase (SLP) signal. However, the estimation accuracy of such approaches is compromised by the presence of clutter. Eigen-based clutter filtering has been shown to be effective in removing the clutter signal; but it is computationally expensive, precluding its use at high volume rates. In this paper, we propose low-complexity schemes for both velocity estimation and clutter filtering. We use a two-tiered motion estimation scheme to combine the low complexity sum-of-absolute-difference and SLP methods to achieve subpixel lateral accuracy. We reduce the complexity of eigen-based clutter filtering by processing in subgroups and replacing singular value decomposition with less compute-intensive power iteration and subspace iteration methods. Finally, to improve flow rate estimation accuracy, we use kernel power weighting when integrating the velocity estimates. We evaluate our method for fast- and slow-moving clutter for beam-to-flow angles of 90° and 60° using Field II simulations, demonstrating high estimation accuracy across scenarios. For instance, for a beam-to-flow angle of 90° and fast-moving clutter, our estimation method provides a bias of -8.8% and standard deviation of 3.1% relative to the actual flow rate.

Soft Sensing of Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow in Open Venturi Channel Using an Array of Ultrasonic Level Sensors—AI Models and Their Validations

PubMed Central

Viumdal, Håkon; Mylvaganam, Saba

2017-01-01

In oil and gas and geothermal installations, open channels followed by sieves for removal of drill cuttings, are used to monitor the quality and quantity of the drilling fluids. Drilling fluid flow rate is difficult to measure due to the varying flow conditions (e.g., wavy, turbulent and irregular) and the presence of drilling cuttings and gas bubbles. Inclusion of a Venturi section in the open channel and an array of ultrasonic level sensors above it at locations in the vicinity of and above the Venturi constriction gives the varying levels of the drilling fluid in the channel. The time series of the levels from this array of ultrasonic level sensors are used to estimate the drilling fluid flow rate, which is compared with Coriolis meter measurements. Fuzzy logic, neural networks and support vector regression algorithms applied to the data from temporal and spatial ultrasonic level measurements of the drilling fluid in the open channel give estimates of its flow rate with sufficient reliability, repeatability and uncertainty, providing a novel soft sensing of an important process variable. Simulations, cross-validations and experimental results show that feedforward neural networks with the Bayesian regularization learning algorithm provide the best flow rate estimates. Finally, the benefits of using this soft sensing technique combined with Venturi constriction in open channels are discussed. PMID:29072595

Observation of improved and degraded confinement with driven flow on the LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaffner, David

2012-10-01

External continuous control over azimuthal flow and flow shear has been achieved in a linear plasma device for the first time allowing for a careful study of the effect of flow shear on pressure-gradient-driven turbulence and transport in the edge of the Large Plasma Device (LAPD). The flow is controlled using biasable iris-like limiters situated axially between the cathode source and main plasma chamber. LAPD rotates spontaneously in the ion diamagnetic direction (IDD); positive limiter bias first reduces, then minimizes (producing a near-zero shear state), and finally reverses the flow into the electron diamagnetic direction (EDD). Degradation of particle confinement is observed in the minimum shearing state and reduction in turbulent particle flux is observed with increasing shearing in both flow directions. Near-complete suppression of turbulent particle flux is observed for shearing rates comparable to the turbulent autocorrelation rate measured in the minimum shear state. Turbulent flux suppression is dominated by amplitude reduction in low-frequency (>10kHz) density fluctuations and a reduction in the radial correlation length. An increase in fluctuations for the highest shearing states is observed with the emergence of a coherent mode which does not lead to net particle transport. Magnetic field is varied in order to explore whether and how field effects transport modification. Calculations of transport equations are used to predict density profiles given source and temperature profiles and can show the level of transport predicted to be necessary in order to produce the experimental density profiles observed. Finally, the variations of density fluctuations and radial correlation length are fit well with power-laws and compare favorably to simple models of shear suppression of transport.

Influences of hydraulic gradient, surface roughness, intersecting angle, and scale effect on nonlinear flow behavior at single fracture intersections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Liu, Richeng; Jiang, Yujing

2016-07-01

Fluid flow tests were conducted on two crossed fracture models for which the geometries of fracture segments and intersections were measured by utilizing a visualization technique using a CCD (charged coupled device) camera. Numerical simulations by solving the Navier-Stokes equations were performed to characterize the fluid flow at fracture intersections. The roles of hydraulic gradient, surface roughness, intersecting angle, and scale effect in the nonlinear fluid flow behavior through single fracture intersections were investigated. The simulation results of flow rate agreed well with the experimental results for both models. The experimental and simulation results showed that with the increment of the hydraulic gradient, the ratio of the flow rate to the hydraulic gradient, Q/J, decreases and the relative difference of Q/J between the calculation results employing the Navier-Stokes equations and the cubic law, δ, increases. When taking into account the fracture surface roughness quantified by Z2 ranging 0-0.42 for J = 1, the value of δ would increase by 0-10.3%. The influences of the intersecting angle on the normalized flow rate that represents the ratio of the flow rate in a segment to the total flow rate, Ra, and the ratio of the hydraulic aperture to the mechanical aperture, e/E, are negligible when J < 10-3, whereas their values change significantly when J > 10-2. Based on the regression analysis on simulation results, a mathematical expression was proposed to quantify e/E, involving variables of J and Rr, where Rr is the radius of truncating circles centered at an intersection. For E/Rr > 10-2, e/E varies significantly and the scale of model has large impacts on the nonlinear flow behavior through intersections, while for E/Rr < 10-3, the scale effect is negligibly small. Finally, a necessary condition to apply the cubic law to fluid flow through fracture intersections is suggested as J < 10-3, E/Rr < 10-3, and Z2 = 0.

Ceramic pot filters lifetime study in coastal Guatemala.

PubMed

Salvinelli, C; Elmore, A C; García Hernandez, B R; Drake, K D

2017-02-01

Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) are an effective means of household water treatment, but the characterization of CPF lifetimes is ongoing. This paper describes a lifetime field study in Guatemala which was made possible by a collaboration between researchers, CPF-using households, and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Disinfection data were collected periodically for two years using field coliform enumeration kits as were flow rate data with the assistance of NGO staff. Consumer acceptance was characterized by surveying householders in the four subject villages at the beginning and end of the study. Flow rate data showed that average CPF flow rates decreased below the recommended minimum of 1 L h -1 after 10 months of use; however, the survey results indicated that the consumers were tolerant of the lower flow rates, and it is reasonable to assume that the daily volume of treated water can be readily increased by refilling the CPFs more frequently. Of greater concern was the finding that disinfection efficacy decreased below the recommended bacterial reduction after 14 months of use because it would not be obvious to users that effectiveness had declined. Finally, the follow-up visits by the researchers and the NGO staff appeared to increase consumer acceptance of the CPFs.

Characterization and Prediction of Flow Behavior in High-Manganese Twinning Induced Plasticity Steels: Part II. Jerky Flow and Instantaneous Strain Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed-Akbari, A.; Mishra, A. K.; Mayer, J.; Bleck, W.

2012-05-01

The jerky and smooth flow curves in high-manganese twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels were investigated by comparing Fe-Mn-C and Fe-Mn-Al-C systems. The pronounced serrations on the flow curves of Fe-Mn-C TWIP steel, produced during tensile testing at 300 K (27 °C) and 373 K (100 °C), were shown to be the result of localized high-temperature Portevin Le-Chatelier (PLC) bands moving across the gage length throughout the deformation. The speed of the PLC bands and their temperature effects were found to be strongly dependent on the applied strain rate, which was controlled by adjusting the cross-head speed of the tensile testing machine. The localized temperature-dependent stacking fault energy (SFE) variations resulting from the PLC effect and adiabatic heating were analyzed and compared for both slow and fast deformation rates. The instabilities in the measured logarithmic strain values caused by jerky flow could cause the local strain rate to deviate systematically from the targeted (applied) strain rate. These instabilities are better observed by calculating the instantaneous strain rate (ISR) values for each instant of deformation along the entire gage length. Finally, a new type of diagram was developed by plotting the true stress against the ISR values. From the diagram, the onset of different mechanisms, such as deformation twinning, nonpronounced, and pronounced serrations, could be marked precisely.

Using copper substrate to enhance the thermal conductivity of top-emission organic light-emitting diodes for improving the luminance efficiency and lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Yu-Sheng; Wang, Shun-Hsi; Chen, Chuan-Hung; Cheng, Chien-Lung; Liao, Teh-Chao

2009-12-01

The influence of heat dissipation on the performances of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is investigated by measuring junction temperature and by calculating the rate of heat flow. The calculated rate of heat flow reveals that the key factors include the thermal conductivity, the substrate thickness, and the UV glue. Moreover, the use of copper substrate can effectively dissipate the joule heat, which then reduces the temperature gradient. Finally, it is shown that the use of a high thermal conductivity thinner substrate can enhance the thermal conductivity of OLED and the luminance efficiency as well.

Artificial neural networks modelling the prednisolone nanoprecipitation in microfluidic reactors.

PubMed

Ali, Hany S M; Blagden, Nicholas; York, Peter; Amani, Amir; Brook, Toni

2009-06-28

This study employs artificial neural networks (ANNs) to create a model to identify relationships between variables affecting drug nanoprecipitation using microfluidic reactors. The input variables examined were saturation levels of prednisolone, solvent and antisolvent flow rates, microreactor inlet angles and internal diameters, while particle size was the single output. ANNs software was used to analyse a set of data obtained by random selection of the variables. The developed model was then assessed using a separate set of validation data and provided good agreement with the observed results. The antisolvent flow rate was found to have the dominant role on determining final particle size.

Numerical simulation and experiment on effect of ultrasonic in polymer extrusion processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Yue; Fu, ZhiHong; Wei, LingJiao; Zang, Gongzheng; Zhang, Lei

2018-01-01

The influence of ultrasonic wave on the flow field parameters and the precision of extruded products are studied. Firstly, the effect of vibration power on the average velocity of the outlet, the average viscosity of the die section, the average shear rate and the inlet pressure of the die section were studied by using the Polyflow software. Secondly, the effects of ultrasonic strength on the die temperature and the drop of die pressure were studied experimentally by different head temperature and different screw speed. Finally, the relationship between die pressure and extrusion flow rate under different ultrasonic power were studied through experiments.

Elastic turbulence in entangled semi-dilute DNA solutions measured with optical coherence tomography velocimetry.

PubMed

Malm, A V; Waigh, T A

2017-04-26

The flow instabilities of solutions of high molecular weight DNA in the entangled semi-dilute concentration regime were investigated using optical coherence tomography velocimetry, a technique that provides high spatial (probe volumes of 3.4 pL) and temporal resolution (sub μs) information on the flow behaviour of complex fluids in a rheometer. The velocity profiles of the opaque DNA solutions (high and low salt) were measured as a function of the distance across the gap of a parallel plate rheometer, and their evolution over time was measured. At lower DNA concentrations and low shear rates, the velocity fluctuations were well described by Gaussian functions and the velocity gradient was uniform across the rheometer gap, which is expected for Newtonian flows. As the DNA concentration and shear rate were increased there was a stable wall slip regime followed by an evolving wall slip regime, which is finally followed by the onset of elastic turbulence. Strain localization (shear banding) is observed on the boundaries of the flows at intermediate shear rates, but decreases in the high shear elastic turbulence regime, where bulk strain localization occurs. A dynamic phase diagram for non-linear flow was created to describe the different behaviours.

Phase Field Model of Hydraulic Fracturing in Poroelastic Media: Fracture Propagation, Arrest, and Branching Under Fluid Injection and Extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillán, David; Juanes, Ruben; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

2018-03-01

The simulation of fluid-driven fracture propagation in a porous medium is a major computational challenge, with applications in geosciences and engineering. The two main families of modeling approaches are those models that represent fractures as explicit discontinuities and solve the moving boundary problem and those that represent fractures as thin damaged zones, solving a continuum problem throughout. The latter family includes the so-called phase field models. Continuum approaches to fracture face validation and verification challenges, in particular grid convergence, well posedness, and physical relevance in practical scenarios. Here we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation. The approach fully couples fluid flow in the fracture with deformation and flow in the porous medium, discretizes flow in the fracture on a lower-dimension manifold, and employs the fluid flux between the fracture and the porous solid as coupling variable. We present a numerical assessment of the model by studying the propagation of a fracture in the quarter five-spot configuration. We study the interplay between injection flow rate and rock properties and elucidate fracture propagation patterns under the leak-off toughness dominated regime as a function of injection rate, initial fracture length, and poromechanical properties. For the considered injection scenario, we show that the final fracture length depends on the injection rate, and three distinct patterns are observed. We also rationalize the system response using dimensional analysis to collapse the model results. Finally, we propose some simplifications that alleviate the computational cost of the simulations without significant loss of accuracy.

How fast does water flow in carbon nanotubes?

PubMed

Kannam, Sridhar Kumar; Todd, B D; Hansen, J S; Daivis, Peter J

2013-03-07

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we review the existing literature on flow rates of water in carbon nanotubes. Data for the slip length which characterizes the flow rate are scattered over 5 orders of magnitude for nanotubes of diameter 0.81-10 nm. Second, we precisely compute the slip length using equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations, from which the interfacial friction between water and carbon nanotubes can be found, and also via external field driven non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD). We discuss some of the issues in simulation studies which may be reasons for the large disagreements reported. By using the EMD method friction coefficient to determine the slip length, we overcome the limitations of NEMD simulations. In NEMD simulations, for each tube we apply a range of external fields to check the linear response of the fluid to the field and reliably extrapolate the results for the slip length to values of the field corresponding to experimentally accessible pressure gradients. Finally, we comment on several issues concerning water flow rates in carbon nanotubes which may lead to some future research directions in this area.

Greenhouse gas emissions and the links to plant performance in a fixed-film activated sludge membrane bioreactor - Pilot plant experimental evidence.

PubMed

Mannina, Giorgio; Capodici, Marco; Cosenza, Alida; Di Trapani, Daniele; Olsson, Gustaf

2017-10-01

The present study explores the interlinkages among the operational variables of a University of Cape Town (UCT) Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) membrane bioreactor (MBR) pilot plant. Specifically, dedicated experimental tests were carried out with the final aim to find-out a constitutive relationship among operational costs (OCs), effluent quality index (EQI), effluent fines (EF). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were also included in the study. Results showed that the EQI increases at low flow rate likely due to the dissolved oxygen (DO) limitation in the biological processes. Direct GHGs increase with the increasing of the air flow due to the anoxic N 2 O contribution. Irreversible membrane fouling reduce from 98% to 85% at the air flow rate of 0.57m 3 h -1 and 2.56m 3 h -1 , respectively. However, the increase of the air flow rate leads to the increase of the N 2 O-N flux emitted from the MBR (from 40% to 80%). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Borehole flowmeter logging for the accurate design and analysis of tracer tests.

PubMed

Basiricò, Stefano; Crosta, Giovanni B; Frattini, Paolo; Villa, Alberto; Godio, Alberto

2015-04-01

Tracer tests often give ambiguous interpretations that may be due to the erroneous location of sampling points and/or the lack of flow rate measurements through the sampler. To obtain more reliable tracer test results, we propose a methodology that optimizes the design and analysis of tracer tests in a cross borehole mode by using vertical borehole flow rate measurements. Experiments using this approach, herein defined as the Bh-flow tracer test, have been performed by implementing three sequential steps: (1) single-hole flowmeter test, (2) cross-hole flowmeter test, and (3) tracer test. At the experimental site, core logging, pumping tests, and static water-level measurements were previously carried out to determine stratigraphy, fracture characteristics, and bulk hydraulic conductivity. Single-hole flowmeter testing makes it possible to detect the presence of vertical flows as well as inflow and outflow zones, whereas cross-hole flowmeter testing detects the presence of connections along sets of flow conduits or discontinuities intercepted by boreholes. Finally, the specific pathways and rates of groundwater flow through selected flowpaths are determined by tracer testing. We conclude that the combined use of single and cross-borehole flowmeter tests is fundamental to the formulation of the tracer test strategy and interpretation of the tracer test results. © 2014, National Ground Water Association.

Quantitative analysis of optical properties of flowing blood using a photon-cell interactive Monte Carlo code: effects of red blood cells' orientation on light scattering.

PubMed

Sakota, Daisuke; Takatani, Setsuo

2012-05-01

Optical properties of flowing blood were analyzed using a photon-cell interactive Monte Carlo (pciMC) model with the physical properties of the flowing red blood cells (RBCs) such as cell size, shape, refractive index, distribution, and orientation as the parameters. The scattering of light by flowing blood at the He-Ne laser wavelength of 632.8 nm was significantly affected by the shear rate. The light was scattered more in the direction of flow as the flow rate increased. Therefore, the light intensity transmitted forward in the direction perpendicular to flow axis decreased. The pciMC model can duplicate the changes in the photon propagation due to moving RBCs with various orientations. The resulting RBC's orientation that best simulated the experimental results was with their long axis perpendicular to the direction of blood flow. Moreover, the scattering probability was dependent on the orientation of the RBCs. Finally, the pciMC code was used to predict the hematocrit of flowing blood with accuracy of approximately 1.0 HCT%. The photon-cell interactive Monte Carlo (pciMC) model can provide optical properties of flowing blood and will facilitate the development of the non-invasive monitoring of blood in extra corporeal circulatory systems.

Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in West-Central Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, Jeffrey D.; Duwelius, Richard F.; Crawford, Charles G.

1990-01-01

Hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at unmined agricultural watersheds. The presence or absence of a large final-cut lake in the reclaimed watershed greatly influences the hydrologic systems and the effects of mining and reclamation. Surface coal mining and reclamation can decrease base flow, annual runoff, and peak flow rates; increase the variability of flow and recharge to the bedrock; reestablish the premining relation between surface- and ground-water divides; and lower the water table in upland areas.

Effects of Gravity on Cocurrent Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Flows Through Packed Columns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Brian J.; Balakotaiah, Vemuri; Kamotani, Yasuhiro

2001-01-01

This work presents the experimental results of research on the influence of gravity on flow pattern transitions, pressure drop and flow characteristics for cocurrent gas-liquid two-phase flow through packed columns. The flow pattern transition data indicates that the pulse flow regime exists over a wider range of gas and liquid flow rates under reduced gravity conditions compared to normal gravity cocurrent down-flow. This is illustrated by comparing the flow regime transitions found in reduced gravity with the transitions predicted by Talmor. Next, the effect of gravity on the total pressure drop in a packed column is shown to depend on the flow regime. The difference is roughly equivalent to the liquid static head for bubbly flow but begins to decrease at the onset of pulse flow. As the spray flow regime is approached by increasing the gas to liquid ratio, the effect of gravity on pressure drop becomes negligible. Finally, gravity tends to suppress the amplitude of each pressure pulse. An example of this phenomenon is presented.

The morphology and evolution of the Stromboli 2002-2003 lava flow field--An example of a basaltic flow field emplaced on a steep slope

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lodato, Luigi; Harris, A.; Spampinato, L.; Calvari, Sonia; Dehn, J.; Patrick, M.

2007-01-01

The use of a hand-held thermal camera during the 2002–2003 Stromboli effusive eruption proved essential in tracking the development of flow field structures and in measuring related eruption parameters, such as the number of active vents and flow lengths. The steep underlying slope on which the flow field was emplaced resulted in a characteristic flow field morphology. This comprised a proximal shield, where flow stacking and inflation caused piling up of lava on the relatively flat ground of the vent zone, that fed a medial–distal lava flow field. This zone was characterized by the formation of lava tubes and tumuli forming a complex network of tumuli and flows linked by tubes. Most of the flow field was emplaced on extremely steep slopes and this had two effects. It caused flows to slide, as well as flow, and flow fronts to fail frequently, persistent flow front crumbling resulted in the production of an extensive debris field. Channel-fed flows were also characterized by development of excavated debris levees in this zone (Calvari et al. 2005). Collapse of lava flow fronts and inflation of the upper proximal lava shield made volume calculation very difficult. Comparison of the final field volume with that expecta by integrating the lava effusion rates through time suggests a loss of ~70% erupted lava by flow front crumbling and accumulation as debris flows below sea level. Derived relationships between effusion rate, flow length, and number of active vents showed systematic and correlated variations with time where spreading of volume between numerous flows caused an otherwise good correlation between effusion rate, flow length to break down. Observations collected during this eruption are useful in helping to understand lava flow processes on steep slopes, as well as in interpreting old lava–debris sequences found in other steep-sided volcanoes subject to effusive activity.

Remediation of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes Using In-Situ Air Sparging—A 2-D Laboratory Study

PubMed Central

Adams, Jeffrey A.; Reddy, Krishna R.; Tekola, Lue

2011-01-01

In-situ air sparging has evolved as an innovative technique for soil and groundwater remediation impacted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chlorinated solvents. These may exist as non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) or dissolved in groundwater. This study assessed: (1) how air injection rate affects the mass removal of dissolved phase contamination, (2) the effect of induced groundwater flow on mass removal and air distribution during air injection, and (3) the effect of initial contaminant concentration on mass removal. Dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents can be effectively removed through the use of air sparging; however, rapid initial rates of contaminant removal are followed by a protracted period of lower removal rates, or a tailing effect. As the air flow rate increases, the rate of contaminant removal also increases, especially during the initial stages of air injection. Increased air injection rates will increase the density of air channel formation, resulting in a larger interfacial mass transfer area through which the dissolved contaminant can partition into the vapor phase. In cases of groundwater flow, increased rates of air injection lessened observed downward contaminant migration effect. The air channel network and increased air saturation reduced relative hydraulic conductivity, resulting in reduced groundwater flow and subsequent downgradient contaminant migration. Finally, when a higher initial TCE concentration was present, a slightly higher mass removal rate was observed due to higher volatilization-induced concentration gradients and subsequent diffusive flux. Once concentrations are reduced, a similar tailing effect occurs. PMID:21776228

Remediation of chlorinated solvent plumes using in-situ air sparging--a 2-D laboratory study.

PubMed

Adams, Jeffrey A; Reddy, Krishna R; Tekola, Lue

2011-06-01

In-situ air sparging has evolved as an innovative technique for soil and groundwater remediation impacted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chlorinated solvents. These may exist as non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) or dissolved in groundwater. This study assessed: (1) how air injection rate affects the mass removal of dissolved phase contamination, (2) the effect of induced groundwater flow on mass removal and air distribution during air injection, and (3) the effect of initial contaminant concentration on mass removal. Dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents can be effectively removed through the use of air sparging; however, rapid initial rates of contaminant removal are followed by a protracted period of lower removal rates, or a tailing effect. As the air flow rate increases, the rate of contaminant removal also increases, especially during the initial stages of air injection. Increased air injection rates will increase the density of air channel formation, resulting in a larger interfacial mass transfer area through which the dissolved contaminant can partition into the vapor phase. In cases of groundwater flow, increased rates of air injection lessened observed downward contaminant migration effect. The air channel network and increased air saturation reduced relative hydraulic conductivity, resulting in reduced groundwater flow and subsequent downgradient contaminant migration. Finally, when a higher initial TCE concentration was present, a slightly higher mass removal rate was observed due to higher volatilization-induced concentration gradients and subsequent diffusive flux. Once concentrations are reduced, a similar tailing effect occurs.

Food loss rate in food supply chain using material flow analysis.

PubMed

Ju, Munsol; Osako, Masahiro; Harashina, Sachihiko

2017-03-01

The food loss rate is a factor that represents food consumption efficiency. To improve food consumption efficiency, we need to fundamentally quantify food loss at national and global levels. This study examines food and food waste flow and calculates the food loss rate in the food supply chain by targeting Japan. We analyzed inedible food waste and avoidable food losses in wholesale, manufacturing, retail, food services, and households and considered different supply chain pathways, different food categories representing whole Japanese meals, and weight changes after cooking. The results are as follows: (1) Japan has an overall rate of avoidable food losses of approximately 15% for meals (excluding agricultural losses), (2) the supply sector with the highest food loss rate is food services, and (3) the food category with the highest food loss rate is vegetables. Finally, we proposed a model for calculating food loss rates that could be used for future analysis in Japan or other countries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of dynamics of two-phase flow through a minichannel by means of recurrences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litak, Grzegorz; Górski, Grzegorz; Mosdorf, Romuald; Rysak, Andrzej

2017-05-01

By changing air and water flow rates in the two-phase (air-water) flow through a minichannel, we observed the evolution of air bubbles and slugs patterns. This spatiotemporal behaviour was identified qualitatively by using a digital camera. Simultaneously, we provided a detailed analysis of these phenomena by using the corresponding sequences of light transmission time series recorded with a laser-phototransistor sensor. To distinguish particular patterns, we used recurrence plots and recurrence quantification analysis. Finally, we showed that the maxima of various recurrence quantificators obtained from the laser time series could follow the bubble and slugs patterns in studied ranges of air and water flows.

Numerical investigation of the thermal and electrical performances for combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules based on internally extruded fin flow channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Y. C.; Li, Q. P.; Wang, G. J.

2017-11-01

A solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) module based on internally extruded fin flow channel was investigated numerically in this paper. First of all, the structures of the thin plate heat exchanger and the PV/T module were presented. Then, a numerical model of the PV/T module considering solar irradiation, fluid flow and heat transfer was developed to analyze the performance of the module. Finally, the steady electrical and thermal efficiencies of the PV/T module at different inlet water temperatures and mass flow rates were achieved. These numerical results supply theory basis for practical application of the PV/T module.

A microfluidic fuel cell with flow-through porous electrodes.

PubMed

Kjeang, Erik; Michel, Raphaelle; Harrington, David A; Djilali, Ned; Sinton, David

2008-03-26

A microfluidic fuel cell architecture incorporating flow-through porous electrodes is demonstrated. The design is based on cross-flow of aqueous vanadium redox species through the electrodes into an orthogonally arranged co-laminar exit channel, where the waste solutions provide ionic charge transfer in a membraneless configuration. This flow-through architecture enables improved utilization of the three-dimensional active area inside the porous electrodes and provides enhanced rates of convective/diffusive transport without increasing the parasitic loss required to drive the flow. Prototype fuel cells are fabricated by rapid prototyping with total material cost estimated at 2 USD/unit. Improved performance as compared to previous microfluidic fuel cells is demonstrated, including power densities at room temperature up to 131 mW cm-2. In addition, high overall energy conversion efficiency is obtained through a combination of relatively high levels of fuel utilization and cell voltage. When operated at 1 microL min-1 flow rate, the fuel cell produced 20 mW cm-2 at 0.8 V combined with an active fuel utilization of 94%. Finally, we demonstrate in situ fuel and oxidant regeneration by running the flow-through architecture fuel cell in reverse.

Boundary-Layer-Ingesting Inlet Flow Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owens, Lewis R.; Allan, Brian G.; Gorton, Susan A.

2008-01-01

An experimental study was conducted to provide the first demonstration of an active flow control system for a flush-mounted inlet with significant boundary-layer-ingestion in transonic flow conditions. The effectiveness of the flow control in reducing the circumferential distortion at the engine fan-face location was assessed using a 2.5%-scale model of a boundary-layer-ingesting offset diffusing inlet. The inlet was flush mounted to the tunnel wall and ingested a large boundary layer with a boundary-layer-to-inlet height ratio of 35%. Different jet distribution patterns and jet mass flow rates were used in the inlet to control distortion. A vane configuration was also tested. Finally a hybrid vane/jet configuration was tested leveraging strengths of both types of devices. Measurements were made of the onset boundary layer, the duct surface static pressures, and the mass flow rates through the duct and the flow control actuators. The distortion and pressure recovery were measured at the aerodynamic interface plane. The data show that control jets and vanes reduce circumferential distortion to acceptable levels. The point-design vane configuration produced higher distortion levels at off-design settings. The hybrid vane/jet flow control configuration reduced the off-design distortion levels to acceptable ones and used less than 0.5% of the inlet mass flow to supply the jets.

Applicator Training Manual for: Aquatic Weed Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herron, James W.

The aquatic weeds discussed in this manual include algae, floating weeds, emersed weeds, and submerged weeds. Specific requirements for pesticide application are given for static water, limited flow, and moving water situations. Secondary effects of improper application rates and faulty application are described. Finally, techniques of limited…

Development and verification of methods for predicting flow rates through leaks in valves and couplings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, John M.

1993-01-01

This is the final report of a research effort which addresses the title problem. The report discusses two broad models of flows, which represent the following extreme cases: (1) inertia-dominated flow, where friction is relatively insignificant; and (2) friction-dominated flow where inertia is insignificant. In class (2), the leak channel might consist of the gap between a scratch in a plastic seal and a polished metal plate against which the seal is pressed. Here, the cross section of the leak channel is modeled as a flat bottomed crescent. A publication generated under the present grant period presents an exact solution of the equations of fully-developed laminar pipe flow of a liquid in the case of a crescent beneath a hyperbolic arc. A Master's thesis project supported by the present grant presents the corresponding solution beneath a circular arc. A second publication reviews the flow of a gas through the same channel, which may be analyzed by a standard one-dimensional model (Fanno flow) for an engineering approximation. Finally, the report discusses the design and progress in the fabrication of a leak-test cell, in which one may measure the flow of fluid through a controlled flaw in a seal. The aim of such measurements is to furnish data for comparison with the predictions of the theory.

Experimental study of the surface thermal signature of gravity currents: application to the assessment of lava flow effusion rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garel, F.; Kaminski, E.; Tait, S.; Limare, A.

2011-12-01

During an effusive volcanic eruption, the crisis management is mainly based on the prediction of lava flows advance and its velocity. As the spreading of lava flows is mainly controlled by its rheology and the eruptive mass flux, the key question is how to evaluate them during the eruption (rather than afterwards.) A relationship between the heat flux lost by the lava at its surface and the eruption rate is likely to exist, based on the first-order argument that higher eruption rates should correspond to larger power radiated by a lava flow. The semi-empirical formula developed by Harris and co-workers (e.g. Harris et al., Bull. Volc. 2007) is currently used to estimate lava flow rate from satellite surveys yielding the surface temperatures and area of the lava flow field. However, this approach is derived from a static thermal budget of the lava flow and does not explicitly model the time-evolution of the surface thermal signal. Here we propose laboratory experiments and theoretical studies of the cooling of a viscous axisymmetric gravity current fed at constant flux rate. We first consider the isoviscous case, for which the spreading is well-know. The experiments using silicon oil and the theoretical model both reveal the establishment of a steady surface thermal structure after a transient time. The steady state is a balance between surface cooling and heat advection in the flow. The radiated heat flux in the steady regime, a few days for a basaltic lava flow, depends mainly on the effusion rate rather than on the viscosity. In this regime, one thermal survey of the radiated power could provide a consistent estimate of the flow rate if the external cooling conditions (wind) are reasonably well constrained. We continue to investigate the relationship between the thermal radiated heat flux and the effusion rate by using in the experiments fluids with temperature-dependent viscosity (glucose syrup) or undergoing solidification while cooling (PEG wax). We observe a transient evolution of the radiated heat flux closely related to the variations of the flow area. The study of experiments with time-variable effusion rates finally gives first leads on the inertia of the thermal surface structure. This is to be related to the time-period over which the thermal proxy averages the actual effusion rate, hence to the acquisition frequency appropriate for a thermal monitoring of effusive volcanic eruptions.

Hydrodynamic study of an internal airlift reactor for microalgae culture.

PubMed

Rengel, Ana; Zoughaib, Assaad; Dron, Dominique; Clodic, Denis

2012-01-01

Internal airlift reactors are closed systems considered today for microalgae cultivation. Several works have studied their hydrodynamics but based on important solid concentrations, not with biomass concentrations usually found in microalgae cultures. In this study, an internal airlift reactor has been built and tested in order to clarify the hydrodynamics of this system, based on microalgae typical concentrations. A model is proposed taking into account the variation of air bubble velocity according to volumetric air flow rate injected into the system. A relationship between riser and downcomer gas holdups is established, which varied slightly with solids concentrations. The repartition of solids along the reactor resulted to be homogenous for the range of concentrations and volumetric air flow rate studied here. Liquid velocities increase with volumetric air flow rate, and they vary slightly when solids are added to the system. Finally, liquid circulation time found in each section of the reactor is in concordance with those employed in microalgae culture.

A metal-insulator transition study of VO 2 thin films grown on sapphire substrates

DOE PAGES

Yu, Shifeng; Wang, Shuyu; Lu, Ming; ...

2017-12-15

In this paper, vanadium thin films were deposited on sapphire substrates by DC magnetron sputtering and then oxidized in a tube furnace filled with oxygen under different temperatures and oxygen flow rates. The significant influence of the oxygen flow rate and oxidation temperature on the electrical and structural properties of the vanadium oxide thin films were investigated systematically. It shows the pure vanadium dioxide (VO 2) state can only be obtained in a very narrow temperature and oxygen flow rate range. The resistivity change during the metal-insulator transition varies from 0.2 to 4 orders of magnitude depending on the oxidationmore » condition. Large thermal hysteresis during the metal-insulator phase transition was observed during the transition compared to the results in literature. Proper oxidation conditions can significantly reduce the thermal hysteresis. Finally, the fabricated VO 2 thin films showed the potential to be applied in the development of electrical sensors and other smart devices.« less

Ceramic micro-injection molded nozzles for serial femtosecond crystallography sample delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyerlein, K. R.; Adriano, L.; Heymann, M.; Kirian, R.; Knoška, J.; Wilde, F.; Chapman, H. N.; Bajt, S.

2015-12-01

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) using X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) allows for room temperature protein structure determination without evidence of conventional radiation damage. In this method, a liquid suspension of protein microcrystals can be delivered to the X-ray beam in vacuum as a micro-jet, which replenishes the crystals at a rate that exceeds the current XFEL pulse repetition rate. Gas dynamic virtual nozzles produce the required micrometer-sized streams by the focusing action of a coaxial sheath gas and have been shown to be effective for SFX experiments. Here, we describe the design and characterization of such nozzles assembled from ceramic micro-injection molded outer gas-focusing capillaries. Trends of the emitted jet diameter and jet length as a function of supplied liquid and gas flow rates are measured by a fast imaging system. The observed trends are explained by derived relationships considering choked gas flow and liquid flow conservation. Finally, the performance of these nozzles in a SFX experiment is presented, including an analysis of the observed background.

Rapid Calculation of Max-Min Fair Rates for Multi-Commodity Flows in Fat-Tree Networks

DOE PAGES

Mollah, Md Atiqul; Yuan, Xin; Pakin, Scott; ...

2017-08-29

Max-min fairness is often used in the performance modeling of interconnection networks. Existing methods to compute max-min fair rates for multi-commodity flows have high complexity and are computationally infeasible for large networks. In this paper, we show that by considering topological features, this problem can be solved efficiently for the fat-tree topology that is widely used in data centers and high performance compute clusters. Several efficient new algorithms are developed for this problem, including a parallel algorithm that can take advantage of multi-core and shared-memory architectures. Using these algorithms, we demonstrate that it is possible to find the max-min fairmore » rate allocation for multi-commodity flows in fat-tree networks that support tens of thousands of nodes. We evaluate the run-time performance of the proposed algorithms and show improvement in orders of magnitude over the previously best known method. Finally, we further demonstrate a new application of max-min fair rate allocation that is only computationally feasible using our new algorithms.« less

Rapid Calculation of Max-Min Fair Rates for Multi-Commodity Flows in Fat-Tree Networks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mollah, Md Atiqul; Yuan, Xin; Pakin, Scott

Max-min fairness is often used in the performance modeling of interconnection networks. Existing methods to compute max-min fair rates for multi-commodity flows have high complexity and are computationally infeasible for large networks. In this paper, we show that by considering topological features, this problem can be solved efficiently for the fat-tree topology that is widely used in data centers and high performance compute clusters. Several efficient new algorithms are developed for this problem, including a parallel algorithm that can take advantage of multi-core and shared-memory architectures. Using these algorithms, we demonstrate that it is possible to find the max-min fairmore » rate allocation for multi-commodity flows in fat-tree networks that support tens of thousands of nodes. We evaluate the run-time performance of the proposed algorithms and show improvement in orders of magnitude over the previously best known method. Finally, we further demonstrate a new application of max-min fair rate allocation that is only computationally feasible using our new algorithms.« less

The Radiative Efficiency and Spectra of Slowly Accreting Black Holes from Two-temperature GRRMHD Simulations

DOE PAGES

Ryan, Benjamin R.; Ressler, Sean M.; Dolence, Joshua C.; ...

2017-07-31

In this paper, we present axisymmetric numerical simulations of radiatively inefficient accretion flows onto black holes combining general relativity, magnetohydrodynamics, self-consistent electron thermodynamics, and frequency-dependent radiation transport. We investigate a range of accretion rates up tomore » $${10}^{-5}\\,{\\dot{M}}_{\\mathrm{Edd}}$$ onto a $${10}^{8}\\,{M}_{\\odot }$$ black hole with spin $${a}_{\\star }=0.5$$. We report on averaged flow thermodynamics as a function of accretion rate. We present the spectra of outgoing radiation and find that it varies strongly with accretion rate, from synchrotron-dominated in the radio at low $$\\dot{M}$$ to inverse-Compton-dominated at our highest $$\\dot{M}$$. In contrast to canonical analytic models, we find that by $$\\dot{M}\\approx {10}^{-5}\\,{\\dot{M}}_{\\mathrm{Edd}}$$, the flow approaches $$\\sim 1 \\% $$ radiative efficiency, with much of the radiation due to inverse-Compton scattering off Coulomb-heated electrons far from the black hole. Finally, these results have broad implications for modeling of accreting black holes across a large fraction of the accretion rates realized in observed systems.« less

The Radiative Efficiency and Spectra of Slowly Accreting Black Holes from Two-temperature GRRMHD Simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryan, Benjamin R.; Ressler, Sean M.; Dolence, Joshua C.

In this paper, we present axisymmetric numerical simulations of radiatively inefficient accretion flows onto black holes combining general relativity, magnetohydrodynamics, self-consistent electron thermodynamics, and frequency-dependent radiation transport. We investigate a range of accretion rates up tomore » $${10}^{-5}\\,{\\dot{M}}_{\\mathrm{Edd}}$$ onto a $${10}^{8}\\,{M}_{\\odot }$$ black hole with spin $${a}_{\\star }=0.5$$. We report on averaged flow thermodynamics as a function of accretion rate. We present the spectra of outgoing radiation and find that it varies strongly with accretion rate, from synchrotron-dominated in the radio at low $$\\dot{M}$$ to inverse-Compton-dominated at our highest $$\\dot{M}$$. In contrast to canonical analytic models, we find that by $$\\dot{M}\\approx {10}^{-5}\\,{\\dot{M}}_{\\mathrm{Edd}}$$, the flow approaches $$\\sim 1 \\% $$ radiative efficiency, with much of the radiation due to inverse-Compton scattering off Coulomb-heated electrons far from the black hole. Finally, these results have broad implications for modeling of accreting black holes across a large fraction of the accretion rates realized in observed systems.« less

Inflow/Outflow Boundary Conditions for Particle-Based Blood Flow Simulations: Application to Arterial Bifurcations and Trees.

PubMed

Lykov, Kirill; Li, Xuejin; Lei, Huan; Pivkin, Igor V; Karniadakis, George Em

2015-08-01

When blood flows through a bifurcation, red blood cells (RBCs) travel into side branches at different hematocrit levels, and it is even possible that all RBCs enter into one branch only, leading to a complete separation of plasma and RBCs. To quantify this phenomenon via particle-based mesoscopic simulations, we developed a general framework for open boundary conditions in multiphase flows that is effective even for high hematocrit levels. The inflow at the inlet is duplicated from a fully developed flow generated in a pilot simulation with periodic boundary conditions. The outflow is controlled by adaptive forces to maintain the flow rate and velocity gradient at fixed values, while the particles leaving the arteriole at the outlet are removed from the system. Upon validation of this approach, we performed systematic 3D simulations to study plasma skimming in arterioles of diameters 20 to 32 microns. For a flow rate ratio 6:1 at the branches, we observed the "all-or-nothing" phenomenon with plasma only entering the low flow rate branch. We then simulated blood-plasma separation in arteriolar bifurcations with different bifurcation angles and same diameter of the daughter branches. Our simulations predict a significant increase in RBC flux through the main daughter branch as the bifurcation angle is increased. Finally, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the new methodology in simulations of blood flow in vessels with multiple inlets and outlets, constructed using an angiogenesis model.

The augmentation of heat transfer in a pipe flow using a swirling perforated twisted (SPT) tape insert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Shahrokh; Oishe, Sadia Noon; Rahman, Md. Lutfor

2017-12-01

The purpose of this research work is to increase the heat transfer coefficient by operating the heat exchangers at smaller revolution per minute. This signifies an achievement of reduction of pressure drop corresponding to less operating cost. This study has used two types of SPT tape insert to observe the various heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer rate and heat transfer augmentation efficiency. One tape was fully twisted and another tape was partially twisted. The shape of the SPT tape creates turbulence effect. The turbulence flow (swirl flow) generated by SPT tape promotes greater mixing and high heat transfer coefficients. An arrangement scheme has been developed for the experimental investigation. For remarking the rate of change of heat transfer, temperature has been measured numerically through the temperature sensors with various flow rates and RPM. The volume flow rate was varied from 10.3448276 LPM to 21.045574 LPM and the rotation of the perforated twisted tape was varied from 50 RPM to 400 RPM. Finally the research study demonstrates the effectiveness of the results of the proposed approaches. It is observed that the suggested method of heat transfer augmentations is much more effective than existing methods, since it results in an increase in heat transfer area and also an increase in the heat transfer coefficient and reduction of cost in the industrial sectors.

Deformation of a Capsule in a Power-Law Shear Flow

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

An immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method is developed for fluid-structure interactions involving non-Newtonian fluids (e.g., power-law fluid). In this method, the flexible structure (e.g., capsule) dynamics and the fluid dynamics are coupled by using the immersed boundary method. The incompressible viscous power-law fluid motion is obtained by solving the lattice Boltzmann equation. The non-Newtonian rheology is achieved by using a shear rate-dependant relaxation time in the lattice Boltzmann method. The non-Newtonian flow solver is then validated by considering a power-law flow in a straight channel which is one of the benchmark problems to validate an in-house solver. The numerical results present a good agreement with the analytical solutions for various values of power-law index. Finally, we apply this method to study the deformation of a capsule in a power-law shear flow by varying the Reynolds number from 0.025 to 0.1, dimensionless shear rate from 0.004 to 0.1, and power-law index from 0.2 to 1.8. It is found that the deformation of the capsule increases with the power-law index for different Reynolds numbers and nondimensional shear rates. In addition, the Reynolds number does not have significant effect on the capsule deformation in the flow regime considered. Moreover, the power-law index effect is stronger for larger dimensionless shear rate compared to smaller values. PMID:27840656

Effect of surface tension on global modes of confined wake flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tammisola, Outi; Lundell, Fredrik; Söderberg, L. Daniel

2011-01-01

Many wake flows are susceptible to self-sustained oscillations, such as the well-known von Kármán vortex street behind a cylinder that makes a rope beat against a flagpole at a distinct frequency on a windy day. One appropriate method to study these global instabilities numerically is to look at the growth rates of the linear temporal global modes. If all growth rates for all modes are negative for a certain flow field then a self-sustained oscillation should not occur. On the other hand, if one growth rate for one mode is slightly positive, the oscillation will approximately obtain the frequency and shape of this global mode. In our study, we first introduce surface tension between two fluids to the wake-flow problem. Then we investigate its effects on the global linear instability of a spatially developing wake with two co-flowing immiscible fluids. The inlet profile consists of two uniform layers, which makes the problem easily parametrizable. The fluids are assumed to have the same density and viscosity, with the result that the interface position becomes dynamically important solely through the action of surface tension. Two wakes with different parameter values and surface tension are studied in detail. The results show that surface tension has a strong influence on the oscillation frequency, growth rate, and shape of the global mode(s). Finally, we make an attempt to confirm and explain the surface-tension effect based on a local stability analysis of the same flow field in the streamwise position of maximum reverse flow.

Analysing the accuracy of machine learning techniques to develop an integrated influent time series model: case study of a sewage treatment plant, Malaysia.

PubMed

Ansari, Mozafar; Othman, Faridah; Abunama, Taher; El-Shafie, Ahmed

2018-04-01

The function of a sewage treatment plant is to treat the sewage to acceptable standards before being discharged into the receiving waters. To design and operate such plants, it is necessary to measure and predict the influent flow rate. In this research, the influent flow rate of a sewage treatment plant (STP) was modelled and predicted by autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), nonlinear autoregressive network (NAR) and support vector machine (SVM) regression time series algorithms. To evaluate the models' accuracy, the root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R 2 ) were calculated as initial assessment measures, while relative error (RE), peak flow criterion (PFC) and low flow criterion (LFC) were calculated as final evaluation measures to demonstrate the detailed accuracy of the selected models. An integrated model was developed based on the individual models' prediction ability for low, average and peak flow. An initial assessment of the results showed that the ARIMA model was the least accurate and the NAR model was the most accurate. The RE results also prove that the SVM model's frequency of errors above 10% or below - 10% was greater than the NAR model's. The influent was also forecasted up to 44 weeks ahead by both models. The graphical results indicate that the NAR model made better predictions than the SVM model. The final evaluation of NAR and SVM demonstrated that SVM made better predictions at peak flow and NAR fit well for low and average inflow ranges. The integrated model developed includes the NAR model for low and average influent and the SVM model for peak inflow.

Remote Quantification of Smokestack Total Effluent Mass Flow Rates Using Imaging Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

between plume and air: ∆ρρ = Tair ∆T , where Tair was taken to be 300 ◦ K and ∆T to be 100◦ K . This resulted in final values of M = 735m4/s2, B = 2999m4/s3...37 Appendix A. Extended velocity discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 vi Page Appendix B . Additional... B . Lastly, Appendix C contains MATLAB code developed specifically for the brightness feature tracking method and plume flow anal- ysis. Each primary

CFD Design and Analysis of a Passively Suspended Tesla Pump Left Ventricular Assist Device

PubMed Central

Medvitz, Richard B.; Boger, David A.; Izraelev, Valentin; Rosenberg, Gerson; Paterson, Eric G.

2012-01-01

This paper summarizes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to design a novelly suspended Tesla LVAD. Several design variants were analyzed to study the parameters affecting device performance. CFD was performed at pump speeds of 6500, 6750 and 7000 RPM and at flow rates varying from 3 to 7 liter-per-minute (LPM). The CFD showed that shortening the plates nearest the pump inlet reduced the separations formed beneath the upper plate leading edges and provided a more uniform flow distribution through the rotor gaps, both of which positively affected the device hydrodynamic performance. The final pump design was found to produce a head rise of 77 mmHg with a hydraulic efficiency of 16% at the design conditions of 6 LPM throughflow and a 6750 RPM rotation rate. To assess the device hemodynamics the strain rate fields were evaluated. The wall shear stresses demonstrated that the pump wall shear stresses were likely adequate to inhibit thrombus deposition. Finally, an integrated field hemolysis model was applied to the CFD results to assess the effects of design variation and operating conditions on the device hemolytic performance. PMID:21595722

Nonlinear radiative heat flux and heat source/sink on entropy generation minimization rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, T.; Khan, M. Waleed Ahmed; Khan, M. Ijaz; Alsaedi, A.

2018-06-01

Entropy generation minimization in nonlinear radiative mixed convective flow towards a variable thicked surface is addressed. Entropy generation for momentum and temperature is carried out. The source for this flow analysis is stretching velocity of sheet. Transformations are used to reduce system of partial differential equations into ordinary ones. Total entropy generation rate is determined. Series solutions for the zeroth and mth order deformation systems are computed. Domain of convergence for obtained solutions is identified. Velocity, temperature and concentration fields are plotted and interpreted. Entropy equation is studied through nonlinear mixed convection and radiative heat flux. Velocity and temperature gradients are discussed through graphs. Meaningful results are concluded in the final remarks.

Free-Surface flow dynamics and its effect on travel time distribution in unsaturated fractured zones - findings from analogue percolation experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noffz, Torsten; Kordilla, Jannes; Dentz, Marco; Sauter, Martin

2017-04-01

Flow in unsaturated fracture networks constitutes a high potential for rapid mass transport and can therefore possibly contributes to the vulnerability of aquifer systems. Numerical models are generally used to predict flow and transport and have to reproduce various complex effects of gravity-driven flow dynamics. However, many classical volume-effective modelling approaches often do not grasp the non-linear free surface flow dynamics and partitioning behaviour at fracture intersections in unsaturated fracture networks. Better process understanding can be obtained by laboratory experiments, that isolate single aspects of the mass partitioning process, which influence travel time distributions and allow possible cross-scale applications. We present a series of percolation experiments investigating partitioning dynamics of unsaturated multiphase flow at an individual horizontal fracture intersection. A high precision multichannel dispenser is used to establish gravity-driven free surface flow on a smooth and vertical PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) surface at rates ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 mL/min to obtain various flow modes (droplets; rivulets). Cubes with dimensions 20 x 20 x 20 cm are used to create a set of simple geometries. A digital balance provides continuous real-time cumulative mass bypassing the network. The influence of variable flow rate, atmospheric pressure and temperature on the stability of flow modes is shown in single-inlet experiments. Droplet and rivulet flow are delineated and a transition zone exhibiting mixed flow modes can be determined. Furthermore, multi-inlet setups with constant total inflow rates are used to reduce variance and the effect of erratic free-surface flow dynamics. Investigated parameters include: variable aperture widths df, horizontal offsets dv of the vertical fracture surface and alternating injection methods for both droplet and rivulet flow. Repetitive structures with several horizontal fractures extend arrival times but also complexity and variance. Finally, impacts of variable geometric features and flow modes on partitioning dynamics are highlighted by normalized fracture inflow rates. For higher flow rates, i.e. rivulet flows dominates, the effectiveness of filling horizontal fractures strongly increases. We demonstrate that the filling can be described by plug flow, which transitions into a Washburn-type flow at later times, and derive an analytical solution for the case of rivulet flows. Droplet flow dominated flow experiments exhibit a high bypass efficiency, which cannot be described by plug-flow, however, they also transition into a Washburn stage.

The effects of finite rate chemical processes on high enthalpy nozzle performance - A comparison between SPARK and SEAGULL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, M. H.

1988-01-01

The generalized chemistry version of the computer code SPARK is extended to include two higher-order numerical schemes, yielding fourth-order spatial accuracy for the inviscid terms. The new and old formulations are used to study the influences of finite rate chemical processes on nozzle performance. A determination is made of the computationally optimum reaction scheme for use in high-enthalpy nozzles. Finite rate calculations are compared with the frozen and equilibrium limits to assess the validity of each formulation. In addition, the finite rate SPARK results are compared with the constant ratio of specific heats (gamma) SEAGULL code, to determine its accuracy in variable gamma flow situations. Finally, the higher-order SPARK code is used to calculate nozzle flows having species stratification. Flame quenching occurs at low nozzle pressures, while for high pressures, significant burning continues in the nozzle.

Optimization and Prediction of Ultimate Tensile Strength in Metal Active Gas Welding.

PubMed

Ampaiboon, Anusit; Lasunon, On-Uma; Bubphachot, Bopit

2015-01-01

We investigated the effect of welding parameters on ultimate tensile strength of structural steel, ST37-2, welded by Metal Active Gas welding. A fractional factorial design was used for determining the significance of six parameters: wire feed rate, welding voltage, welding speed, travel angle, tip-to-work distance, and shielded gas flow rate. A regression model to predict ultimate tensile strength was developed. Finally, we verified optimization of the process parameters experimentally. We achieved an optimum tensile strength (558 MPa) and wire feed rate, 19 m/min, had the greatest effect, followed by tip-to-work distance, 7 mm, welding speed, 200 mm/min, welding voltage, 30 V, and travel angle, 60°. Shield gas flow rate, 10 L/min, was slightly better but had little effect in the 10-20 L/min range. Tests showed that our regression model was able to predict the ultimate tensile strength within 4%.

Successive and large-scale synthesis of InP/ZnS quantum dots in a hybrid reactor and their application to white LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyungnam; Jeong, Sohee; Woo, Ju Yeon; Han, Chang-Soo

2012-02-01

We report successive and large-scale synthesis of InP/ZnS core/shell nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) using a customized hybrid flow reactor, which is based on serial combination of a batch-type mixer and a flow-type furnace. InP cores and InP/ZnS core/shell QDs were successively synthesized in the hybrid reactor in a simple one-step process. In this reactor, the flow rate of the solutions was typically 1 ml min-1, 100 times larger than that of conventional microfluidic reactors. In order to synthesize high-quality InP/ZnS QDs, we controlled both the flow rate and the crystal growth temperature. Finally, we obtained high-quality InP/ZnS QDs in colors from bluish green to red, and we demonstrated that these core/shell QDs could be incorporated into white-light-emitting diode (LED) devices to improve color rendering performance.

Successive and large-scale synthesis of InP/ZnS quantum dots in a hybrid reactor and their application to white LEDs.

PubMed

Kim, Kyungnam; Jeong, Sohee; Woo, Ju Yeon; Han, Chang-Soo

2012-02-17

We report successive and large-scale synthesis of InP/ZnS core/shell nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) using a customized hybrid flow reactor, which is based on serial combination of a batch-type mixer and a flow-type furnace. InP cores and InP/ZnS core/shell QDs were successively synthesized in the hybrid reactor in a simple one-step process. In this reactor, the flow rate of the solutions was typically 1 ml min(-1), 100 times larger than that of conventional microfluidic reactors. In order to synthesize high-quality InP/ZnS QDs, we controlled both the flow rate and the crystal growth temperature. Finally, we obtained high-quality InP/ZnS QDs in colors from bluish green to red, and we demonstrated that these core/shell QDs could be incorporated into white-light-emitting diode (LED) devices to improve color rendering performance.

Rate decline curves analysis of multiple-fractured horizontal wells in heterogeneous reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiahang; Wang, Xiaodong; Dong, Wenxiu

2017-10-01

In heterogeneous reservoir with multiple-fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs), due to the high density network of artificial hydraulic fractures, the fluid flow around fracture tips behaves like non-linear flow. Moreover, the production behaviors of different artificial hydraulic fractures are also different. A rigorous semi-analytical model for MFHWs in heterogeneous reservoirs is presented by combining source function with boundary element method. The model are first validated by both analytical model and simulation model. Then new Blasingame type curves are established. Finally, the effects of critical parameters on the rate decline characteristics of MFHWs are discussed. The results show that heterogeneity has significant influence on the rate decline characteristics of MFHWs; the parameters related to the MFHWs, such as fracture conductivity and length also can affect the rate characteristics of MFHWs. One novelty of this model is to consider the elliptical flow around artificial hydraulic fracture tips. Therefore, our model can be used to predict rate performance more accurately for MFHWs in heterogeneous reservoir. The other novelty is the ability to model the different production behavior at different fracture stages. Compared to numerical and analytic methods, this model can not only reduce extensive computing processing but also show high accuracy.

McCook Reservoir Water Quality Model. Numerical Model Investigation

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

REPT TYPE AND DATES COVERED ad September Cana Final report . LEAND SUBTITLE S. FUNDING NUERS Spinfild VA2261 ThcCook Reservoir Water Quality Model...oxygen injected by the aeration system Manufacturers of diffusers supply OTE information specific to gas flow rate and depth. The depths at which most

An Equilibrium Flow Model of a University Campus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Robert M.; Hopkins, David S. P.

This paper develops a simple deterministic model that relates student admissions and enrollments to the final demand for educated students. It includes the effects of dropout rates and student-teacher ratios on student enrollments and faculty staffing levels. Certain technological requirements are assumed known and given. These, as well as the…

Design and setup of intermittent-flow respirometry system for aquatic organisms.

PubMed

Svendsen, M B S; Bushnell, P G; Steffensen, J F

2016-01-01

Intermittent-flow respirometry is an experimental protocol for measuring oxygen consumption in aquatic organisms that utilizes the best features of closed (stop-flow) and flow-through respirometry while eliminating (or at least reducing) some of their inherent problems. By interspersing short periods of closed-chamber oxygen consumption measurements with regular flush periods, accurate oxygen uptake rate measurements can be made without the accumulation of waste products, particularly carbon dioxide, which may confound results. Automating the procedure with easily available hardware and software further reduces error by allowing many measurements to be made over long periods thereby minimizing animal stress due to acclimation issues. This paper describes some of the fundamental principles that need to be considered when designing and carrying out automated intermittent-flow respirometry (e.g. chamber size, flush rate, flush time, chamber mixing, measurement periods and temperature control). Finally, recent advances in oxygen probe technology and open source automation software will be discussed in the context of assembling relatively low cost and reliable measurement systems. © 2015 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Quantitative identification of riverine nitrogen from point, direct runoff and base flow sources.

PubMed

Huang, Hong; Zhang, Baifa; Lu, Jun

2014-01-01

We present a methodological example for quantifying the contributions of riverine total nitrogen (TN) from point, direct runoff and base flow sources by combining a recursive digital filter technique and statistical methods. First, we separated daily riverine flow into direct runoff and base flow using a recursive digital filter technique; then, a statistical model was established using daily simultaneous data for TN load, direct runoff rate, base flow rate, and temperature; and finally, the TN loading from direct runoff and base flow sources could be inversely estimated. As a case study, this approach was adopted to identify the TN source contributions in Changle River, eastern China. Results showed that, during 2005-2009, the total annual TN input to the river was 1,700.4±250.2 ton, and the contributions of point, direct runoff and base flow sources were 17.8±2.8%, 45.0±3.6%, and 37.2±3.9%, respectively. The innovation of the approach is that the nitrogen from direct runoff and base flow sources could be separately quantified. The approach is simple but detailed enough to take the major factors into account, providing an effective and reliable method for riverine nitrogen loading estimation and source apportionment.

Accuracy improvement of the ice flow rate measurements on Antarctic ice sheet by DInSAR method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiramizu, Kaoru; Doi, Koichiro; Aoyama, Yuichi

2015-04-01

DInSAR (Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an effective tool to measure the flow rate of slow flowing ice streams on Antarctic ice sheet with high resolution. In the flow rate measurement by DInSAR method, we use Digital Elevation Model (DEM) at two times in the estimating process. At first, we use it to remove topographic fringes from InSAR images. And then, it is used to project obtained displacements along Line-Of-Sight (LOS) direction to the actual flow direction. ASTER-GDEM widely-used for InSAR prosessing of the data of polar region has a lot of errors especially in the inland ice sheet area. Thus the errors yield irregular flow rates and directions. Therefore, quality of DEM has a substantial influence on the ice flow rate measurement. In this study, we created a new DEM (resolution 10m; hereinafter referred to as PRISM-DEM) based on ALOS/PRISM images, and compared PRISM-DEM and ASTER-GDEM. The study area is around Skallen, 90km south from Syowa Station, in the southern part of Sôya Coast, East Antarctica. For making DInSAR images, we used ALOS/PALSAR data of 13 pairs (Path633, Row 571-572), observed during the period from November 23, 2007 through January 16, 2011. PRISM-DEM covering the PALSAR scene was created from nadir and backward view images of ALOS/PRISM (Observation date: 2009/1/18) by applying stereo processing with a digital mapping equipment, and then the automatically created a primary DEM was corrected manually to make a final DEM. The number of irregular values of actual ice flow rate was reduced by applying PRISM-DEM compared with that by applying ASTER-GDEM. Additionally, an averaged displacement of approximately 0.5cm was obtained by applying PRISM-DEM over outcrop area, where no crustal displacement considered to occur during the recurrence period of ALOS/PALSAR (46days), while an averaged displacement of approximately 1.65 cm was observed by applying ASTER-GDEM. Since displacements over outcrop area are considered to be apparent ones, the average could be a measure of flow rate estimation accuracy by DInSAR. Therefore, it is concluded that the accuracy of the ice flow rate measurement can be improved by using PRISM-DEM. In this presentation, we will show the results of the estimated flow rate of ice streams in the region of interest, and discuss the additional accuracy improvement of this method.

The role of zonal flows in the saturation of multi-scale gyrokinetic turbulence

DOE PAGES

Staebler, Gary M.; Candy, John; Howard, Nathan T.; ...

2016-06-29

The 2D spectrum of the saturated electric potential from gyrokinetic turbulence simulations that include both ion and electron scales (multi-scale) in axisymmetric tokamak geometry is analyzed. The paradigm that the turbulence is saturated when the zonal (axisymmetic) ExB flow shearing rate competes with linear growth is shown to not apply to the electron scale turbulence. Instead, it is the mixing rate by the zonal ExB velocity spectrum with the turbulent distribution function that competes with linear growth. A model of this mechanism is shown to be able to capture the suppression of electron-scale turbulence by ion-scale turbulence and the thresholdmore » for the increase in electron scale turbulence when the ion-scale turbulence is reduced. The model computes the strength of the zonal flow velocity and the saturated potential spectrum from the linear growth rate spectrum. The model for the saturated electric potential spectrum is applied to a quasilinear transport model and shown to accurately reproduce the electron and ion energy fluxes of the non-linear gyrokinetic multi-scale simulations. Finally, the zonal flow mixing saturation model is also shown to reproduce the non-linear upshift in the critical temperature gradient caused by zonal flows in ionscale gyrokinetic simulations.« less

Development and simulation of microfluidic Wheatstone bridge for high-precision sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipulya, N. D.; Konakov, S. A.; Krzhizhanovskaya, V. V.

2016-08-01

In this work we present the results of analytical modeling and 3D computer simulation of microfluidic Wheatstone bridge, which is used for high-accuracy measurements and precision instruments. We propose and simulate a new method of a bridge balancing process by changing the microchannel geometry. This process is based on the “etching in microchannel” technology we developed earlier (doi:10.1088/1742-6596/681/1/012035). Our method ensures a precise control of the flow rate and flow direction in the bridge microchannel. The advantage of our approach is the ability to work without any control valves and other active electronic systems, which are usually used for bridge balancing. The geometrical configuration of microchannels was selected based on the analytical estimations. A detailed 3D numerical model was based on Navier-Stokes equations for a laminar fluid flow at low Reynolds numbers. We investigated the behavior of the Wheatstone bridge under different process conditions; found a relation between the channel resistance and flow rate through the bridge; and calculated the pressure drop across the system under different total flow rates and viscosities. Finally, we describe a high-precision microfluidic pressure sensor that employs the Wheatstone bridge and discuss other applications in complex precision microfluidic systems.

Accretion flow dynamics during 1999 outburst of XTE J1859+226—modeling of broadband spectra and constraining the source mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, Anuj; Mandal, S.; Sreehari, H.; Radhika, D.; Das, Santabrata; Chattopadhyay, I.; Iyer, N.; Agrawal, V. K.; Aktar, R.

2018-05-01

We examine the dynamical behavior of accretion flow around XTE J1859+226 during the 1999 outburst by analyzing the entire outburst data (˜166 days) from RXTE Satellite. Towards this, we study the hysteresis behavior in the hardness intensity diagram (HID) based on the broadband (3-150 keV) spectral modeling, spectral signature of jet ejection and the evolution of Quasi-periodic Oscillation (QPO) frequencies using the two-component advective flow model around a black hole. We compute the flow parameters, namely Keplerian accretion rate (\\dot{m}d), sub-Keplerian accretion rate (\\dot{m}h), shock location (rs) and black hole mass (M_{bh}) from the spectral modeling and study their evolution along the q-diagram. Subsequently, the kinetic jet power is computed as L^{obs}_{jet} ˜3-6 ×10^{37} erg s^{-1} during one of the observed radio flares which indicates that jet power corresponds to 8-16% mass outflow rate from the disc. This estimate of mass outflow rate is in close agreement with the change in total accretion rate (˜14%) required for spectral modeling before and during the flare. Finally, we provide a mass estimate of the source XTE J1859+226 based on the spectral modeling that lies in the range of 5.2-7.9 M_{⊙} with 90% confidence.

Unsteady numerical analysis of solid-liquid two-phase flow in stirred tank with double helical ribbon impeller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, He; Chen, Xiangshan; Zhao, Guangyu; Xiao, Chenglei; Li, Chen; Zhong, Cheng; Chen, Yu

2017-08-01

In order to enhance the mixing process of soil contaminated by oil and water, one kind of double helical ribbon (DHR) impeller was developed. In this study, the unsteady simulation analysis of solid-liquid two-phase flow in stirring tank with DHR impeller was conducted by the the computational fluid dynamics and the multi-reference frame (MRF) method. It was found that at 0-3.0 s stage, the rate of liquid was greater than the rate of solid particles, while the power consumption was 5-6 times more than the smooth operation. The rates of the liquid and the solid particles were almost the same, and the required power was 32 KW at t > 3.0 s. The flow of the solid particles in the tank was a typical axial circle flow, and the dispersed sequence of the solid that was accumulated at the bottom of the tank was: the bottom loop region, the annular region near the wall of the groove and finally the area near axial center. The results show that the DHR impeller was suitable for the mixing of liquid-solid two-phase.

Using the Richtmyer-Meshkov flow to infer the strength of LY-12 aluminum at extreme conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Jianwei; Pan, Hao; Peng, Jiangxiang; Wu, Zihui; Yu, Yuying; Hu, Xiaomian

2017-06-01

An improved analytical model of the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) flow in the elastoplastic materials is presented in this paper. This model describes the stabilization by yield strength (Y) effect on the RM flow in solids and linear relationships between initial configurations of perturbation and the growth. Then we make use of the model to analysis the explosion driven RM flow experiments with solid LY12 and test our model by comparing the predicted Y of existing strength models. Finally, we perform a plate impact experiment with solid LY12 aluminium alloy to validate our model and infer Y is about 1.23 GPa for a 28 GPa shock and a strain rate of 7.5 ×106 .

Ecosystem warming increases sap flow rates of northern red oak trees

DOE PAGES

Juice, Stephanie M.; Templer, Pamela H.; Phillips, Nathan G.; ...

2016-03-17

Over the next century, air temperature increases up to 5°C are projected for the northeastern United States. As evapotranspiration strongly influences water loss from terrestrial ecosystems, the ecophysiological response of trees to warming will have important consequences for forest water budgets. We measured growing season sap flow rates in mature northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) trees in a combined air (up to 5.5°C above ambient) and soil (up to 1.85°C above ambient at 6-cm depth) warming experiment at Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, United States. Through principal components analysis, we found air and soil temperatures explained the largest amount ofmore » variance in environmental variables associated with rates of sap flow, with relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation and vapor pressure deficit having significant, but smaller, effects. On average, each 1°C increase in temperature increased sap flow rates by approximately 1100 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day-1 throughout the growing season and by 1200 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day -1 during the early growing season. Reductions in the number of cold winter days correlated positively with increased sap flow during the early growing season (a decrease in 100 heating-degree days was associated with a sapflow increase in approximately 5 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day -1). Soil moisture declined with increased treatment temperatures, and each soil moisture percentage decrease resulted in a decrease in sap flow of approximately 360 kg H2O m -22 sapwood area day -1. At night, soil moisture correlated positively with sap flow. Finally, these results demonstrate that warmer air and soil temperatures in winter and throughout the growing season lead to increased sap flow rates, which could affect forest water budgets throughout the year.« less

Karst-on-a-chip: microfluidic studies of dissolution of a gypsum fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymczak, Piotr; Dutka, Filip; Osselin, Florian

2017-04-01

Dissolution of fractured and porous media introduces a positive feedback between fluid transport and chemical reactions at mineral surfaces leading to self-focusing of the flow in pronounced wormhole-like channels [1,2]. We study the flow-induced dissolution in a simple microfluidic setup, with a gypsum block inserted in between two polycarbonate plates, which is the simplest model of a fracture [3]. This gives us a unique opportunity to observe the evolution of the dissolution patterns in-situ and in real-time. By changing the flow rate and the aperture of the fracture we can scan a relatively wide range of Peclet and Damkohler numbers, characterizing the relative magnitude of advection, diffusion and reaction in the system. Additionally, as the aperture is increased, a transition is observed between the fractal and regular dissolution patterns. For small gaps, the patterns are ramified fractals. For larger gaps, the dissolution fingers are found to have regular forms of two different kinds: either linear (for high flow rates) or parabolic (for lower flow rates). The experiments are supplemented with numerical simulations and analytical modeling which allow for a better understanding of evolving flow patterns. In particular, we find the shapes and propagation velocities of dominant fingers for different widths of the system, flow rates and reaction rates. Finally, we comment on the link between the experimentally observed patterns and the natural karst systems - both cave conduits and epikarst solution pipes. [1] Hoefner, M. L. and Fogler, H. S. Pore evolution and channel formation during flow and reaction in porous media. AIChE J. 34, 45-54, 1988 [2] P. Szymczak, A. J. C. Ladd, Wormhole formation in dissolving fractures, J. Geophys. Res., 114, B06203, 2009 [3] F. Osselin, P. Kondratiuk, A Budek, O. Cybulski, P. Garstecki, P. Szymczak Microfluidic observation of the onset of reactive infiltration instability in an analog fracture, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43, 6907-6915, 2016

Recent improvements of the French liquid micro-flow reference facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florestan, Ogheard; Sandy, Margot; Julien, Savary

2018-02-01

According to the mission of the national reference laboratory, LNE-CETIAT achieved in 2012 the construction and accreditation of a modern and innovative calibration laboratory based on the gravimetric method. The measurement capabilities cover a flow rate range for liquid from 10 kg · h-1 down to 1 g · h-1 with expanded relative uncertainties from 0.1% to 0.6% (k  =  2). Since 2012, several theoretical and experimental studies have allowed a better knowledge and control over uncertainty sources and have decreased calibration time. When dealing with liquid micro-flow using a reference method such as the gravimetric method, several difficulties have to be overcome. The main improvements described in this paper relate to the enhancement of the evaporation trap system, the merging of the four dedicated measurement lines into one, and the implementation of a gravimetric dynamic ‘flying’ method for the calculation of the reference flow rate. The evaporation-avoiding system has been replaced by an oil layer in order to remove the possibility of condensation of water on both the weighed vessel and the immersed capillary. The article describes the experimental method used to quantify the effect of surface tension of water/oil/air interfaces on the weighed mass. The traditional static gravimetric method has been upgraded by a dynamic ‘flying’ gravimetric method. The article presents the newly implemented method, its validation and its advantages compared to the static method. The four dedicated weighing devices, dispatched over four sub-ranges of flow rate, have been merged leading to the use of only one weighing scale with the same uncertainties on the reference flow rate. The article discusses the new uncertainty budget over the full flow rate range capability. Finally, the article discusses the improvements still under development and the general prospects of liquid micro-flow metrology.

Ecosystem warming increases sap flow rates of northern red oak trees

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Juice, Stephanie M.; Templer, Pamela H.; Phillips, Nathan G.

Over the next century, air temperature increases up to 5°C are projected for the northeastern United States. As evapotranspiration strongly influences water loss from terrestrial ecosystems, the ecophysiological response of trees to warming will have important consequences for forest water budgets. We measured growing season sap flow rates in mature northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) trees in a combined air (up to 5.5°C above ambient) and soil (up to 1.85°C above ambient at 6-cm depth) warming experiment at Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, United States. Through principal components analysis, we found air and soil temperatures explained the largest amount ofmore » variance in environmental variables associated with rates of sap flow, with relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation and vapor pressure deficit having significant, but smaller, effects. On average, each 1°C increase in temperature increased sap flow rates by approximately 1100 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day-1 throughout the growing season and by 1200 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day -1 during the early growing season. Reductions in the number of cold winter days correlated positively with increased sap flow during the early growing season (a decrease in 100 heating-degree days was associated with a sapflow increase in approximately 5 kg H 2O m -2 sapwood area day -1). Soil moisture declined with increased treatment temperatures, and each soil moisture percentage decrease resulted in a decrease in sap flow of approximately 360 kg H2O m -22 sapwood area day -1. At night, soil moisture correlated positively with sap flow. Finally, these results demonstrate that warmer air and soil temperatures in winter and throughout the growing season lead to increased sap flow rates, which could affect forest water budgets throughout the year.« less

Transition to turbulence in plane channel flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biringen, S.

1984-01-01

Results obtained from a numerical simulation of the final stages of transition to turbulence in plane channel flow are described. Three dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically integrated to obtain the time evolution of two and three dimensional finite amplitude disturbances. Computations are performed on CYBER-203 vector processor for a 32x51x32 grid. Results are presented for no-slip boundary conditions at the solid walls as well as for periodic suction blowing to simulate active control of transition by mass transfer. Solutions indicate that the method is capable of simulating the complex character of vorticity dynamics during the various stages of transition and final breakdown. In particular, evidence points to the formation of a lambda-shape vortex and the subsequent system of horseshoe vortices inclined to the main flow direction as the main elements of transition. Calculations involving periodic suction-blowing indicate that interference with a wave of suitable phase and amplitude reduces the disturbance growth rates.

Precessing rotating flows with additional shear: stability analysis.

PubMed

Salhi, A; Cambon, C

2009-03-01

We consider unbounded precessing rotating flows in which vertical or horizontal shear is induced by the interaction between the solid-body rotation (with angular velocity Omega(0)) and the additional "precessing" Coriolis force (with angular velocity -epsilonOmega(0)), normal to it. A "weak" shear flow, with rate 2epsilon of the same order of the Poincaré "small" ratio epsilon , is needed for balancing the gyroscopic torque, so that the whole flow satisfies Euler's equations in the precessing frame (the so-called admissibility conditions). The base flow case with vertical shear (its cross-gradient direction is aligned with the main angular velocity) corresponds to Mahalov's [Phys. Fluids A 5, 891 (1993)] precessing infinite cylinder base flow (ignoring boundary conditions), while the base flow case with horizontal shear (its cross-gradient direction is normal to both main and precessing angular velocities) corresponds to the unbounded precessing rotating shear flow considered by Kerswell [Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn. 72, 107 (1993)]. We show that both these base flows satisfy the admissibility conditions and can support disturbances in terms of advected Fourier modes. Because the admissibility conditions cannot select one case with respect to the other, a more physical derivation is sought: Both flows are deduced from Poincaré's [Bull. Astron. 27, 321 (1910)] basic state of a precessing spheroidal container, in the limit of small epsilon . A Rapid distortion theory (RDT) type of stability analysis is then performed for the previously mentioned disturbances, for both base flows. The stability analysis of the Kerswell base flow, using Floquet's theory, is recovered, and its counterpart for the Mahalov base flow is presented. Typical growth rates are found to be the same for both flows at very small epsilon , but significant differences are obtained regarding growth rates and widths of instability bands, if larger epsilon values, up to 0.2, are considered. Finally, both flow cases are briefly discussed in view of a subsequent nonlinear study using pseudospectral direct numerical simulations, which is a natural continuation of RDT.

Construction dynamics of a lava channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Andrew J. L.; Favalli, Massimiliano; Mazzarini, Francesco; Hamilton, Christopher W.

2009-05-01

We use a kinematic GPS and laser range finder survey of a 200 m-long section of the Muliwai a Pele lava channel (Mauna Ulu, Kilauea) to examine the construction processes and flow dynamics responsible for the channel-levee structure. The levees comprise three packages. The basal package comprises an 80-150 m wide 'a'a flow in which a ˜2 m deep and ˜11 m wide channel became centred. This is capped by a second package of thin (<45 cm thick) sheets of pahoehoe extending no more than 50 m from the channel. The upper-most package comprises localised 'a'a overflows. The channel itself contains two blockages located 130 m apart and composed of levee chunks veneered with overflow lava. The channel was emplaced over 50 h, spanning 30 May-2 June, 1974, with the flow front arriving at our section (4.4 km from the vent) 8 h after the eruption began. The basal 'a'a flow thickness yields effusion rates of 35 m3 s-1 for the opening phase, with the initial flow advancing across the mapped section at ˜10 m/min. Short-lived overflows of fluid pahoehoe then built the levee cap, increasing the apparent channel depth to 4.8 m. There were at least six pulses at 90-420 m3 s-1, causing overflow of limited extent lasting no more than 5 min. Brim-full flow conditions were thus extremely short-lived. During a dominant period of below-bank flow, flow depth was ˜2 m with an effusion rate of ˜35 m3 s-1, consistent with the mean output rate (obtained from the total flow bulk volume) of 23-54 m3 s-1. During pulses, levee chunks were plucked and floated down channel to form blockages. In a final low effusion rate phase, lava ponded behind the lower blockage to form a syn-channel pond that fed 'a'a overflow. After the end of the eruption the roofed-over pond continued to drain through the lower blockage, causing the roof to founder. Drainage emplaced inflated flows on the channel floor below the lower blockage for a further ˜10 h. The complex processes involved in levee-channel construction of this short-lived case show that care must be taken when using channel dimensions to infer flow dynamics. In our case, the full channel depth is not exposed. Instead the channel floor morphology reflects late stage pond filling and drainage rather than true channel-contained flow. Components of the compound levee relate to different flow regimes operating at different times during the eruption and associated with different effusion rates, flow dynamics and time scales. For example, although high effusion rate, brim-full flow was maintained for a small fraction of the channel lifetime, it emplaced a pile of pahoehoe overflow units that account for 60% of the total levee height. We show how time-varying volume flux is an important parameter in controlling channel construction dynamics. Because the complex history of lava delivery to a channel system is recorded by the final channel morphology, time-varying flow dynamics can be determined from the channel morphology. Developing methods for quantifying detailed flux histories for effusive events from the evidence in outcrop is therefore highly valuable. We here achieve this by using high-resolution spatial data for a channel system at Kilauea. This study not only indicates those physical and dynamic characteristics that are typical for basaltic lava flows on Hawaiian volcanoes, but also a methodology that can be widely applied to effusive basaltic eruptions.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study of the 4th generation prototype of a continuous flow Ventricular Assist Device (VAD).

PubMed

Song, Xinwei; Wood, Houston G; Olsen, Don

2004-04-01

The continuous flow ventricular assist device (VAD) is a miniature centrifugal pump, fully suspended by magnetic bearings, which is being developed for implantation in humans. The CF4 model is the first actual prototype of the final design product. The overall performances of blood flow in CF4 have been simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software: CFX, which is commercially available from ANSYS Inc. The flow regions modeled in CF4 include the inlet elbow, the five-blade impeller, the clearance gap below the impeller, and the exit volute. According to different needs from patients, a wide range of flow rates and revolutions per minute (RPM) have been studied. The flow rate-pressure curves are given. The streamlines in the flow field are drawn to detect stagnation points and vortices that could lead to thrombosis. The stress is calculated in the fluid field to estimate potential hemolysis. The stress is elevated to the decreased size of the blood flow paths through the smaller pump, but is still within the safe range. The thermal study on the pump, the blood and the surrounding tissue shows the temperature rise due to magnetoelectric heat sources and thermal dissipation is insignificant. CFD simulation proved valuable to demonstrate and to improve the performance of fluid flow in the design of a small size pump.

Percolation characteristics of solvent invasion in rough fractures under miscible conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korfanta, M.; Babadagli, T.; Develi, K.

2017-10-01

Surface roughness and flow rate effects on the solvent transport under miscible conditions in a single fracture are studied. Surface replicas of seven different rocks (marble, granite, and limestone) are used to represent different surface roughness characteristics each described by different mathematical models including three fractal dimensions. Distribution of dyed solvent is investigated at various flow rate conditions to clarify the effect of roughness on convective and diffusive mixing. After a qualitative analysis using comparative images of different rocks, the area covered by solvent with respect to time is determined to conduct a semi-quantitative analysis. In this exercise, two distinct zones are identified, namely the straight lines obtained for convective (early times) and diffusive (late times) flow. The bending point between these two lines is used to point the transition between the two zones. Finally, the slopes of the straight lines and the bending points are correlated to five different roughness parameters and the rate (Peclet number). It is observed that both surface roughness and flow rate have significant effect on solvent spatial distribution. The largest area covered is obtained at moderate flow rates and hence not only the average surface roughness characteristic is important, but coessentially total fracture surface area needs to be considered when evaluating fluid distribution. It is also noted that the rate effect is critically different for the fracture samples of large grain size (marbles and granite) compared to smaller grain sizes (limestones). Variogram fractal dimension exhibits the strongest correlation with the maximum area covered by solvent, and display increasing trend at the moderate flow rates. Equations with variogram surface fractal dimension in combination with any other surface fractal parameter coupled with Peclet number can be used to predict maximum area covered by solvent in a single fracture, which in turn can be utilized to model oil recovery, waste disposal, and groundwater contamination processes in the presence of fractures.

Exploring Inflated Pahohoe Lava Flow Morphologies and the Effects of Cooling Using a New Simulation Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaze, L. S.; Baloga, S. M.

2014-01-01

Pahoehoe lavas are recognized as an important landform on Earth, Mars and Io. Observations of such flows on Earth (e.g., Figure 1) indicate that the emplacement process is dominated by random effects. Existing models for lobate a`a lava flows that assume viscous fluid flow on an inclined plane are not appropriate for dealing with the numerous random factors present in pahoehoe emplacement. Thus, interpretation of emplacement conditions for pahoehoe lava flows on Mars requires fundamentally different models. A new model that implements a simulation approach has recently been developed that allows exploration of a variety of key influences on pahoehoe lobe emplacement (e.g., source shape, confinement, slope). One important factor that has an impact on the final topographic shape and morphology of a pahoehoe lobe is the volumetric flow rate of lava, where cooling of lava on the lobe surface influences the likelihood of subsequent breakouts.

Experimental study on hydraulic characteristic around trash rack of a pumping station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, MinZhe; Li, TongChun; Lin, XiangYang; Liu, XiaoQing; Ding, Yuan; Liu, GuangYuan

2017-11-01

This paper focuses on flow pattern around trash rack of intake of a pumping station project. This pumping station undertake the task of supplying up to 3,500,000 m3 water per day for a megacity. Considering the large flow rate, high lift, multi-pipe supply and long-time operation in this water conveyance pumping station, we built a physical model test to measure the flow velocity and observe the flow pattern to verify the reasonability of preliminary design. In this test, we set 3 layers of current meters around each trash rack of intake in reservoir to collect the flow velocity. Furthermore, we design 2 operating conditions of 9 pumps to observe the change of flow pattern. Finally, we found the velocity data were in a normal range under 2 different operating conditions of the 9 pump units.

76 FR 9449 - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-17

... chemistry, scrubber pressure drop, and scrubber inlet gas temperature hourly. The final rule does not... pressure) and inlet gas temperature to be based on the minimum flow rate (or line pressure) or maximum inlet gas temperature established during the initial performance test. It also includes two additional...

Experimental investigation of bioethanol liquid phase dehydration using natural clinoptilolite.

PubMed

Karimi, Samira; Ghobadian, Barat; Omidkhah, Mohammad-Reza; Towfighi, Jafar; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad

2016-05-01

An experimental study of bioethanol adsorption on natural Iranian clinoptilolite was carried out. Dynamic breakthrough curves were used to investigate the best adsorption conditions in bioethanol liquid phase. A laboratory setup was designed and fabricated for this purpose. In order to find the best operating conditions, the effect of liquid pressure, temperature and flow rate on breakthrough curves and consequently, maximum ethanol uptake by adsorbent were studied. The effects of different variables on final bioethanol concentration were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that by working at optimum condition, feed with 96% (v/v) initial ethanol concentration could be purified up to 99.9% (v/v). In addition, the process was modeled using Box-Behnken model and optimum operational conditions to reach 99.9% for final ethanol concentration were found equal to 10.7 °C, 4.9 bar and 8 mL/min for liquid temperature, pressure and flow rate, respectively. Therefore, the selected natural Iranian clinoptilolite was found to be a promising adsorbent material for bioethanol dehydration process.

Experimental investigation of bioethanol liquid phase dehydration using natural clinoptilolite

PubMed Central

Karimi, Samira; Ghobadian, Barat; Omidkhah, Mohammad-Reza; Towfighi, Jafar; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad

2016-01-01

An experimental study of bioethanol adsorption on natural Iranian clinoptilolite was carried out. Dynamic breakthrough curves were used to investigate the best adsorption conditions in bioethanol liquid phase. A laboratory setup was designed and fabricated for this purpose. In order to find the best operating conditions, the effect of liquid pressure, temperature and flow rate on breakthrough curves and consequently, maximum ethanol uptake by adsorbent were studied. The effects of different variables on final bioethanol concentration were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that by working at optimum condition, feed with 96% (v/v) initial ethanol concentration could be purified up to 99.9% (v/v). In addition, the process was modeled using Box–Behnken model and optimum operational conditions to reach 99.9% for final ethanol concentration were found equal to 10.7 °C, 4.9 bar and 8 mL/min for liquid temperature, pressure and flow rate, respectively. Therefore, the selected natural Iranian clinoptilolite was found to be a promising adsorbent material for bioethanol dehydration process. PMID:27222748

Effects of Convective Solute and Impurity Transport in Protein Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vekilov, Peter G.; Thomas, Bill R.; Rosenberger, Franz

1998-01-01

High-resolution optical interferometry was used to investigate the effects of forced solution convection on the crystal growth kinetics of the model protein lysozyme. Most experiments were conducted with 99.99% pure protein solutions. To study impurity effects, approx. 1% of lysozyme dimer (covalently bound) was added in some cases. We show that the unsteady kinetics, corresponding to bunching of growth steps, can be characterized by the Fourier components of time traces of the growth rate. Specific Fourier spectra are uniquely determined by the solution conditions (composition, temperature, and flow rate) and the growth layer source activity. We found that the average step velocity and growth rate increase by approx. I0% with increasing flow rate, as a result of the enhanced solute supply to the interface. More importantly, faster convective transport results in lower fluctuation amplitudes. This observation supports our rationale for system-dependent effects of transport on the structural perfection of protein crystals. We also found that solution flow rates greater than 500 microns/s result in stronger fluctuations while the average growth rate is decreased. This can lead to growth cessation at low supersaturations. With the intentionally contaminated solutions, these undesirable phenomena occurred at about half the flow rates required in pure solutions. Thus, we conclude that they are due to enhanced convective supply of impurities that are incorporated into the crystal during growth. Furthermore, we found that the impurity effects are reduced at higher crystal growth rates. Since the exposure time of terraces is inversely proportional to the growth rate, this observation suggests that the increased kinetics instability results from impurity adsorption on the interface. Finally, we provide evidence relating earlier observations of "slow protein crystal growth kinetics" to step bunch formation in response to nonsteady step generation.

Analysis of Clinicians' Perceptual Cough Evaluation.

PubMed

Laciuga, Helena; Brandimore, Alexandra E; Troche, Michelle S; Hegland, Karen W

2016-08-01

This study examined the relationships between subjective descriptors and objective airflow measures of cough. We hypothesized that coughs with specific airflow characteristics would share common subjective perceptual descriptions. Thirty clinicians (speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and neurologists) perceptually evaluated ten cough audio samples with specific airflow characteristics determined by peak expiratory flow rate, cough expired volume, cough duration, and number of coughs in the cough epoch. Participants rated coughs by strength, duration, quality, quantity, and overall potential effectiveness for airway protection. Perception of cough strength and effectiveness was determined by the combination of presence of pre-expulsive compression phase, short peak expiratory airflow rate rise time, high peak expiratory flow rates, and high cough volume acceleration. Perception of cough abnormality was defined predominantly by descriptors of breathiness and strain. Breathiness was characteristic for coughs with either absent compression phases and relatively high expiratory airflow rates or coughs with significantly low expired volumes and reduced peak flow rates. In contrast, excessive strain was associated with prolonged compression phases and low expiratory airflow rates or the absence of compression phase with high peak expiratory rates. The study participants reached greatest agreement in distinguishing between single and multiple coughs. Their assessment of cough strength and effectiveness was less consistent. Finally, the least agreement was shown in determining the quality categories. Modifications of cough airflow can influence perceptual cough evaluation outcomes. However, the inconsistency of cough ratings among our participants suggests that a uniform cough rating system is required.

The mathematical modeling of rapid solidification processing. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutierrez-Miravete, E.

1986-01-01

The detailed formulation of and the results obtained from a continuum mechanics-based mathematical model of the planar flow melt spinning (PFMS) rapid solidification system are presented and discussed. The numerical algorithm proposed is capable of computing the cooling and freezing rates as well as the fluid flow and capillary phenomena which take place inside the molten puddle formed in the PFMS process. The FORTRAN listings of some of the most useful computer programs and a collection of appendices describing the basic equations used for the modeling are included.

Ceramic micro-injection molded nozzles for serial femtosecond crystallography sample delivery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beyerlein, K. R.; Heymann, M.; Kirian, R.

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) using X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) allows for room temperature protein structure determination without evidence of conventional radiation damage. In this method, a liquid suspension of protein microcrystals can be delivered to the X-ray beam in vacuum as a micro-jet, which replenishes the crystals at a rate that exceeds the current XFEL pulse repetition rate. Gas dynamic virtual nozzles produce the required micrometer-sized streams by the focusing action of a coaxial sheath gas and have been shown to be effective for SFX experiments. Here, we describe the design and characterization of such nozzles assembled from ceramic micro-injectionmore » molded outer gas-focusing capillaries. Trends of the emitted jet diameter and jet length as a function of supplied liquid and gas flow rates are measured by a fast imaging system. The observed trends are explained by derived relationships considering choked gas flow and liquid flow conservation. Finally, the performance of these nozzles in a SFX experiment is presented, including an analysis of the observed background.« less

A computational fluid dynamics approach to nucleation in the water-sulfuric acid system.

PubMed

Herrmann, E; Brus, D; Hyvärinen, A-P; Stratmann, F; Wilck, M; Lihavainen, H; Kulmala, M

2010-08-12

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics modeling approach to investigate the nucleation in the water-sulfuric acid system in a flow tube. On the basis of an existing experimental setup (Brus, D.; Hyvärinen, A.-P.; Viisanen, Y.; Kulmala, M.; Lihavainen, H. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2010, 10, 2631-2641), we first establish the effect of convection on the flow profile. We then proceed to simulate nucleation for relative humidities of 10, 30, and 50% and for sulfuric acid concentration between 10(9) to 3 x 10(10) cm(-3). We describe the nucleation zone in detail and determine how flow rate and relative humidity affect its characteristics. Experimental nucleation rates are compared to rates gained from classical binary and kinetic nucleation theory as well as cluster activation theory. For low RH values, kinetic theory yields the best agreement with experimental results while binary nucleation best reproduces the experimental nucleation behavior at 50% relative humidity. Particle growth is modeled for an example case at 50% relative humidity. The final simulated diameter is very close to the experimental result.

Optimising mobile phase composition, its flow-rate and column temperature in HPLC using taboo search.

PubMed

Guillaume, Y C; Peyrin, E

2000-03-06

A chemometric methodology is proposed to study the separation of seven p-hydroxybenzoic esters in reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Fifteen experiments were found to be necessary to find a mathematical model which linked a novel chromatographic response function (CRF) with the column temperature, the water fraction in the mobile phase and its flow rate. The CRF optimum was determined using a new algorithm based on Glover's taboo search (TS). A flow-rate of 0.9 ml min(-1) with a water fraction of 0.64 in the ACN-water mixture and a column temperature of 10 degrees C gave the most efficient separation conditions. The usefulness of TS was compared with the pure random search (PRS) and simplex search (SS). As demonstrated by calculations, the algorithm avoids entrapment in local minima and continues the search to give a near-optimal final solution. Unlike other methods of global optimisation, this procedure is generally applicable, easy to implement, derivative free, conceptually simple and could be used in the future for much more complex optimisation problems.

Measurement uncertainty budget of an interferometric flow velocity sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermuske, Mike; Büttner, Lars; Czarske, Jürgen

2017-06-01

Flow rate measurements are a common topic for process monitoring in chemical engineering and food industry. To achieve the requested low uncertainties of 0:1% for flow rate measurements, a precise measurement of the shear layers of such flows is necessary. The Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) is an established method for measuring local flow velocities. For exact estimation of the flow rate, the flow profile in the shear layer is of importance. For standard LDV the axial resolution and therefore the number of measurement points in the shear layer is defined by the length of the measurement volume. A decrease of this length is accompanied by a larger fringe distance variation along the measurement axis which results in a rise of the measurement uncertainty for the flow velocity (uncertainty relation between spatial resolution and velocity uncertainty). As a unique advantage, the laser Doppler profile sensor (LDV-PS) overcomes this problem by using two fan-like fringe systems to obtain the position of the measured particles along the measurement axis and therefore achieve a high spatial resolution while it still offers a low velocity uncertainty. With this technique, the flow rate can be estimated with one order of magnitude lower uncertainty, down to 0:05% statistical uncertainty.1 And flow profiles especially in film flows can be measured more accurately. The problem for this technique is, in contrast to laboratory setups where the system is quite stable, that for industrial applications the sensor needs a reliable and robust traceability to the SI units, meter and second. Small deviations in the calibration can, because of the highly position depending calibration function, cause large systematic errors in the measurement result. Therefore, a simple, stable and accurate tool is needed, that can easily be used in industrial surroundings to check or recalibrate the sensor. In this work, different calibration methods are presented and their influences to the measurement uncertainty budget of the sensor is discussed. Finally, generated measurement results for the film flow of an impinging jet cleaning experiment are presented.

Effect of warming and flow rate conditions of blood warmers on red blood cell integrity.

PubMed

Poder, T G; Pruneau, D; Dorval, J; Thibault, L; Fisette, J-F; Bédard, S K; Jacques, A; Beauregard, P

2016-11-01

Fluid warmers are routinely used to reduce the risk of hypothermia and cardiac complications associated with the infusion of cold blood products. However, warming blood products could generate haemolysis. This study was undertaken to compare the impact of temperature of blood warmers on the per cent haemolysis of packed red blood cells (RBCs) heated at different flow rates as well as non-flow conditions. Infusion warmers used were calibrated at 41·5°C ± 0·5°C and 37·5°C ± 0·5°C. Cold RBC units stored at 4°C in AS-3 (n = 30), aged 30-39 days old, were divided into half units before being allocated under two different scenarios (i.e. infusion pump or syringe). Blood warmers were effective to warm cold RBCs to 37·5°C or 41·5°C when used in conjunction with an infusion pump at flow rate up to 600 ml/h. However, when the warmed blood was held in a syringe for various periods of time, such as may occur in neonatal transfusions, the final temperature was below the expected requirements with measurement as low as 33·1°C. Increasing the flow with an infusion pump increased haemolysis in RBCs from 0·2% to up to 2·1% at a flow rate of 600 ml/h regardless of the warming device used (P < 0·05). No relevant increase of haemolysis was observed using a syringe. The use of a blood warmer adjusted to 41·5°C is probably the best choice for reducing the risk of hypothermia for the patient without generating haemolysis. However, we should be cautious with the use of an infusion pump for RBC transfusion, particularly at high flow rates. © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Fish-Friendly Hydropower Turbine Development & Deployment: Alden Turbine Preliminary Engineering and Model Testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foust, J.; Hecker, G.; Li, S.

2011-10-01

The Alden turbine was developed through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) former Advanced Hydro Turbine Systems Program (1994-2006) and, more recently, through the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the DOE's Wind & Water Power Program. The primary goal of the engineering study described here was to provide a commercially competitive turbine design that would yield fish passage survival rates comparable to or better than the survival rates of bypassing or spilling flow. Although the turbine design was performed for site conditions corresponding to 92 ft (28 m) net head and a discharge of 1500 cfs (42.5 cms), themore » design can be modified for additional sites with differing operating conditions. During the turbine development, design modifications were identified for the spiral case, distributor (stay vanes and wicket gates), runner, and draft tube to improve turbine performance while maintaining features for high fish passage survival. Computational results for pressure change rates and shear within the runner passage were similar in the original and final turbine geometries, while predicted minimum pressures were higher for the final turbine. The final turbine geometry and resulting flow environments are expected to further enhance the fish passage characteristics of the turbine. Computational results for the final design were shown to improve turbine efficiencies by over 6% at the selected operating condition when compared to the original concept. Prior to the release of the hydraulic components for model fabrication, finite element analysis calculations were conducted for the stay vanes, wicket gates, and runner to verify that structural design criteria for stress and deflections were met. A physical model of the turbine was manufactured and tested with data collected for power and efficiency, cavitation limits, runaway speed, axial and radial thrust, pressure pulsations, and wicket gate torque. All parameters were observed to fall within ranges expected for conventional radial flow machines. Based on these measurements, the expected efficiency peak for prototype application is 93.64%. These data were used in the final sizing of the supporting mechanical and balance of plant equipment. The preliminary equipment cost for the design specification is $1450/kW with a total supply schedule of 28 months. This equipment supply includes turbine, generator, unit controls, limited balance of plant equipment, field installation, and commissioning. Based on the selected head and flow design conditions, fish passage survival through the final turbine is estimated to be approximately 98% for 7.9-inch (200-mm) fish, and the predicted survival reaches 100% for fish 3.9 inches (100 mm) and less in length. Note that fish up to 7.9- inches (200 mm) in length make up more than 90% of fish entrained at hydro projects in the United States. Completion of these efforts provides a mechanical and electrical design that can be readily adapted to site-specific conditions with additional engineering development comparable to costs associated with conventional turbine designs.« less

Three-dimensional simulation of rivulet and film flows over an inclined plate: Effects of solvent properties and contact angle

DOE PAGES

Singh, Rajesh K.; Galvin, Janine E.; Sun, Xin

2015-12-10

We numerically investigated the film flow down an inclined plate using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The flow simulations have been systematically carried out for a wide range of parameters, such as inlet size, inclination angle, contact angle, flow rates and solvent properties (viscosity and surface tension). Based on the simulation results, scaling theory is proposed for both interfacial area and for film thickness in terms of the Kapitza number (Ka).The Kapitza number is advantageous because it depends only on solvent properties. The Kapitza number decreases with increased solvent viscosity and is fixed for a given fluid. Here, tomore » investigate the effects of solvent properties on interfacial area a small inlet cross-section was used. The interfacial area decreases with increased value of Ka. The time to reach pseudo-steady state of rivulet is also observed to increase with decreasing Ka. For a fixed flow rate, the inlet cross-section has marginal effect on the interfacial area; however, the developed width of the rivulet remains unchanged. In addition to inlet size, flow rate and solvent properties, the impact of contact angle on film thickness and interfacial area was also investigated. The contact angle has negligible effect for a fully wetted plate, but it significantly affects the interfacial area of the rivulet. Finally, a scaling theory for interfacial area in terms of the contact angle and Ka is presented.« less

Cinematic Characterization of Convected Coherent Structures Within an Continuous Flow Z-Pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Underwood, Thomas; Rodriguez, Jesse; Loebner, Keith; Cappelli, Mark

2017-10-01

In this study, two separate diagnostics are applied to a plasma jet produced from a coaxial accelerator with characteristic velocities exceeding 105 m/s and timescales of 10 μs. In the first of these, an ultra-high frame rate CMOS camera coupled to a Z-type laser Schlieren apparatus is used to obtain flow-field refractometry data for the continuous flow Z-pinch formed within the plasma deflagration jet. The 10 MHz frame rate for 256 consecutive frames provides high temporal resolution, enabling turbulent fluctuations and plasma instabilities to be visualized over the course of a single pulse. The unique advantage of this diagnostic is its ability to simultaneously resolve both structural and temporal evolution of instabilities and density gradients within the flow. To allow for a more meaningful statistical analysis of the resulting wave motion, a multiple B-dot probe array was constructed and calibrated to operate over a broadband frequency range up to 100 MHz. The resulting probe measurements are incorporated into a wavelet analysis to uncover the dispersion relation of recorded wave motion and furthermore uncover instability growth rates. Finally these results are compared with theoretical growth rate estimates to identify underlying physics. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Stewardship Science Academic Program in addition to the National Defense Science Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

Hot Deformation and Processing Window Optimization of a 70MnSiCrMo Carbide-Free Bainitic Steel.

PubMed

Han, Ying; Sun, Yu; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Hua

2017-03-21

The hot deformation behavior of a high carbon carbide-free bainitic steel was studied through isothermal compression tests that were performed on a Gleeble-1500D thermal mechanical simulator at temperatures of 1223-1423 K and strain rates of 0.01-5 s -1 . The flow behavior, constitutive equations, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) characteristics, and processing map were respectively analyzed in detail. It is found that the flow stress increases with increasing the strain rate and decreases with increasing the temperature, and the single-peak DRX can be easily observed at high temperatures and/or low strain rates. The internal relationship between the flow stress and processing parameters was built by the constitutive equations embracing a parameter of Z/A, where the activation energy for hot deformation is 351.539 kJ/mol and the stress exponent is 4.233. In addition, the DRX evolution and the critical conditions for starting DRX were discussed. Then the model of the DRX volume fraction was developed with satisfied predictability. Finally, the processing maps at different strains were constructed according to the dynamic material model. The safety domains and flow instability regions were identified. The best processing parameters of this steel are within the temperature range of 1323-1423 K and strain rate range of 0.06-1 s -1 .

Hot Deformation and Processing Window Optimization of a 70MnSiCrMo Carbide-Free Bainitic Steel

PubMed Central

Han, Ying; Sun, Yu; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Hua

2017-01-01

The hot deformation behavior of a high carbon carbide-free bainitic steel was studied through isothermal compression tests that were performed on a Gleeble-1500D thermal mechanical simulator at temperatures of 1223–1423 K and strain rates of 0.01–5 s−1. The flow behavior, constitutive equations, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) characteristics, and processing map were respectively analyzed in detail. It is found that the flow stress increases with increasing the strain rate and decreases with increasing the temperature, and the single-peak DRX can be easily observed at high temperatures and/or low strain rates. The internal relationship between the flow stress and processing parameters was built by the constitutive equations embracing a parameter of Z/A, where the activation energy for hot deformation is 351.539 kJ/mol and the stress exponent is 4.233. In addition, the DRX evolution and the critical conditions for starting DRX were discussed. Then the model of the DRX volume fraction was developed with satisfied predictability. Finally, the processing maps at different strains were constructed according to the dynamic material model. The safety domains and flow instability regions were identified. The best processing parameters of this steel are within the temperature range of 1323–1423 K and strain rate range of 0.06–1 s−1. PMID:28772678

A numerical study of blood flow using mixture theory

PubMed Central

Wu, Wei-Tao; Aubry, Nadine; Massoudi, Mehrdad; Kim, Jeongho; Antaki, James F.

2014-01-01

In this paper, we consider the two dimensional flow of blood in a rectangular microfluidic channel. We use Mixture Theory to treat this problem as a two-component system: One component is the red blood cells (RBCs) modeled as a generalized Reiner–Rivlin type fluid, which considers the effects of volume fraction (hematocrit) and influence of shear rate upon viscosity. The other component, plasma, is assumed to behave as a linear viscous fluid. A CFD solver based on OpenFOAM® was developed and employed to simulate a specific problem, namely blood flow in a two dimensional micro-channel, is studied. Finally to better understand this two-component flow system and the effects of the different parameters, the equations are made dimensionless and a parametric study is performed. PMID:24791016

A numerical study of blood flow using mixture theory.

PubMed

Wu, Wei-Tao; Aubry, Nadine; Massoudi, Mehrdad; Kim, Jeongho; Antaki, James F

2014-03-01

In this paper, we consider the two dimensional flow of blood in a rectangular microfluidic channel. We use Mixture Theory to treat this problem as a two-component system: One component is the red blood cells (RBCs) modeled as a generalized Reiner-Rivlin type fluid, which considers the effects of volume fraction (hematocrit) and influence of shear rate upon viscosity. The other component, plasma, is assumed to behave as a linear viscous fluid. A CFD solver based on OpenFOAM ® was developed and employed to simulate a specific problem, namely blood flow in a two dimensional micro-channel, is studied. Finally to better understand this two-component flow system and the effects of the different parameters, the equations are made dimensionless and a parametric study is performed.

A model for the plastic flow of landslides

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savage, William Z.; Smith, William K.

1986-01-01

To further the understanding of the mechanics of landslide flow, we present a model that predicts many of the observed attributes of landslides. The model is based on an integration of the hyperbolic differential equations for stress and velocity fields in a two-dimensional, inclined, semi-infinite half-space of Coulomb plastic material under elevated pore pressure and gravity. Our landslide model predicts commonly observed features. For example, compressive (passive), plug, or extending (active) flow will occur under appropriate longitudinal strain rates. Also, the model predicts that longitudinal stresses increase elliptically with depth to the basal slide plane, and that stress and velocity characteristics, surfaces along which discontinuities in stress and velocity are propagated, are coincident. Finally, the model shows how thrust and normal faults develop at the landslide surface in compressive and extending flow.

Modeling the influence of preferential flow on the spatial variability and time-dependence of mineral weathering rates

DOE PAGES

Pandey, Sachin; Rajaram, Harihar

2016-12-05

Inferences of weathering rates from laboratory and field observations suggest significant scale and time-dependence. Preferential flow induced by heterogeneity (manifest as permeability variations or discrete fractures) has been suggested as one potential mechanism causing scale/time-dependence. In this paper, we present a quantitative evaluation of the influence of preferential flow on weathering rates using reactive transport modeling. Simulations were performed in discrete fracture networks (DFNs) and correlated random permeability fields (CRPFs), and compared to simulations in homogeneous permeability fields. The simulations reveal spatial variability in the weathering rate, multidimensional distribution of reactions zones, and the formation of rough weathering interfaces andmore » corestones due to preferential flow. In the homogeneous fields and CRPFs, the domain-averaged weathering rate is initially constant as long as the weathering front is contained within the domain, reflecting equilibrium-controlled behavior. The behavior in the CRPFs was influenced by macrodispersion, with more spread-out weathering profiles, an earlier departure from the initial constant rate and longer persistence of weathering. DFN simulations exhibited a sustained time-dependence resulting from the formation of diffusion-controlled weathering fronts in matrix blocks, which is consistent with the shrinking core mechanism. A significant decrease in the domain-averaged weathering rate is evident despite high remaining mineral volume fractions, but the decline does not follow a math formula dependence, characteristic of diffusion, due to network scale effects and advection-controlled behavior near the inflow boundary. Finally, the DFN simulations also reveal relatively constant horizontally averaged weathering rates over a significant depth range, challenging the very notion of a weathering front.« less

Modeling the influence of preferential flow on the spatial variability and time-dependence of mineral weathering rates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pandey, Sachin; Rajaram, Harihar

Inferences of weathering rates from laboratory and field observations suggest significant scale and time-dependence. Preferential flow induced by heterogeneity (manifest as permeability variations or discrete fractures) has been suggested as one potential mechanism causing scale/time-dependence. In this paper, we present a quantitative evaluation of the influence of preferential flow on weathering rates using reactive transport modeling. Simulations were performed in discrete fracture networks (DFNs) and correlated random permeability fields (CRPFs), and compared to simulations in homogeneous permeability fields. The simulations reveal spatial variability in the weathering rate, multidimensional distribution of reactions zones, and the formation of rough weathering interfaces andmore » corestones due to preferential flow. In the homogeneous fields and CRPFs, the domain-averaged weathering rate is initially constant as long as the weathering front is contained within the domain, reflecting equilibrium-controlled behavior. The behavior in the CRPFs was influenced by macrodispersion, with more spread-out weathering profiles, an earlier departure from the initial constant rate and longer persistence of weathering. DFN simulations exhibited a sustained time-dependence resulting from the formation of diffusion-controlled weathering fronts in matrix blocks, which is consistent with the shrinking core mechanism. A significant decrease in the domain-averaged weathering rate is evident despite high remaining mineral volume fractions, but the decline does not follow a math formula dependence, characteristic of diffusion, due to network scale effects and advection-controlled behavior near the inflow boundary. Finally, the DFN simulations also reveal relatively constant horizontally averaged weathering rates over a significant depth range, challenging the very notion of a weathering front.« less

Comparative performance of fixed-film biological filters: Application of reactor theory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Watten, B.J.; Sibrell, P.L.

2006-01-01

Nitrification is classified as a two-step consecutive reaction where R1 represents the rate of formation of the intermediate product NO2-N and R2 represents the rate of formation of the final product NO3-N. The relative rates of R1 and R2 are influenced by reactor type characterized hydraulically as plug-flow, plug-flow with dispersion and mixed-flow. We develop substrate conversion models for fixed-film biofilters operating in the first-order kinetic regime based on application of chemical reactor theory. Reactor type, inlet conditions and the biofilm kinetic constants Ki (h-1) are used to predict changes in NH4-N, NO2-N, NO3-N and BOD5. The inhibiting effects of the latter on R1 and R2 were established based on the ?? relation, e.g.:{A formula is presented}where BOD5,max is the concentration that causes nitrification to cease and N is a variable relating Ki to increasing BOD5. Conversion models were incorporated in spreadsheet programs that provided steady-state concentrations of nitrogen and BOD5 at several points in a recirculating aquaculture system operating with input values for fish feed rate, reactor volume, microscreen performance, make-up and recirculating flow rates. When rate constants are standardized, spreadsheet use demonstrates plug-flow reactors provide higher rates of R1 and R2 than mixed-flow reactors thereby reducing volume requirements for target concentrations of NH4-N and NO2-N. The benefit provided by the plug-flow reactor varies with hydraulic residence time t as well as the effective vessel dispersion number, D/??L. Both reactor types are capable of providing net increases in NO2-N during treatment but the rate of decrease in the mixed-flow case falls well behind that predicted for plug-flow operation. We show the potential for a positive net change in NO2-N increases with decreases in the dimensionless ratios K2, (R2 )/K1,( R1 ) and [NO2-N]/[NH4-N] and when the product K1, (R1) t provides low to moderate NH4-N conversions. Maintaining high levels of the latter reduces the effective reactor utilization rate (%) defined here as (RNavg/RNmax)100 where RNavg is the mean reactive nitrogen concentration ([NH4-N] + [NO2-N]) within the reactor, and RNmax represents the feed concentration of the same. Low utilization rates provide a hedge against unexpected increases in substrate loading and reduce water pumping requirements but force use of elevated reactor volumes. Further ?? effects on R1 and R2 can be reduced through use of a tanks-in-series versus a single mixed-flow reactor configuration and by improving the solids removal efficiency of microscreen treatment.

Experimental study on flowing burning behaviors of a pool fire with dripping of melted thermoplastics.

PubMed

Xie, Qiyuan; Tu, Ran; Wang, Nan; Ma, Xin; Jiang, Xi

2014-02-28

The objective of this work is to quantitatively investigate the dripping-burning and flowing fire of thermoplastics. A new experimental setup is developed with a heating vessel and a T-trough. Hot thermoplastic liquids are generated in the vessel by electric heating. N2 gas is continuously injected into the vessel to avoid a sudden ignition of fuel in it. The detailed flowing burning behaviors of pool fire in the T-trough are analyzed through the measurements of the mass, heat flux and temperatures etc. The experimental results suggest that a continuous dripping of melted thermoplastic liquids in a nearly constant mass rate can be successfully made in the new setup. It also shows that the mass dripping rate of melted PS liquid is smaller than PP and PE since its large viscosity. In addition, the flame spread velocities of hot liquids of PS in the T-trough are also smaller than that of PP and PE because of its large viscosity. The mass burning rate of the PP and PE pool fire in T-trough are smaller than PS. Finally, considering the heating, melting, dripping and flowing burning behaviors of these polymers, it is suggested that the fire hazard of PE and PP are obviously higher than PS for their faster flowing burning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decomposing the effect of crime on population changes.

PubMed

Foote, Andrew

2015-04-01

This article estimates the effect of crime on migration rates for counties in U.S. metropolitan areas and makes three contributions to the literature. First, I use administrative data on migration flows between counties, which gives me more precise estimates of population changes than data used in previous studies. Second, I am able to decompose net population changes into gross migration flows in order to identify how individuals respond to crime rate changes. Finally, I include county-level trends so that my identification comes from shocks away from the trend. I find effects that are one-fiftieth the size of the most prominent estimate in the literature; and although the long-run effects are somewhat larger, they are still only approximately one-twentieth as large. I also find that responses to crime rates differ by subgroups, and that increases in crime cause white households to leave the county, with effects almost 10 times as large as for black households.

Modeling validation and control analysis for controlled temperature and humidity of air conditioning system.

PubMed

Lee, Jing-Nang; Lin, Tsung-Min; Chen, Chien-Chih

2014-01-01

This study constructs an energy based model of thermal system for controlled temperature and humidity air conditioning system, and introduces the influence of the mass flow rate, heater and humidifier for proposed control criteria to achieve the controlled temperature and humidity of air conditioning system. Then, the reliability of proposed thermal system model is established by both MATLAB dynamic simulation and the literature validation. Finally, the PID control strategy is applied for controlling the air mass flow rate, humidifying capacity, and heating, capacity. The simulation results show that the temperature and humidity are stable at 541 sec, the disturbance of temperature is only 0.14 °C, 0006 kg(w)/kg(da) in steady-state error of humidity ratio, and the error rate is only 7.5%. The results prove that the proposed system is an effective controlled temperature and humidity of an air conditioning system.

Hydrodynamic Assists Magnetophoreses Rare Cancer cells Separation in Microchannel Simulation and Experimental Verifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, O.; Duru, L.; Yulin, D.

2018-05-01

A proposed microfluidic design has been fabricated and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software, based on two physical models included in this design. The device’s ability to create a narrow stream of the core sample by controlling the sheath flow rates Qs1 and Qs2 in both peripheral channels was investigated. The main target of this paper is to study the possibility of combing the hydrodynamic and magnetic techniques, in order to achieve a high rate of cancer cells separation from a cell mixture and/or buffer sample. The study has been conducted in two stages, firstly, the effects of the sheath flow rates (Qs1 and Qs2) on the sample stream focusing were studied, to find the proposed device effectiveness optimal conditions and its capability in cell focusing, and then the magnetic mechanism has been utilized to finalize the pre-labelled cells separation process.

Modeling Validation and Control Analysis for Controlled Temperature and Humidity of Air Conditioning System

PubMed Central

Lee, Jing-Nang; Lin, Tsung-Min

2014-01-01

This study constructs an energy based model of thermal system for controlled temperature and humidity air conditioning system, and introduces the influence of the mass flow rate, heater and humidifier for proposed control criteria to achieve the controlled temperature and humidity of air conditioning system. Then, the reliability of proposed thermal system model is established by both MATLAB dynamic simulation and the literature validation. Finally, the PID control strategy is applied for controlling the air mass flow rate, humidifying capacity, and heating, capacity. The simulation results show that the temperature and humidity are stable at 541 sec, the disturbance of temperature is only 0.14°C, 0006 kgw/kgda in steady-state error of humidity ratio, and the error rate is only 7.5%. The results prove that the proposed system is an effective controlled temperature and humidity of an air conditioning system. PMID:25250390

Evaporation of ice in planetary atmospheres - Ice-covered rivers on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, D.; Sagan, C.

1979-01-01

The existence of ice covered rivers on Mars is considered. It is noted that the evaporation rate of water ice on the surface of a planet with an atmosphere involves an equilibrium between solar heating and radiative and evaporative cooling of the ice layer. It is determined that even with a mean Martian insolation rate above the ice of approximately 10 to the -8th g per sq cm/sec, a flowing channel of liquid water will be covered by ice which evaporates sufficiently slowly that the water below can flow for hundreds of kilometers even with modest discharges. Evaporation rates are calculated for a range of frictional velocities, atmospheric pressures, and insolations and it is suggested that some subset of observed Martian channels may have formed as ice-choked rivers. Finally, the exobiological implications of ice covered channels or lakes on Mars are discussed.

Chromate reduction and heavy metal fixation in soil. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwitzgebel, K.

In situ reduction of chromates and the fixation of the metals Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni in soil was investigated using Fe II and soluble silica. Fe II fulfills two functions. It reduces chromates (CrVI) at soil pH to CrIII and the reaction products, Fe(OH){sub 3} and Cr(OH){sub 3}, coprecipitate/adsorb heavy metals. In the absence of CrVI iron is added as FeIII. Destabilized silica also fulfills two functions. It reacts with the metal and metal hydroxides and reduces the soil permeability. The leaching rate (mg/m{sup 2}s) of a metal is the product of leachate flow rate ({ell}/M{sup 2}s)more » and the leachate concentration (mg/{ell}). The leachate flow rate is directly proportional to the hydraulic coefficient (Darcy`s Law). Treatment with destabilized silica reduces the hydraulic coefficient of virgin soil (K{sub h} = 10{sup {minus}2}...10{sup {minus}4}) to K{sub h}=10{sup {minus}7} (cm/s) resulting in a flow rate reduction of 3--5 orders of magnitude. Iron plus silica treatment results in a leachate concentration reduction of up to 2 orders of magnitude (Cr:95--99%;Pb:99%;Zn 95--99%; Cd:93--99%; Ni:75--94%). Combined effect of flow rate reduction and leachate concentration reduction results in a potential leaching rate reduction of five to seven orders of magnitude. Iron-silica treatment may be developed into an efficient containment technology, provided the silica gel integrity does not change with time.« less

Perception and Control of Simulated Self Motion. Final Report for the Period April 1983-March 1987.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owen, Dean H.; And Others

This report includes three experiment sections. The first experiment tested sensitivity to loss in altitude and demonstrated that: (1) preview effects led to adaptation; (2) sensitivity decreased with higher flow rates; and (3) sensitivity increased with higher optical texture densities and fractional loss. The second and third experiments…

76 FR 8637 - Medical Devices; Medical Device Data Systems

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... would alter the parameters on an infusion pump. The MDDS could pass that control signal to the infusion... proposed Sec. 880.6310(a). Commenters also asked whether a system that sends data to an infusion pump to... signal to an infusion pump to control the flow rate would not be an MDDS because, as the revised final...

Tracking lava flow emplacement on the east rift zone of Kilauea, Hawai'i with InSAR coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietterich, H. R.; Schmidt, D. A.; Poland, M. P.; Cashman, K. V.

2010-12-01

Remote sensing of lava flows from the Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianaha eruption on the east rift zone of Kilauea serves to document the ongoing eruption, while yielding insights into how lava flow fields develop. InSAR is widely used to measure deformation by detecting minute changes in ground surfaces that stay correlated during repeat observations. The eruption and emplacement of fresh lava on the surface, however, disrupts the coherence of the radar echoes, allowing the area of these flows to be mapped with InSAR coherence images. We use InSAR correlation to visualize surface flow activity from 2003-2010 in order to quantify eruption rates and explore lava flow behavior from emplacement onward. This method for mapping flows does not require daylight, cloudless skies, or access to the active flow fields that is necessary for traditional visual surveys. We produce coherence maps for hundreds of 35 to 105-day periods from twelve tracks of ENVISAT SAR data using the GAMMA software package. By combining these coherence maps we create a unique dataset with which to develop this technique and amass lava flow observations. Where correlation images overlap in time, they are summed and normalized to derive a time series of surface coherence with a spatial resolution of 20 meters and a temporal resolution of as little as a few days. We identify existing stable flows by their high radar coherence, and determine a coherence threshold that is applied to each correlation image. This threshold is calibrated so as to reduce the effects of varying baseline, time duration, and atmospheric effects between images, as well as decorrelation due to vegetation. The final images illustrate lava flow activity that corresponds well with surface flow outlines and tube locations recorded by the USGS mapping effort. The InSAR-derived results serve to enhance these traditional maps by documenting pixel-scale changes over time. When compared with forward looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imagery, pixel decorrelation can be related to specific styles of activity, including surface breakouts or deformation, where field examination is difficult. We analyze these detailed snapshots of the flows to derive estimates of flow parameters, including effusion rates, lava flow areas and volumes, and surface lava flow activity over time, which provides a means of examining controls on flow paths, advance rates, and morphologies. We find that once emplaced, flows remain decorrelated for months before becoming correlated again in a piecewise fashion, suggesting that correlation rate may be dependent on thickness and cooling rate. As the eruption continues, this ever-expanding dataset has great potential for remotely capturing quantitative data from an active flow field and improving our knowledge of lava flows and their hazards.

Packaged peristaltic micropump for controlled drug delivery application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinayakumar, K. B.; Nadiger, Girish; R. Shetty, Vikas; Dinesh, N. S.; Nayak, M. M.; Rajanna, K.

2017-01-01

Micropump technology has evolved significantly in the last two decades and is finding a variety of applications ranging from μTAS (micro Total Analysis System) to drug delivery. However, the application area of the micropump is limited owing to: simple pumping mechanism, ease of handling, controlled (microliter to milliliter) delivery, continuous delivery, and accuracy in flow rate. Here, the author presents the design, development, characterization, and precision flow controlling of a DC-motor driven peristaltic pump for controlled drug delivery application. All the micropump components were fabricated using the conventional fabrication technique. The volume flow variation of the pump has been characterized for different viscous fluids. The change in volume flow due to change in back pressure has been presented in detail. The fail-safe mode operation of the pump has been tested and leak rate was measured (˜0.14% leak for an inlet pressure of 140 kPa) for different inlet pressures. The precision volume flow of the pump has been achieved by measuring the pinch cam position and load current. The accuracy in the volume flow has been measured after 300 rotations. Finally, the complete system has been integrated with the necessary electronics and an android application has been developed for the self-administration of bolus and basal delivery of insulin.

Localized reactive flow in carbonate rocks: Core-flood experiments and network simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haoyue; Bernabé, Yves; Mok, Ulrich; Evans, Brian

2016-11-01

We conducted four core-flood experiments on samples of a micritic, reef limestone from Abu Dhabi under conditions of constant flow rate. The pore fluid was water in equilibrium with CO2, which, because of its lowered pH, is chemically reactive with the limestone. Flow rates were between 0.03 and 0.1 mL/min. The difference between up and downstream pore pressures dropped to final values ≪1 MPa over periods of 3-18 h. Scanning electron microscope and microtomography imaging of the starting material showed that the limestone is mostly calcite and lacks connected macroporosity and that the prevailing pores are few microns large. During each experiment, a wormhole formed by localized dissolution, an observation consistent with the decreases in pressure head between the up and downstream reservoirs. Moreover, we numerically modeled the changes in permeability during the experiments. We devised a network approach that separated the pore space into competing subnetworks of pipes. Thus, the problem was framed as a competition of flow of the reactive fluid among the adversary subnetworks. The precondition for localization within certain time is that the leading subnetwork rapidly becomes more transmissible than its competitors. This novel model successfully simulated features of the shape of the wormhole as it grew from few to about 100 µm, matched the pressure history patterns, and yielded the correct order of magnitude of the breakthrough time. Finally, we systematically studied the impact of changing the statistical parameters of the subnetworks. Larger mean radius and spatial correlation of the leading subnetwork led to faster localization.

Laboratory Studies of Chemical and Photochemical Processes Relevant to Stratospheric Ozone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villalta, P. W.; Zahniser, M. S.; Nelson, D. D.; Kolb, C. E.

1998-01-01

This is the final report for this project. Its purpose is to reduce the uncertainty in rate coefficients for key gas-phase kinetic processes which impact our understanding of stratospheric ozone. The main emphasis of this work is on measuring the rate coefficients for the reactions of HO2 + O3, and HO2 + NO2 in the temperature range (200-240 K) relevant to the lower stratosphere. In order to accomplish this, a high pressure turbulent flow tube reactor was built and its flow characteristics were quantified. The instrument was coupled with tunable diode laser spectroscopy for HO2 detection. Room temperature measurements of the HO2 + NO2 rate coefficients over the pressure range of 50-300 torr agree well with previous measurements. Preliminary measurements of the HO2 + O, rate coefficients at 50 - 300 Torr over the temperature range of 208-294 K agree with the NASA evaluation from 294-225 K but deviate significantly (50 % higher) at approximately 210 K.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chambers, Mark S.; Posner, Marshall; Jones, Christopher Uwe

Purpose: To study the efficacy and safety of cevimeline in two double-blind trials (Studies 003 and 004) enrolling patients with head and neck cancer in whom xerostomia developed after radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive cevimeline, 30 mg three times daily, or placebo for 12 weeks, with the possibility of dose escalation to 45 mg three times daily at 6 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the patient's final global evaluation of oral dryness; change in unstimulated salivary flow was a secondary endpoint. Results: Five hundred seventy subjects (284 in Study 003 and 286 in Studymore » 004) were randomized. Significantly more cevimeline-treated subjects than placebo recipients (47.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.0162) in Study 003 reported improvement in dry mouth in the final global evaluation of oral dryness. No significant difference between groups in the final global evaluation was seen in Study 004, in which a high placebo response rate of 47.6% was observed. In both studies, cevimeline-treated subjects had significantly greater increases in the objective measure of unstimulated salivary flow than placebo recipients (p 0.0093 [Study 003] and p = 0.0215 [Study 004]), whereas no significant differences in stimulated salivary flow were observed. The most frequent adverse event was increased sweating. Conclusion: Cevimeline was well tolerated by patients with xerostomia after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, and oral administration of 30-45 mg of cevimeline three times daily increased unstimulated salivary flow.« less

Cevimeline for the treatment of postirradiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Chambers, Mark S; Posner, Marshall; Jones, Christopher Uwe; Biel, Merrill A; Hodge, Kenneth M; Vitti, Robert; Armstrong, Ingrid; Yen, Cindy; Weber, Randal S

2007-07-15

To study the efficacy and safety of cevimeline in two double-blind trials (Studies 003 and 004) enrolling patients with head and neck cancer in whom xerostomia developed after radiotherapy. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive cevimeline, 30 mg three times daily, or placebo for 12 weeks, with the possibility of dose escalation to 45 mg three times daily at 6 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the patient's final global evaluation of oral dryness; change in unstimulated salivary flow was a secondary endpoint. Five hundred seventy subjects (284 in Study 003 and 286 in Study 004) were randomized. Significantly more cevimeline-treated subjects than placebo recipients (47.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.0162) in Study 003 reported improvement in dry mouth in the final global evaluation of oral dryness. No significant difference between groups in the final global evaluation was seen in Study 004, in which a high placebo response rate of 47.6% was observed. In both studies, cevimeline-treated subjects had significantly greater increases in the objective measure of unstimulated salivary flow than placebo recipients (p = 0.0093 [Study 003] and p = 0.0215 [Study 004]), whereas no significant differences in stimulated salivary flow were observed. The most frequent adverse event was increased sweating. Cevimeline was well tolerated by patients with xerostomia after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, and oral administration of 30-45 mg of cevimeline three times daily increased unstimulated salivary flow.

Effect of binder burnout on the sealing performance of glass ceramics for solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertugrul, Tugrul Y.; Celik, Selahattin; Mat, Mahmut D.

2013-11-01

The glass ceramics composite sealants are among few materials suitable for the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to their high operating temperatures (600 °C-850 °C). The glass ceramics chemically bond to both the metallic interconnector and the ceramic electrolyte and provide a gas tight connection. A careful and several stages manufacturing procedure is required to obtain a gas tight sealing. In this study, effects of binder burnout process on the sealing performance are investigated employing commercially available glass ceramic powders. The glass ceramic laminates are produced by mixing glass ceramic powders with the organic binders and employing a tape casting method. The laminates are sandwiched between the metallic interconnectors of an SOFC cell. The burnout and subsequent sealing quality are analyzed by measuring leakage rate and final macrostructure of sealing region. The effects of heating rate, dead weight load, solid loading, carrier gas and their flow rates are investigated. It is found that sealing quality is affected from all investigated parameters. While a slower heating rate is required for a better burnout, the mass flow rate of sweep gas must be adequate for removal of the burned gas. The leakage rate is reduced to 0.1 ml min-1 with 2 °C min-1 + 1 °C min-1 heating rate, 86.25% solid loading, 200 N dead weight load and 500 ml min-1 sweep gas flow rate.

Landau-Squire jet as a versatile probe to measure flow rate through individual nanochannel and nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Secchi, Eleonora; Marbach, Sophie; Siria, Alessandro; Bocquet, Lyderic

2015-11-01

Over the last decade, nanometric sized channels have been intensively investigated since new model of fluid transport are expected due to the flow confinement at the nanometric scale. Nanoconfinement generates new phenomena, such as superfast flows in carbon nanotubes and slippage over smooth surfaces. However, a major challenge of nanofluidics lies in fabricating nanoscale fluidic devices and developing new velocimetry techniques able to measure flow rates down to femtoL/s. In this work we report the experimental study of the velocity fields generated by pressure driven flow from glass nanochannel with a diameter ranging from 1 μm to 100nm. The flow emerging from these channels can be described by the classical Landau-Squire solution of the Navier-Stokes equation for a point jet. We show that due to the peculiarity of this flow, it can be used as an efficient probe to characterize the permeability of nanochannels. Velocity field is measured experimentally seeding the fluid in the reservoir with 500 nm Polystyrene particles and measuring the velocity with a standard PIV algorithm. Predictions are tested for nanochannels of several dimensions and supported by ionic current measurement. This demonstrates that this technique is a powerful tool to characterize the flow through nanochannels. We finally apply this method to the measurement of the flow emerging from a single carbon nanotube inserted in the nanochannels and present first data of permeability measurement through a single nanotube.

Numerical determination of lateral loss coefficients for subchannel analysis in nuclear fuel bundles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sin Kim; Goon-Cherl Park

1995-09-01

An accurate prediction of cross-flow based on detailed knowledge of the velocity field in subchannels of a nuclear fuel assembly is of importance in nuclear fuel performance analysis. In this study, the low-Reynolds number {kappa}-{epsilon} turbulence model has been adopted in two adjacent subchannels with cross-flow. The secondary flow is estimated accurately by the anisotropic algebraic Reynolds stress model. This model was numerically calculated by the finite element method and has been verified successfully through comparison with existing experimental data. Finally, with the numerical analysis of the velocity field in such subchannel domain, an analytical correlation of the lateral lossmore » coefficient is obtained to predict the cross-flow rate in subchannel analysis codes. The correlation is expressed as a function of the ratio of the lateral flow velocity to the donor subchannel axial velocity, recipient channel Reynolds number and pitch-to-diameter.« less

Photogrammetric and Global Positioning System Measurements of Active Pahoehoe Lava Lobe Emplacement on Kilauea, Hawaii

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, Christopher W.; Glaze, Lori S.; James, Mike R.; Baloga, Stephen M.; Fagents, Sarah A.

2012-01-01

Basalt is the most common rock type on the surface of terrestrial bodies throughout the solar system and -- by total volume and areal coverage -- pahoehoe flows are the most abundant form of basaltic lava in subaerial and submarine environments on Earth. A detailed understanding of pahoehoe emplacement processes is necessary for developing accurate models of flow field development, assessing hazards associated with active lava flows, and interpreting the significance of lava flow morphology on Earth and other planetary bodies. Here, we examine the active emplacement of pahoehoe lobes along the margins of the Hook Flow from Pu'u 'O'o on Kilauea, Hawaii. Topographic data were acquired between 21 and 23 February 2006 using stereo-imaging and differential global positing system (DGPS) measurements. During this time, the average discharge rate for the Hook Flow was 0.01-0.05 cubic m/s. Using stereogrammetric point clouds and interpolated digital terrain models (DTMs), active flow fronts were digitized at 1 minute intervals. These areal spreading maps show that the lava lobe grew by a series of breakouts tha t broadly fit into two categories: narrow (0.2-0.6 m-wide) toes that grew preferentially down-slope, and broad (1.4-3.5 m-wide) breakouts that formed along the sides of the lobe, nearly perpendicular to the down-flow axis. These lobes inflated to half of their final thickness within approx 5 minutes, with a rate of inflation that generally deceased with time. Through a combination of down-slope and cross-slope breakouts, lobes developed a parabolic cross-sectional shape within tens of minutes. We also observed that while the average local discharge rate for the lobe was generally constant at 0.0064 +/- 0.0019 cubic m/s, there was a 2 to 6 fold increase in the areal coverage rate every 4.1 +/- 0.6 minutes. We attribute this periodicity to the time required for the dynamic pressurization of the liquid core of the lava lobe to exceed the cooling-induced strength of the lobe margins. Using DGPS-derived DTMs of the topography before and after pahoehoe lobe emplacement, we observed that the lava typically concentrated within existing topographic lows, with the lobe reaching a maximum thickness of approx 1.2 m above the lowest points of the initial topography and above reverse-facing slopes. Lobe margins were typically controlled by high-standing topography, with the zone directly adjacent to the final flow margin having average relief that is approx 4 cm higher than the lava-inundated region. This suggests that irregularities approx 25% of the height of the smallest breakout elements (i.e., toes) can exert a strong control on the paths of low-discharge pahoehoe lobes, with stagnated toes forming confining margins that allow interior portions of flow to topographically invert the landscape by inflation.

A catheter-type flow sensor for measurement of aspirated- and inspired-air characteristics in the bronchial region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shikida, M.; Naito, J.; Yokota, T.; Kawabe, T.; Hayashi, Y.; Sato, K.

2009-10-01

We developed a novel catheter-type flow sensor for measuring the aspirated- and inspired-air characteristics trans-bronchially. An on-wall in-tube thermal flow sensor is mounted inside the tube, and it is used as a measurement tool in a bronchoscope. The external diameter of the tube is less than a few mm, and therefore, it can evaluate the flow characteristics in the small bronchial region. We newly developed a fabrication process to miniaturize it to less than 2.0 mm in the external diameter by using a heat shrinkable tube. A film sensor fabricated by photolithography was inserted into the tube by hand. By applying a heat shrinking process, the film was automatically mounted on the inner wall surface, and the outer size of the tube was miniaturized to almost half its original size. The final inner and outer diameters of the tube were 1.0 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively. The relationship between the input power of the sensor and the flow rate obeyed King's equation in both forward and reverse flow conditions. The sensor output dependence on ambient temperature was also studied, and the curve obtained at 39.2 °C was used as the calibration curve in animal experiments. The sensor characteristics under reciprocating flow were studied by using a ventilator, and we confirmed that the sensor was able to measure the reciprocating flow at 2.0 Hz. Finally, we successfully measured the aspirated- and inspired-air characteristics in the air passage of a rat.

Mercury Transport Modeling of the Carson River System, Nevada: An Investigation of Total and Dissolved Species and Associated Uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, R. W.; Warwick, J. J.

2009-12-01

Past mercury modeling studies of the Carson River-Lahontan Reservoir (CRLR) system have focused on total Hg and total MeHg transport in the Carson River, most of which is cycled through the river via sediment transport processes of bank erosion and over bank deposition during higher flow events. Much less attention has been given to low flow events and dissolved species. Four flow regimes are defined to capture significant mechanisms of mercury loading for total and dissolved species at all flow regimes. For extremely low flows, only gradient driven diffusion of mercury from the bottom sediments occurs. At low flows, diffusional loads are augmented with turbulent mixing of channel bed material. Mercury loading into the river during medium to higher flows is driven by bank erosion process, but flows remain within the confines of the river’s channel. Finally, mercury cycling during overbank flows is dominated by both bank erosion as well as floodplain deposition. Methylation and demethylation are allowed to occur in the channel and reservoir bed sediments as well as in channel bank sediments and are described by the first order kinetic equations using observed methylation and demethylation rates. Calibration and verification is divided into geomorphic as well as mercury geochemical and transport processes with evaluation done for pre- and post- 1997 flood conditions to determine systematic changes to mercury cycling as a result of the January 1997 flood. Preliminary results for a Monte Carlo simulation are presented. Monte Carlo couples output uncertainty due to ranges in bank erosion rates, inorganic mercury in the channel banks, floodplain transport capacity during over bank flows, methylation and demethylation rates and diffusional distance in the reservoir bottom sediments. Uncertainty is compared to observed variability in water column mercury concentrations and discussed in the context of flow regime and reservoir residence time.

Continuous, size and shape-control synthesis of hollow silica nanoparticles enabled by a microreactor-assisted rapid mixing process.

PubMed

He, Yujuan; Kim, Ki-Joong; Chang, Chih-Hung

2017-06-09

Hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs) were synthesized using a microreactor-assisted system with a hydrodynamic focusing micromixer. Due to the fast mixing of each precursor in the system, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) thermodynamic-locked (TML) conformations were protected from their random aggregations by the immediately initiated growth of silica shells. When altering the mixing time through varying flow rates and flow rate ratios, the different degrees of the aggregation of PAA TML conformations were observed. The globular and necklace-like TML conformations were successfully captured by modifying the PAA concentration at the optimized mixing condition. Uniform HSNPs with an average diameter ∼30 nm were produced from this system. COMSOL numerical models was established to investigate the flow and concentration profiles, and their effects on the formation of PAA templates. Finally, the quality and utility of these uniform HSNPs were demonstrated by the fabrication of antireflective thin films on monocrystalline photovoltaic cells which showed a 3.8% increase in power conversion efficiency.

Continuous, size and shape-control synthesis of hollow silica nanoparticles enabled by a microreactor-assisted rapid mixing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yujuan; Kim, Ki-Joong; Chang, Chih-Hung

2017-06-01

Hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs) were synthesized using a microreactor-assisted system with a hydrodynamic focusing micromixer. Due to the fast mixing of each precursor in the system, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) thermodynamic-locked (TML) conformations were protected from their random aggregations by the immediately initiated growth of silica shells. When altering the mixing time through varying flow rates and flow rate ratios, the different degrees of the aggregation of PAA TML conformations were observed. The globular and necklace-like TML conformations were successfully captured by modifying the PAA concentration at the optimized mixing condition. Uniform HSNPs with an average diameter ∼30 nm were produced from this system. COMSOL numerical models was established to investigate the flow and concentration profiles, and their effects on the formation of PAA templates. Finally, the quality and utility of these uniform HSNPs were demonstrated by the fabrication of antireflective thin films on monocrystalline photovoltaic cells which showed a 3.8% increase in power conversion efficiency.

Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of AISI 422 Stainless Steel During Hot Deformation Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadabadi, R. Mohammadi; Naderi, M.; Mohandesi, J. Aghazadeh; Cabrera, Jose Maria

2018-02-01

In this work, hot compression tests were performed to investigate the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) process of a martensitic stainless steel (AISI 422) at temperatures of 950, 1000, 1050, 1100 and 1150 °C and strain rates of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 s-1. The dependency of strain-hardening rate on flow stress was used to estimate the critical stress for the onset of DRX. Accordingly, the critical stress to peak stress ratio was calculated as 0.84. Moreover, the effect of true strain was examined by fitting stress values to an Arrhenius type constitutive equation, and then considering material constants as a function of strain by using a third-order polynomial equation. Finally, two constitutive models were used to investigate the competency of the strain-dependent constitutive equations to predict the flow stress curves of the studied steel. It was concluded that one model offers better precision on the flow stress values after the peak stress, while the other model gives more accurate results before the peak stress.

Final report of the APMP water flow key comparison: APMP.M.FF-K1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kwang-Bock; Chun, Sejong; Terao, Yoshiya; Thai, Nguyen Hong; Tsair Yang, Cheng; Tao, Meng; Gutkin, Mikhail B.

2011-01-01

The key comparison, APMP.M.FF-K1, was undertaken by APMP/TCFF, the Technical Committee for Fluid Flow (TCFF) under the Asia Pacific Metrology Program (APMP). One objective of the key comparison was to demonstrate the degree of equivalence among six participating laboratories (KRISS, NMIJ, VMI, CMS, NIM and VNIIM) in water flow rate metrology by comparing the results with the key comparison reference value (KCRV) determined from the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison. The other objective of this key comparison was to provide supporting evidence for the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs), which had been declared by the participating laboratories during this key comparison. The Transfer Standard Package (TSP) was a Coriolis mass flowmeter, which had been used in the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison. Because the K-factors in the APMP.M.FF-K1 key comparison were slightly lower than the K-factors of the CCM.FF-K1 key comparison due to long-term drifts of the TSP, a correction value D was introduced. The value of D was given by a weighted sum between two link laboratories (NMIJ and KRISS), which participated in both the CCM.FF-K1 and the APMP.M.FF-K1 key comparisons. By this correction, the K-factors were laid between 12.004 and 12.017 at either low (Re = 254 000) or high (Re = 561 000) flow rates. Most of the calibration data were within expected uncertainty bounds. However, some data showed undulations, which gave large fluctuations of the metering factor at Re = 561 000. Calculation of degrees of equivalence showed that all the participating laboratories had deviations between -0.009 and 0.007 pulses/kg from the CCM.FF-K1 KCRV at either the low or the high flow rates. In case of En calculation, all the participating laboratories showed values less than 1, indicating that the corrected K-factors of all the laboratories were equivalent with the KCRV at both Re = 254 000 and 561 000. When the corrected K-factors from two participating laboratories were compared, all the numbers of equivalence showed values less than 1, indicating equivalence. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Prediction of Thrombus Growth: Effect of Stenosis and Reynolds Number.

PubMed

Hosseinzadegan, Hamid; Tafti, Danesh K

2017-06-01

Shear stresses play a major role in platelet-substrate interactions and thrombus formation and growth in blood flow, where under both pathological and physiological conditions platelet adhesion and accumulation occur. In this study, a shear-dependent continuum model for platelet activation, adhesion and aggregation is presented. The model was first verified under three different shear conditions and at two heparin levels. Three-dimensional simulations were then carried out to evaluate the performance of the model for severely damaged (stripped) aortas with mild and severe stenosis degrees in laminar flow regime. For these cases, linear shear-dependent functions were developed for platelet-surface and platelet-platelet adhesion rates. It was confirmed that the platelet adhesion rate is not only a function of Reynolds number (or wall shear rate) but also the stenosis severity of the vessel. General correlations for adhesion rates of platelets as functions of stenosis and Reynolds number were obtained based on these cases. Finally using the new platelet adhesion rates, the model was applied to different experimental systems and shown to agree well with measured platelet deposition.

Constitutive relations for determining the critical conditions for dynamic recrystallization behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choe, J. I.

2016-04-01

A series mathematical model has been developed for the prediction of flow stress and microstructure evolution during the hot deformation of metals such as copper or austenitic steels with low stacking fault energies, involving features of both diffusional flow and dislocation motion. As the strain rate increases, multiple peaks on the stress-strain curve decrease. At a high strain rate, the stress rises to a single peak, while dynamic recrystallization causes an oscillatory behavior. At a low strain rate (when there is sufficient time for the recrystallizing grains to grow before they become saturated with high dislocation density with an increase in strain rate), the difference in stored stress between recrystallizing and old grains diminishes, resulting in reduced driving force for grain growth and rendering smaller grains in the alloy. The final average grain size at the steady stage (large strain) increases with a decrease in the strain rate. During large strain deformation, grain size reduction accompanying dislocation creep might be balanced by the grain growth at the border delimiting the ranges of realization (field boundary) of the dislocation-creep and diffusion-creep mechanisms.

NMR imaging and hydrodynamic analysis of neutrally buoyant non-Newtonian slurry flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouillard, J. X.; Sinton, S. W.

The flow of solids loaded suspension in cylindrical pipes has been the object of intense experimental and theoretical investigations in recent years. These types of flows are of great interest in chemical engineering because of their important use in many industrial manufacturing processes. Such flows are for example encountered in the manufacture of solid-rocket propellants, advanced ceramics, reinforced polymer composites, in heterogeneous catalytic reactors, and in the pipeline transport of liquid-solids suspensions. In most cases, the suspension microstructure and the degree of solids dispersion greatly affect the final performance of the manufactured product. For example, solid propellant pellets need to be extremely-well dispersed in gel matrices for use as rocket engine solid fuels. The homogeneity of pellet dispersion is critical to allow good uniformity of the burn rate, which in turn affects the final mechanical performance of the engine. Today's manufacturing of such fuels uses continuous flow processes rather than batch processes. Unfortunately, the hydrodynamics of such flow processes is poorly understood and is difficult to assess because it requires the simultaneous measurements of liquid/solids phase velocities and volume fractions. Due to the recent development in pulsed Fourier Transform NMR imaging, NMR imaging is now becoming a powerful technique for the non intrusive investigation of multi-phase flows. This paper reports and exposes a state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical methodology that can be used to study such flows. The hydrodynamic model developed for this study is a two-phase flow shear thinning model with standard constitutive fluid/solids interphase drag and solids compaction stresses. this model shows good agreement with experimental data and the limitations of this model are discussed.

A numerical and experimental study of confined swirling jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikjooy, M.; Mongia, H. C.; Samuelsen, G. S.; Mcdonell, V. G.

1989-01-01

A numerical and experimental study of a confined strong swirling flow is presented. Detailed velocity measurements are made using a two-component laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) technique. Computations are performed using a differential second-moment (DSM) closure. The effect of inlet dissipation rate on calculated mean and turbulence fields is investigated. Various model constants are employed in the pressure-strain model to demonstrate their influences on the predicted results. Finally, comparison of the DSM calculations with the algebraic second-monent (ASM) closure results shows that the DSM is better suited for complex swirling flow analysis.

Inflated flows on Daedalia Planum (Mars)? Clues from a comparative analysis with the Payen volcanic complex (Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giacomini, L.; Massironi, M.; Martellato, E.; Pasquarè, G.; Frigeri, A.; Cremonese, G.

2009-05-01

Inflation is an emplacement process of lava flows, where a thin visco-elastic layer, produced at an early stage, is later inflated by an underlying fluid core. The core remains hot and fluid for extended period of time due to the thermal-shield effect of the surface visco-elastic crust. Plentiful and widespread morphological fingerprints of inflation like tumuli and lava rises are found on the Payen volcanic complex (Argentina), where pahoehoe lava flows extend over the relatively flat surface of the Pampean foreland and reach at least 180 km in length. The morphology of the Argentinean Payen flows were compared with lava flows on Daedalia Planum (Mars), using Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)/High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). THEMIS images were used to map the main geological units of Daedalia Planum and determine their stratigraphic relationships. MOLA data were used to investigate the topographic surface over which the flows propagated and assess the thickness of lava flows. Finally, MOC and MRO/HIRISE images were used to identify inflations fingerprints and assess the cratering age of the Daedalia Planum' s youngest flow unit which were found to predate the caldera formation on top of the Arsia Mons. The identification of similar inflation features between the Daedalia Planum and the Payen lava fields suggests that moderate and long lasting effusion rates coupled with very efficient spreading processes could have cyclically occurred in the Arsia Mons volcano during its eruptive history. Consequently the effusion rates and rheological proprieties of Daedalia lava flows, which do not take into account the inflation process, can be overestimated. These findings raise some doubts about the effusion rates and lava rheological properties calculated on Martian flows and recommends that these should be used with caution if applied on flows not checked with high-resolution images and potentially affected by inflation. Further HiRISE data acquisition will permit additional analysis of the flow surfaces and will allow more accurate estimates of effusion rates and rheological properties of the lava flows on Mars particularly if this data is acquired under a favourable illumination.

From convection rolls to finger convection in double-diffusive turbulence

PubMed Central

Verzicco, Roberto; Lohse, Detlef

2016-01-01

Double-diffusive convection (DDC), which is the buoyancy-driven flow with fluid density depending on two scalar components, is ubiquitous in many natural and engineering environments. Of great interests are scalars' transfer rate and flow structures. Here we systematically investigate DDC flow between two horizontal plates, driven by an unstable salinity gradient and stabilized by a temperature gradient. Counterintuitively, when increasing the stabilizing temperature gradient, the salinity flux first increases, even though the velocity monotonically decreases, before it finally breaks down to the purely diffusive value. The enhanced salinity transport is traced back to a transition in the overall flow pattern, namely from large-scale convection rolls to well-organized vertically oriented salt fingers. We also show and explain that the unifying theory of thermal convection originally developed by Grossmann and Lohse for Rayleigh–Bénard convection can be directly applied to DDC flow for a wide range of control parameters (Lewis number and density ratio), including those which cover the common values relevant for ocean flows. PMID:26699474

Using the developed cross-flow filtration chip for collecting blood plasma under high flow rate condition and applying the immunoglobulin E detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chia-Hsien; Hung, Chia-Wei; Wu, Chun-Han; Lin, Yu-Cheng

2014-09-01

This paper presents a cross-flow filtration chip for separating blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) and obtaining blood plasma from human blood. Our strategy is to flow the sample solution in parallel to the membrane, which can generate a parallel shear stress to remove the clogging microparticles on the membrane, so the pure sample solution is obtained in the reservoir. The cross-flow filtration chip includes a cross-flow layer, a Ni-Pd alloy micro-porous membrane, and a reservoir layer. The three layers are packaged in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) frame to create the cross-flow filtration chip. Various dilutions of the blood sample (original, 2 × , 3 × , 5 × , and 10×), pore sizes with different diameters (1 µm, 2 µm, 4 µm, 7 µm, and 10 µm), and different flow rates (1 mL/min, 3 mL/min, 5 mL/min, 7 mL/min, and 10 mL/min) are tested to determine their effects on filtration percentage. The best filtration percentage is 96.2% when the dilution of the blood sample is 10 × , the diameter of pore size of a Ni-Pd alloy micro-porous membrane is 2 µm, and the flow rate is 10 mL/min. Finally, for the clinical tests of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration, the cross-flow filtration chip is used to filter the blood of the allergy patients to obtain the blood plasma. This filtered blood plasma is compared with that obtained using the conventional centrifugation based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results reveal that these two blood separation methods have similar detection trends. The proposed filtration chip has the advantages of low cost, short filtration time, and easy operation and thus can be applied to the separation of microparticles, cells, bacteria, and blood.

Optical measurement of blood flow in exercising skeletal muscle: a pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Detian; Baker, Wesley B.; Parthasarathy, Ashwin B.; Zhu, Liguo; Li, Zeren; Yodh, Arjun G.

2017-07-01

Blood flow monitoring during rhythm exercising is very important for sports medicine and muscle dieases. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy(DCS) is a relative new invasive way to monitor blood flow but suffering from muscle fiber motion. In this study we focus on how to remove exercise driven artifacts and obtain accurate estimates of the increase in blood flow from exercise. Using a novel fast software correlator, we measured blood flow in forearm flexor muscles of N=2 healthy adults during handgrip exercise, at a sampling rate of 20 Hz. Combining the blood flow and acceleration data, we resolved the motion artifact in the DCS signal induced by muscle fiber motion, and isolated the blood flow component of the signal from the motion artifact. The results show that muscle fiber motion strongly affects the DCS signal, and if not accounted for, will result in an overestimate of blood flow more than 1000%. Our measurements indicate rapid dilation of arterioles following exercise onset, which enabled blood flow to increase to a plateau of 200% in 10s. The blood flow also rapidly recovered to baseline following exercise in 10s. Finally, preliminary results on the dependence of blood flow from exercise intensity changes will be discussed.

Final Report for research on The Glucose 6-Phosphate Shunt Around the Calvin-Benson Cycle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharkey, Thomas D.

In this research, photosynthetic carbon metabolism was studied to identify mechanisms by which plants store energy from sunlight as carbon compounds, especially sugars. Conditions were identified in which carbon appeared to flow backwards from outside the photosynthetic compartment (chloroplast) back into it. A specific gene product was manipulated to make the flow bigger or smaller. Preventing the flow (by eliminating the gene) had little effect on plant growth but increasing the flow, by overexpressing the gene, caused the plants to become extremely sensitive to changes in light. Plants with the gene overexpressed had high rates of cyclic electron flow, themore » photosynthetic electron transport pathway that occurs when plants need more of the energy molecule ATP. These and other observations led us to conclude that a metabolic pathway that is normally turned off because it is counter-productive during photosynthesis, in fact occurs at about 10% of the rate of normal photosynthesis. This creates an inefficiency but may stabilize photosynthesis allowing it to cope with the very large and rapid changes that leaves experience such as the hundred-fold changes in light intensity that can occur in seconds on a partly cloudy day. We also concluded that the back flow of carbon into chloroplasts could be important at high rates of photosynthesis allowing increased rates of starch synthesis. Starch synthesis allows plants to store sugars during the day for use at night. At high rates of photosynthesis starch synthesis becomes very important to protect against end-product inhibition of photosynthesis. This research identified two metabolic pathways that extend the primary carbon fixation pathway called the Calvin-Benson cycle. These pathway extensions are now called the cytosolic bypass and the glucose 6-phosphate shunt. This improvement in our understanding of carbon metabolism of photosynthesis will guide efforts to increase photosynthesis to increase production of food, fuel, and fiber.« less

Analysis of fast chlorophyll fluorescence rise (O-K-J-I-P) curves in green fruits indicates electron flow limitations at the donor side of PSII and the acceptor sides of both photosystems.

PubMed

Kalachanis, Dimitrios; Manetas, Yiannis

2010-07-01

Limited evidence up to now indicates low linear photosynthetic electron flow and CO(2) assimilation rates in non-foliar chloroplasts. In this investigation, we used chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to locate possible limiting steps in photosystem function in exposed, non-stressed green fruits (both pericarps and seeds) of three species, while corresponding leaves served as controls. Compared with leaves, fruit photosynthesis was characterized by less photon trapping and less quantum yields of electron flow, while the non-photochemical quenching was higher and potentially linked to enhanced carotenoid/chlorophyll ratios. Analysis of fast chlorophyll fluorescence rise curves revealed possible limitations both in the donor (oxygen evolving complex) and the acceptor (Q(A)(-)--> intermediate carriers) sides of photosystem II (PSII) indicating innately low PSII photochemical activity. On the other hand, PSI was characterized by faster reduction of its final electron acceptors and their small pool sizes. We argue that the fast reductive saturation of final PSI electron acceptors may divert electrons back to intermediate carriers facilitating a cyclic flow around PSI, while the partial inactivation of linear flow precludes strong reduction of plastoquinone. As such, the photosynthetic attributes of fruit chloroplasts may act to replenish the ATP lost because of hypoxia usually encountered in sink organs with high diffusive resistance to gas exchange.

Influence of Turbulent Flows in the Nozzle on Melt Flow Within a Slab Mold and Stability of the Metal-Flux Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderon-Ramos, Ismael; Morales, R. D.

2016-06-01

The design of the ports of a casting nozzle has profound effects on the fluid flow patterns in slab molds. The influence of these outlets have also considerable effects on the turbulent flow and turbulence variables inside the nozzle itself. To understand the effects of nozzle design, three approaches were employed: a theoretical analysis based on the turbulent viscosity hypothesis, dimensional analysis (both analyses aided by computer fluid dynamics), and experiments using particle image velocimetry. The first approach yields a linear relation between calculated magnitudes of scalar fields of ɛ (dissipation rate of kinetic energy) and k 2 (square of the turbulent kinetic energy), which is derived from the wall and the logarithmic-wall laws in the boundary layers. The smaller the slope of this linear relation is, the better the performance of a given nozzle is for maintaining the stability of the melt-flux interface. The second approach yields also a linear relation between flow rate of liquid metal and the cubic root of the dissipation rate of kinetic energy. In this case, the larger the slope of the linear relation is, the better the performance of a given nozzle is for maintaining the stability of the melt-flux interface. Finally, PIV measurements in a mold water model, together with equations for estimation of critical melt velocities for slag entrainment, were used to quantify the effects of nozzle design on the dynamics of the metal-slag interface. The three approaches agree in the characterization of turbulent flows in continuous casting molds using different nozzles.

UV DRIVEN EVAPORATION OF CLOSE-IN PLANETS: ENERGY-LIMITED, RECOMBINATION-LIMITED, AND PHOTON-LIMITED FLOWS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Owen, James E.; Alvarez, Marcelo A., E-mail: jowen@ias.edu

2016-01-01

We have investigated the evaporation of close-in exoplanets irradiated by ionizing photons. We find that the properties of the flow are controlled by the ratio of the recombination time to the flow timescale. When the recombination timescale is short compared to the flow timescale, the flow is in approximate local ionization equilibrium with a thin ionization front where the photon mean free path is short compared to the flow scale. In this “recombination-limited” flow the mass-loss scales roughly with the square root of the incident flux. When the recombination time is long compared to the flow timescale the ionization frontmore » becomes thick and encompasses the entire flow with the mass-loss rate scaling linearly with flux. If the planet's potential is deep, then the flow is approximately “energy-limited”; however, if the planet's potential is shallow, then we identify a new limiting mass-loss regime, which we term “photon-limited.” In this scenario, the mass-loss rate is purely limited by the incoming flux of ionizing photons. We have developed a new numerical approach that takes into account the frequency dependence of the incoming ionizing spectrum and performed a large suite of 1D simulations to characterize UV driven mass-loss around low-mass planets. We find that the flow is “recombination-limited” at high fluxes but becomes “energy-limited” at low fluxes; however, the transition is broad occurring over several orders of magnitude in flux. Finally, we point out that the transitions between the different flow types do not occur at a single flux value but depend on the planet's properties, with higher-mass planets becoming “energy-limited” at lower fluxes.« less

Development of a Model for Dynamic Recrystallization Consistent with the Second Derivative Criterion.

PubMed

Imran, Muhammad; Kühbach, Markus; Roters, Franz; Bambach, Markus

2017-11-02

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) processes are widely used in industrial hot working operations, not only to keep the forming forces low but also to control the microstructure and final properties of the workpiece. According to the second derivative criterion (SDC) by Poliak and Jonas, the onset of DRX can be detected from an inflection point in the strain-hardening rate as a function of flow stress. Various models are available that can predict the evolution of flow stress from incipient plastic flow up to steady-state deformation in the presence of DRX. Some of these models have been implemented into finite element codes and are widely used for the design of metal forming processes, but their consistency with the SDC has not been investigated. This work identifies three sources of inconsistencies that models for DRX may exhibit. For a consistent modeling of the DRX kinetics, a new strain-hardening model for the hardening stages III to IV is proposed and combined with consistent recrystallization kinetics. The model is devised in the Kocks-Mecking space based on characteristic transition in the strain-hardening rate. A linear variation of the transition and inflection points is observed for alloy 800H at all tested temperatures and strain rates. The comparison of experimental and model results shows that the model is able to follow the course of the strain-hardening rate very precisely, such that highly accurate flow stress predictions are obtained.

Development of a Model for Dynamic Recrystallization Consistent with the Second Derivative Criterion

PubMed Central

Imran, Muhammad; Kühbach, Markus; Roters, Franz; Bambach, Markus

2017-01-01

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) processes are widely used in industrial hot working operations, not only to keep the forming forces low but also to control the microstructure and final properties of the workpiece. According to the second derivative criterion (SDC) by Poliak and Jonas, the onset of DRX can be detected from an inflection point in the strain-hardening rate as a function of flow stress. Various models are available that can predict the evolution of flow stress from incipient plastic flow up to steady-state deformation in the presence of DRX. Some of these models have been implemented into finite element codes and are widely used for the design of metal forming processes, but their consistency with the SDC has not been investigated. This work identifies three sources of inconsistencies that models for DRX may exhibit. For a consistent modeling of the DRX kinetics, a new strain-hardening model for the hardening stages III to IV is proposed and combined with consistent recrystallization kinetics. The model is devised in the Kocks-Mecking space based on characteristic transition in the strain-hardening rate. A linear variation of the transition and inflection points is observed for alloy 800H at all tested temperatures and strain rates. The comparison of experimental and model results shows that the model is able to follow the course of the strain-hardening rate very precisely, such that highly accurate flow stress predictions are obtained. PMID:29099068

Dynamic rating curve assessment in hydrometric stations and calculation of the associated uncertainties : Quality and monitoring indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morlot, Thomas; Perret, Christian; Favre, Anne-Catherine

2013-04-01

Whether we talk about safety reasons, energy production or regulation, water resources management is one of EDF's (French hydropower company) main concerns. To meet these needs, since the fifties EDF-DTG operates a hydrometric network that includes more than 350 hydrometric stations. The data collected allow real time monitoring of rivers (hydro meteorological forecasts at points of interests), as well as hydrological studies and the sizing of structures. Ensuring the quality of stream flow data is a priority. A rating curve is an indirect method of estimating the discharge in rivers based on water level measurements. The value of discharge obtained thanks to the rating curve is not entirely accurate due to the constant changes of the river bed morphology, to the precision of the gaugings (direct and punctual discharge measurements) and to the quality of the tracing. As time goes on, the uncertainty of the estimated discharge from a rating curve « gets older » and increases: therefore the final level of uncertainty remains particularly difficult to assess. Moreover, the current EDF capacity to produce a rating curve is not suited to the frequency of change of the stage-discharge relationship. The actual method does not take into consideration the variation of the flow conditions and the modifications of the river bed which occur due to natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation and seasonal vegetation growth. In order to get the most accurate stream flow data and to improve their reliability, this study undertakes an original « dynamic» method to compute rating curves based on historical gaugings from a hydrometric station. A curve is computed for each new gauging and a model of uncertainty is adjusted for each of them. The model of uncertainty takes into account the inaccuracies in the measurement of the water height, the quality of the tracing, the uncertainty of the gaugings and the aging of the confidence intervals calculated with a variographic analysis. These rating curves enable to provide values of stream flow taking into account the variability of flow conditions, while providing a model of uncertainties resulting from the aging of the rating curves. By taking into account the variability of the flow conditions and the life of the hydrometric station, this original dynamic method can answer important questions in the field of hydrometry such as « How many gaugings a year have to be made so as to produce stream flow data with an average uncertainty of X% ? » and « When and in which range of water flow do we have to realize those gaugings ? ». KEY WORDS : Uncertainty, Rating curve, Hydrometric station, Gauging, Variogram, Stream Flow

Final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Barry M. Goldwater Range East Range Enhancements and Record of Decision for the Barry M. Goldwater Range East Range Enhancements, Final Environmental Impact Statement Dated November 26, 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-25

Unemployment rates in Yuma County have been historically high due to seasonal employment within the agriculture sector . In 2000, the San Lucy District of the...loader and where trees along the banks of the washes can be avoided. The source sites are highly ephemeral washes that are normally dry and flow only... Sector General Permit for the proposed sand and gravel operations. Water Resources Environmental Consequences: Effects on water resources are mostly

Newly developed photon-cell interactive Monte Carlo (pciMC) simulation for non-invasive and continuous diagnosis of blood during extracorporeal circulation support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakota, Daisuke; Takatani, Setsuo

2011-07-01

We have sought for non-invasive diagnosis of blood during the extracorporeal circulation support. To achieve the goal, we have newly developed a photon-cell interactive Monte Carlo (pciMC) model for optical propagation through blood. The pciMC actually describes the interaction of photons with 3-dimentional biconcave RBCs. The scattering is described by micro-scopical RBC boundary condition based on geometric optics. By using pciMC, we modeled the RBCs inside the extracorporeal circuit will be oriented by the blood flow. The RBCs' orientation was defined as their long axis being directed to the center of the circulation tube. Simultaneously the RBCs were allowed to randomly rotate about the long axis direction. As a result, as flow rate increased, the orientation rate increased and converged to approximately 22% at 0.5 L/min flow rate and above. And finally, by using this model, the pciMC non-invasively and absolutely predicted Hct and hemoglobin with the accuracies of 0.84+/-0.82 [HCT%] and 0.42+/-0.28 [g/dL] respectively against measurements by a blood gas analyzer.

Characterization on performance of micromixer using DC-biased AC electroosmosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Bi-O.; Song, Simon

2010-11-01

An active micromixer using DC-biased AC-Electroosmosis (ACEO) is investigated to figure out the effects of design parameters on the mixing performance. The mixer consists of a straight microchannel, with a cross section of 60 x 100 μm, and gold electrode pairs fabricated in the microchannel. The design parameters include the number of electrode pairs, flow rate, DC-biased voltage, AC voltage and AC frequency. First, we found that a mixing index became 80% 100 μm downstream of a single electrode pair with a length of 2 mm when applying a 25Vpp, 2.0 VDC, 100 kHz sine signal to the electrodes. With decreasing AC frequency, the mixing index is affected little. But the mixing index significantly increases with increasing either DC-biased voltage or AC voltage. Also, we were able to increase the mixing index up to 90% by introducing alternating vortices with multiple electrode pairs. Finally, we discovered that the mixing index decreases as the flow rate increases in the microchannel, and there is an optimal number of electrode pairs with respect to a flow rate. Detailed quantitative measurement results will be presented at the meeting.

Final Report: Cooling Seasonal Energy and Peak Demand Impacts of Improved Duct Insulation on Fixed-Capacity (SEER 13) and Variable-Capacity (SEER 22) Heat Pumps

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Withers, C.; Cummings, J.; Nigusse, B.

A new generation of full variable-capacity, central, ducted air-conditioning (AC) and heat pump units has come on the market, and they promise to deliver increased cooling (and heating) efficiency. They are controlled differently than standard single-capacity (fixed-capacity) systems. Instead of cycling on at full capacity and then cycling off when the thermostat is satisfied, they can vary their capacity over a wide range (approximately 40% to 118% of nominal full capacity), thus staying “on” for up to twice as many hours per day compared to fixed-capacity systems of the same nominal capacity. The heating and cooling capacity is varied bymore » adjusting the indoor fan air flow rate, compressor, and refrigerant flow rate as well as the outdoor unit fan air flow rate. Note that two-stage AC or heat pump systems were not evaluated in this research effort. The term dwell is used to refer to the amount of time distributed air spends inside ductwork during space-conditioning cycles. Longer run times mean greater dwell time and therefore greater exposure to conductive gains and losses.« less

Modeling constitutive behavior of a 15Cr-15Ni-2.2Mo-Ti modified austenitic stainless steel under hot compression using artificial neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Sumantra

2006-11-01

ABSTRACT In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN) model has been suggested to predict the constitutive flow behavior of a 15Cr-15Ni-2.2Mo-Ti modified austenitic stainless steel under hot deformation. Hot compression tests in the temperature range 850°C- 1250°C and strain rate range 10-3-102 s-1 were carried out. These tests provided the required data for training the neural network and for subsequent testing. The inputs of the neural network are strain, log strain rate and temperature while flow stress is obtained as output. A three layer feed-forward network with ten neurons in a single hidden layer and back-propagation learning algorithm has been employed. A very good correlation between experimental and predicted result has been obtained. The effect of temperature and strain rate on flow behavior has been simulated employing the ANN model. The results have been found to be consistent with the metallurgical trend. Finally, a monte carlo analiysis has been carried out to find out the noise sensitivity of the developed model.

Dispersion of ferrofluid aggregates in steady flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Alicia M.; Vlachos, Pavlos P.

2011-12-01

Using focused shadowgraphs, we investigate steady flows of a magnetically non-susceptible fluid interacting with ferrofluid aggregates comprised of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The ferrofluid aggregate is retained at a specific site within the flow channel using two different applied magnetic fields. The bulk flow induces shear stresses on the aggregate, which give rise to the development of interfacial disturbances, leading to Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instabilities and shedding of ferrofluid structures. Herein, the effects of bulk Reynolds number, ranging from 100 to 1000, and maximum applied magnetic fields of 1.2 × 105 and 2.4 × 105 A/m are investigated in the context of their impact on dispersion or removal of material from the core aggregate. The aggregate interaction with steady bulk flow reveals three regimes of aggregate dynamics over the span of Reynolds numbers studied: stable, transitional, and shedding. The first regime is characterized by slight aggregate stretching for low Reynolds numbers, with full aggregate retention. As the Reynolds number increases, the aggregate is in-transition between stable and shedding states. This second regime is characterized by significant initial stretching that gives way to small amplitude Kelvin-Helmholtz waves. Higher Reynolds numbers result in ferrofluid shedding, with Strouhal numbers initially between 0.2 and 0.3, wherein large vortical structures are shed from the main aggregate accompanied by precipitous decay of the accumulated ferrofluid aggregate. These behaviors are apparent for both magnetic field strengths, although the transitional Reynolds numbers are different between the cases, as are the characteristic shedding frequencies relative to the same Reynolds number. In the final step of this study, relevant parameters were extracted from the time series dispersion data to comprehensively quantify aggregate mechanics. The aggregate half-life is found to decrease as a function of the Reynolds number following a power law curve and can be scaled for different magnetic fields using the magnetic induction at the inner wall of the vessel. In addition, the decay rate of the ferrofluid is shown to be proportional to the wall shear rate. Finally, a dimensionless parameter, which scales the inertia-driven flow pressures, relative to the applied magnetic pressures, reveals a power law decay relationship with respect to the incident bulk flow.

Study of high strain rate plastic deformation of low carbon microalloyed steels using experimental observation and computational modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majta, J.; Zurek, A. K.; Trujillo, C. P.; Bator, A.

2003-09-01

This work presents validation of the integrated computer model to predict the impact of the microstructure evolution on the mechanical behavior of niobium-microalloyed steels under dynamic loading conditions. The microstructurally based constitutive equations describing the mechanical behavior of the mixed α and γ phases are proposed. It is shown that for a given finishing temperature and strain, the Nb steel exhibits strong influence of strain rate on the flow stress and final structure. This tendency is also observed in calculated results obtained using proposed modeling procedures. High strain rates influence the deformation mechanism and reduce the extent of recovery occurring during and after deformation and, in turn, increase the driving force for transformation. On the other hand, the ratio of nucleation rate to growth rate increases for lower strain rates (due to the higher number of nuclei that can be produced during an extended loading time) leading to the refined ferrite structure. However, as it was expected such behavior produces higher inhomogeneity in the final product. Multistage quasistatic compression tests and test using the Hopkinson Pressure Bar under different temperature, strain, and strain rate conditions, are used for verification of the proposed models.

Direct numerical simulation of the flow around an aerofoil in ramp-up motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosti, Marco E.; Omidyeganeh, Mohammad; Pinelli, Alfredo

2016-02-01

A detailed analysis of the flow around a NACA0020 aerofoil at Rec = 2 × 104 undergoing a ramp up motion has been carried out by means of direct numerical simulations. During the manoeuvre, the angle of attack is linearly varied in time between 0° and 20° with a constant rate of change of α ˙ rad = 0 . 12 U ∞ / c . When the angle of incidence has reached the final value, the lift experiences a first overshoot and then suddenly decreases towards the static stall asymptotic value. The transient instantaneous flow is dominated by the generation and detachment of the dynamic stall vortex, a large scale structure formed by the merging of smaller scales vortices generated by an instability originating at the trailing edge. New insights on the vorticity dynamics leading to the lift overshoot, lift crisis, and the damped oscillatory cycle that gradually matches the steady condition are discussed using a number of post-processing techniques. These include a detailed analysis of the flow ensemble average statistics and coherent structures identification carried out using the Q -criterion and the finite-time Lyapunov exponent technique. The results are compared with the one obtained in a companion simulation considering a static stall condition at the final angle of incidence α = 20°.

Numerical Simulation of Desulfurization Behavior in Gas-Stirred Systems Based on Computation Fluid Dynamics-Simultaneous Reaction Model (CFD-SRM) Coupled Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lou, Wentao; Zhu, Miaoyong

2014-10-01

A computation fluid dynamics-simultaneous reaction model (CFD-SRM) coupled model has been proposed to describe the desulfurization behavior in a gas-stirred ladle. For the desulfurization thermodynamics, different models were investigated to determine sulfide capacity and oxygen activity. For the desulfurization kinetic, the effect of bubbly plume flow, as well as oxygen absorption and oxidation reactions in slag eyes are considered. The thermodynamic and kinetic modification coefficients are proposed to fit the measured data, respectively. Finally, the effects of slag basicity and gas flow rate on the desulfurization efficiency are investigated. The results show that as the interfacial reactions (Al2O3)-(FeO)-(SiO2)-(MnO)-[S]-[O] simultaneous kinetic equilibrium is adopted to determine the oxygen activity, and the Young's model with the modification coefficient R th of 1.5 is adopted to determine slag sulfide capacity, the predicted sulfur distribution ratio LS agrees well with the measured data. With an increase of the gas blowing time, the predicted desulfurization rate gradually decreased, and when the modification parameter R k is 0.8, the predicted sulfur content changing with time in ladle agrees well with the measured data. If the oxygen absorption and oxidation reactions in slag eyes are not considered in this model, then the sulfur removal rate in the ladle would be overestimated, and this trend would become more obvious with an increase of the gas flow rate and decrease of the slag layer height. With the slag basicity increasing, the total desulfurization ratio increases; however, the total desulfurization ratio changes weakly as the slag basicity exceeds 7. With the increase of the gas flow rate, the desulfurization ratio first increases and then decreases. When the gas flow rate is 200 NL/min, the desulfurization ratio reaches a maximum value in an 80-ton gas-stirred ladle.

Mathematical Modeling of Fluid Flow in a Water Physical Model of an Aluminum Degassing Ladle Equipped with an Impeller-Injector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, Eudoxio Ramos; Zenit, Roberto; Rivera, Carlos González; Trápaga, Gerardo; Ramírez-Argáez, Marco A.

2013-04-01

In this work, a 3D numerical simulation using a Euler-Euler-based model implemented into a commercial CFD code was used to simulate fluid flow and turbulence structure in a water physical model of an aluminum ladle equipped with an impeller for degassing treatment. The effect of critical process parameters such as rotor speed, gas flow rate, and the point of gas injection (conventional injection through the shaft vs a novel injection through the bottom of the ladle) on the fluid flow and vortex formation was analyzed with this model. The commercial CFD code PHOENICS 3.4 was used to solve all conservation equations governing the process for this two-phase fluid flow system. The mathematical model was reasonably well validated against experimentally measured liquid velocity and vortex sizes in a water physical model built specifically for this investigation. From the results, it was concluded that the angular speed of the impeller is the most important parameter in promoting better stirred baths and creating smaller and better distributed bubbles in the liquid. The pumping effect of the impeller is increased as the impeller rotation speed increases. Gas flow rate is detrimental to bath stirring and diminishes the pumping effect of the impeller. Finally, although the injection point was the least significant variable, it was found that the "novel" injection improves stirring in the ladle.

Continuum modelling of segregating tridisperse granular chute flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zhekai; Umbanhowar, Paul B.; Ottino, Julio M.; Lueptow, Richard M.

2018-03-01

Segregation and mixing of size multidisperse granular materials remain challenging problems in many industrial applications. In this paper, we apply a continuum-based model that captures the effects of segregation, diffusion and advection for size tridisperse granular flow in quasi-two-dimensional chute flow. The model uses the kinematics of the flow and other physical parameters such as the diffusion coefficient and the percolation length scale, quantities that can be determined directly from experiment, simulation or theory and that are not arbitrarily adjustable. The predictions from the model are consistent with experimentally validated discrete element method (DEM) simulations over a wide range of flow conditions and particle sizes. The degree of segregation depends on the Péclet number, Pe, defined as the ratio of the segregation rate to the diffusion rate, the relative segregation strength κij between particle species i and j, and a characteristic length L, which is determined by the strength of segregation between smallest and largest particles. A parametric study of particle size, κij, Pe and L demonstrates how particle segregation patterns depend on the interplay of advection, segregation and diffusion. Finally, the segregation pattern is also affected by the velocity profile and the degree of basal slip at the chute surface. The model is applicable to different flow geometries, and should be easily adapted to segregation driven by other particle properties such as density and shape.

A tale of tails: Photon rates and flow in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions

DOE PAGES

McLerran, Larry; Schenke, Björn

2016-02-01

We consider the possibility that quark and gluon distributions in the medium created in high energy heavy ion collisions may be modified by a power law tail at energies much higher than the temperature. We parametrize such a tail by Tsallis distributions with an exponent motivated by phenomenology. These distributions are characterized by an effective temperature scale that we assume to evolve in time like the temperature for thermal distributions. We find that including such a tail increases the rates for photon production and significantly delays the emission times for photons of a fixed energy. Finally, we argue that thesemore » effects should modify photon yields and flow patterns in a way that will help the agreement of theoretical calculations with data from LHC and RHIC experiments.« less

Magma rheology from 3D geometry of martian lava flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allemand, P.; Deschamps, A.; Lesaout, M.; Delacourt, C.; Quantin, C.; Clenet, H.

2012-04-01

Volcanism is an important geologic agent which has been recently active at the surface of Mars. The composition of individual lava flows is difficult to infer from spectroscopic data because of the absence of crystallized minerals and the possible cover of the flows by dust. The 3D geometry of lava flows provides an interesting alternative to infer the chemical composition of lavas and effusion rates. Indeed, chemical composition exerts a strong control on the viscosity and yield strength of the magma and global geometry of lava flow reflects its emplacement rate. Until recently, these studies where realized from 2D data. The third dimension, which is a key parameter, was deduced or supposed from local shadow measurements on MGS Themis IR images with an uncertainty of more than 500%. Recent CTX data (MRO mission) allow to compute Digital Elevation Model at a resolution of 1 or 2 pixels (5 to 10 m) with the help of Isis and the Ames Stereo Pipeline pipe line. The CTX images are first transformed in format readable by Isis. The external geometric parameters of the CTX camera are computed and added to the image header with Isis. During a correlation phase, the homologous pixels are searched on the pair of stereo images. Finally, the DEM is computed from the position of the homologous pixels and the geometrical parameters of the CTX camera. Twenty DEM have been computed from stereo images showing lava flows of various ages on the region of Cerberus, Elyseum, Daedalia and Amazonis planitia. The 3D parameters of the lava flows have been measured on the DEMs and tested against shadows measurement. These 3D parameters have been inverted to estimate the viscosity and the yield strength of the flow. The effusion rate has also been estimated. These parameters have been compared to those of similar lava flows of the East Pacific rise.

Cooling and crystallization of rhyolite-obsidian lava: Insights from micron-scale projections on plagioclase microlites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Kyohei; Toramaru, Atsushi

2017-07-01

To reveal the cooling process of a rhyolite-obsidian flow, we studied the morphology of plagioclase microlites in the Tokachi-Ishizawa lava of Shirataki, northern Hokkaido, Japan, where the structure of the lava can be observed from obsidian at the base of the flow to the innermost rhyolite. Needle-like micron-scale textures, known as "projections", occur on the short side surfaces of the plagioclase microlites. Using FE-SEM we discovered a positive correlation between the lengths and spacings of these projections. On the basis of the instability theory of an interface between melt and crystal, and to understand the length and spacing data, we developed a model that explains the positive correlation and allows us to simultaneously estimate growth rates and growth times. Applying the model to our morphological data and the estimated growth rates and growth times, we suggest that the characteristics of the projections reflect the degree of undercooling, which in turn correlates with lava structure (the obsidian at the margin of the flow experienced a higher degree of undercooling than the interior rhyolite). The newly developed method provides insights into the degree of undercooling during the final stages of crystallization of a rhyolitic lava flow.

The interaction of two spheres in a simple-shear flow of complex fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firouznia, Mohammadhossein; Metzger, Bloen; Ovarlez, Guillaume; Hormozi, Sarah

2017-11-01

We study the interaction of two small freely-moving spheres in a linear flow field of Newtonian, shear thinning and yield stress fluids. We perform a series of experiments over a range of shear rates as well as different shear histories using an original apparatus and with the aid of conventional rheometry, Particle Image Velocimetry and Particle Tracking Velocimetry. Showing that the non-Newtonian nature of the suspending fluid strongly affects the shape of particle trajectories and the irreversibility. An important point is that non-Newtonian effects can be varied and unusual. Depending on the shear rate, nonideal shear thinning and yield stress suspending fluids might show elasticity that needs to be taken into account. The flow field around one particle is studied in different fluids when subjected to shear. Then using these results to explain the two particle interactions in a simple-shear flow we show how particle-particle contact and non-Newtonian behaviors result in relative trajectories with fore-aft asymmetry. Well-resolved velocity and stress fields around the particles are presented here. Finally, we discuss how the relative particle trajectories may affect the microstructure of complex suspensions and consequently the bulk rheology. NSF (Grant No. CBET-1554044-CAREER).

Ozone Disinfection of Vibrio vulnificus in Shrimp Pond Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyah Pita Rengga, Wara; Cahya Julyta Putri, Echa; Wulansarie, Ria; Suryanto, Agus

2018-03-01

One variety of shrimp, L.Vanamei, often uses brackish water during the operation in the shrimp pond. Chlorination and ultraviolet are usually used for disinfection of brackish water. However, it is ineffective and forms sediment in the water distribution. It can be a negative impact on the water quality cause a contamination on the shrimp, so the farmers might have loss of profit because Vibrio vulnificus causes infection and dead on the shrimp. It affects the safety of consumers and should be minimized. The purpose of this study is to reduce the number of V. vulnificus bacteria in the pond water. The water was put in the storage tanks then pumped to filter out the impurities of the water. Furthermore, the water set the flow rate in 1 LPM, 2 LPM, and 3 LPM. After that, the ozone was injected to the water flow to sterilize the V. vulnificus bacteria. Finally, the water was returned to the original tank. The water from the tank was taken through a valve and analyzed in 0, 3, 7, 12, 18, 24, 30 minutes. The sample was analyzed immediately using a Total Plate Count method to determine the number of V. vulnificus bacteria in the shrimp pond water. The flow rate shows that the longer time of ozone made a lower amount of Vibrio v. bacteria. In 2 LPM water, it shows the optimum results of V. vulnificus. bacteria reduction for 88.1% compared to the flow rate of 1 LPM and 3 LPM with the bacteria reduction of 68,8% and 70.6%. This study shows that the ozone with a flow rate of 2 LPM circulation is the most effective method to help reducing the number of V. vulnificus in brackish water distribution system in the shrimp environment and potentially as a disinfectant.

Velocity Fields of Axisymmetric Hydrogen-Air Counterflow Diffusion Flames from LDV, PIV, and Numerical Computation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, Gerald L.; Wilson, Lloyd G.; Humphreys, William M., Jr.; Bartram, Scott M.; Gartrell, Luther R.; Isaac, K. M.

1995-01-01

Laminar fuel-air counterflow diffusion flames (CFDFs) were studied using axisymmetric convergent-nozzle and straight-tube opposed jet burners (OJBs). The subject diagnostics were used to probe a systematic set of H2/N2-air CFDFs over wide ranges of fuel input (22 to 100% Ha), and input axial strain rate (130 to 1700 Us) just upstream of the airside edge, for both plug-flow and parabolic input velocity profiles. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) was applied along the centerline of seeded air flows from a convergent nozzle OJB (7.2 mm i.d.), and Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) was applied on the entire airside of both nozzle and tube OJBs (7 and 5 mm i.d.) to characterize global velocity structure. Data are compared to numerical results from a one-dimensional (1-D) CFDF code based on a stream function solution for a potential flow input boundary condition. Axial strain rate inputs at the airside edge of nozzle-OJB flows, using LDV and PIV, were consistent with 1-D impingement theory, and supported earlier diagnostic studies. The LDV results also characterized a heat-release hump. Radial strain rates in the flame substantially exceeded 1-D numerical predictions. Whereas the 1-D model closely predicted the max I min axial velocity ratio in the hot layer, it overpredicted its thickness. The results also support previously measured effects of plug-flow and parabolic input strain rates on CFDF extinction limits. Finally, the submillimeter-scale LDV and PIV diagnostics were tested under severe conditions, which reinforced their use with subcentimeter OJB tools to assess effects of aerodynamic strain, and fueVair composition, on laminar CFDF properties, including extinction.

Fluid Flow Prediction with Development System Interwell Connectivity Influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolshakov, M.; Deeva, T.; Pustovskikh, A.

2016-03-01

In this paper interwell connectivity has been studied. First of all, literature review of existing methods was made which is divided into three groups: Statistically-Based Methods, Material (fluid) Propagation-Based Methods and Potential (pressure) Change Propagation-Based Method. The disadvantages of the first and second groups are as follows: methods do not involve fluid flow through porous media, ignore any changes of well conditions (BHP, skin factor, etc.). The last group considers changes of well conditions and fluid flow through porous media. In this work Capacitance method (CM) has been chosen for research. This method is based on material balance and uses weight coefficients lambdas to assess well influence. In the next step synthetic model was created for examining CM. This model consists of an injection well and a production well. CM gave good results, it means that flow rates which were calculated by analytical method (CM) show matching with flow rate in model. Further new synthetic model was created which includes six production and one injection wells. This model represents seven-spot pattern. To obtain lambdas weight coefficients, the delta function was entered using by minimization algorithm. Also synthetic model which has three injectors and thirteen producer wells was created. This model simulates seven-spot pattern production system. Finally Capacitance method (CM) has been adjusted on real data of oil Field Ω. In this case CM does not give enough satisfying results in terms of field data liquid rate. In conclusion, recommendations to simplify CM calculations were given. Field Ω is assumed to have one injection and one production wells. In this case, satisfying results for production rates and cumulative production were obtained.

On a sparse pressure-flow rate condensation of rigid circulation models

PubMed Central

Schiavazzi, D. E.; Hsia, T. Y.; Marsden, A. L.

2015-01-01

Cardiovascular simulation has shown potential value in clinical decision-making, providing a framework to assess changes in hemodynamics produced by physiological and surgical alterations. State-of-the-art predictions are provided by deterministic multiscale numerical approaches coupling 3D finite element Navier Stokes simulations to lumped parameter circulation models governed by ODEs. Development of next-generation stochastic multiscale models whose parameters can be learned from available clinical data under uncertainty constitutes a research challenge made more difficult by the high computational cost typically associated with the solution of these models. We present a methodology for constructing reduced representations that condense the behavior of 3D anatomical models using outlet pressure-flow polynomial surrogates, based on multiscale model solutions spanning several heart cycles. Relevance vector machine regression is compared with maximum likelihood estimation, showing that sparse pressure/flow rate approximations offer superior performance in producing working surrogate models to be included in lumped circulation networks. Sensitivities of outlets flow rates are also quantified through a Sobol’ decomposition of their total variance encoded in the orthogonal polynomial expansion. Finally, we show that augmented lumped parameter models including the proposed surrogates accurately reproduce the response of multiscale models they were derived from. In particular, results are presented for models of the coronary circulation with closed loop boundary conditions and the abdominal aorta with open loop boundary conditions. PMID:26671219

Modeling the 2012-2013 lava flows of Tolbachik, Russia using thermal infrared satellite data and PyFLOWGO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramsey, M. S.; Chevrel, O.; Harris, A. J. L.

2017-12-01

Satellite-based thermal infrared (TIR) observations of new volcanic activity and ongoing lava flow emplacement become increasingly more detailed with improved spatial, spectral and/or temporal resolution data. The cooling of the glassy surface is directly imaged by TIR instruments in order to determine temperature, which is then used to initiate thermo-rheological-based models. Higher temporal resolution data (i.e., minutes to hours), are used to detect new eruptions and determine the time-averaged discharge rate (TADR). Calculation of the TADR along with new observations later in time and accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) enable modeling of the advancing flow's down-slope inundation area. Better spectral and spatial resolution data, on the other hand, allow the flow's composition, small-scale morphological changes and real-time DEMs to be determined, in addition to confirming prior model predictions. Combined, these data help improve the accuracy of models such as FLOWGO. A new adaptation of this model in python (PyFLOWGO) has been used to produce the best fit eruptive conditions to the final flow morphology for the 2012-2013 eruption of Tolbachik volcano, Russia. This was the largest and most thermally-intense flow-forming eruption in the past 50 years, producing longer lava flows than that of typical Kilauea or Etna eruptions. The progress of these flows were imaged by a multiple TIR sensors at various spatial, spectral and temporal scales throughout the flow field emplacement. We have refined the model based on the high resolution data to determine the TADR and make improved estimates of cooling, viscosity, velocity and crystallinity with distance. Understanding the cooling and dynamics of basaltic surfaces ultimately produces an improved hazard forecast capability. In addition, the direct connection of the final flow morphology to the specific eruption conditions that produced it allows the eruptive conditions of older flows to be estimated.

Pulsatile pressure driven rarefied gas flow in long rectangular ducts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsimpoukis, Alexandros; Valougeorgis, Dimitris

2018-04-01

The pulsatile pressure driven fully developed flow of a rarefied gas through an orthogonal duct is investigated, based on the time-dependent linear Bhatnagar, Gross, and Krook equation, by decomposing the flow into its steady and oscillatory parts. The investigation is focused on the oscillatory part, which is characterized by the gas rarefaction and oscillation parameters, the duct aspect ratio, and the accommodation coefficient. As the oscillation frequency is increased, the amplitude of all macroscopic quantities is decreased, while their phase angle lag is increased reaching the limiting value of π/2. As the gas becomes more rarefied, higher frequencies are needed to trigger this behavior. At small and moderate frequencies, there is a critical degree of gas rarefaction, where a maximum flow rate is obtained. As the duct aspect ratio is decreased and tends to zero, the flow rate and mean wall shear stress amplitudes are increased, while their phase angle lags are slightly affected. The accommodation coefficient has a significant effect on the amplitude and a very weak one on the phase angle of the macroscopic quantities. The computation of the inertia and viscous forces clarifies when the flow consists of only one oscillating viscous region or of two regions, namely, the inviscid piston flow in the core and the oscillating Stokes layer at the wall with the velocity overshooting. Finally, the time average oscillatory pumping power is increased as the oscillation frequency is reduced and its maximum value is one half of the corresponding steady one.

Design and analysis on fume exhaust system of blackbody cavity sensor for continuously measuring molten steel temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Guohui; Zhang, Jiu; Zhao, Shumao; Xie, Zhi

2017-03-01

Fume exhaust system is the main component of the novel blackbody cavity sensor with a single layer tube, which removes the fume by gas flow along the exhaust pipe to keep the light path clean. However, the gas flow may break the conditions of blackbody cavity and results in the poor measurement accuracy. In this paper, we analyzed the influence of the gas flow on the temperature distribution of the measuring cavity, and then calculated the integrated effective emissivity of the non-isothermal cavity based on Monte-Carlo method, accordingly evaluated the sensor measurement accuracy, finally obtained the maximum allowable flow rate for various length of the exhaust pipe to meet the measurement accuracy. These results will help optimize the novel blackbody cavity sensor design and use it better for measuring the temperature of molten steel.

Flow-induced flutter in a wall-bounded elastic sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weidman, M. S.; Argentina, M.; Hosoi, A. E.; Mahadevan, L.

2004-11-01

Inspired by voice production in natural and artificial systems, we consider the flow between a long but finite flexible elastic sheet and a rigid wall close to it. We derive evolution equations for the coupled dynamics of the fluid and solid in two limits corresponding to the viscously dominated and inertially dominated regimes of the flow. In both situations, the inertia of the solid remains important. We show that a long wavelength instability via a 1:1 resonance mechanism arises in both situations when the flow rate is increased beyond a critical threshold. We also compare the results of our analytical, numerical and scaling calculations with those of simple experiments. Finally we comment on the rich nonlinear dynamics of these systems which suggest that at least some aspects of voice and song production may be more a manifestation of physics rather than neurophysiology.

The noise and flow characteristics of inverted-profile coannular jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanna, H. K.; Tester, B. J.; Lau, J. C.

1979-01-01

A basic understanding of the noise reduction mechanisms in shock-free inverted-velocity-profile coannular jets was studied. Acoustic measurements are first conducted in an anechoic facility to isolate the effects of inverted velocity and inverted temperature for coannular jets having constant total thrust, mass flow rate and exit area. To obtain physical explanations of the measured noise changes, several types of experiments are conducted. These include (1) source location experiments using the polar correlation technique, (2) mean flow surveys using a combination pressure/temperature probe, and (3) detailed mean flow and turbulence measurements using a two-point four-channel laser velocimeter. The results from these experiments are presented and discussed in detail. Finally, the measured variations of coannular jet mixing noise with fan-to-primary velocity ratio and static temperature ratio are interpreted by utilizing the results from the various experimental phases in conjunction with the existing Lockheed single jet noise prediction model.

Effect of the gas flow rate on the spatiotemporal distribution of Ar(1s5) absolute densities in a ns pulsed plasma jet impinging on a glass surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gazeli, K.; Bauville, G.; Fleury, M.; Jeanney, P.; Neveu, O.; Pasquiers, S.; Santos Sousa, J.

2018-06-01

This work presents spatial (axial-z and transversal-y) and temporal distributions of Ar(1s5) metastable absolute densities in an atmospheric pressure argon micro-plasma jet impinging on an ungrounded glass surface. Guided streamers are generated with a DBD device driven by pulsed positive high voltages of 6 kV in amplitude, 224 +/- 3 ns in FWHM and 20 kHz in frequency. The argon flow rate is varied between 200 and 600 sccm. The glass plate is placed at 5 mm away from the reactor’s nozzle and perpendicular to the streamers propagation. At these conditions, a diffuse stable discharge is established after the passage of the streamers allowing the quantification of the Ar(1s5) absolute density by means of a conventional TDLAS technique coupled with emission spectroscopy and ICCD imaging. The good reproducibility of the absorption signals is demonstrated. The experiments show the strong dependence of the maximum density ({0.5-4}× {10}13 {{{cm}}}-3) on the gas flow rate and the axial and transversal position. At 200 sccm, high maximum densities (> 2.4× {10}13 {{{cm}}}-3) are obtained in a small area close to the plasma source, while with increasing flow rate this area expands towards the glass plate. In the transversal direction, density maxima are obtained in a small zone around the propagation axis of the streamers. Finally, a noticeable increase is measured on the Ar(1s5) effective lifetime close to the glass surface by varying the flow rate from 200 to 600 sccm. In overall, the effective lifetime varies between ∼25 and ∼550 ns, depending on the gas flow rate and the values of z and y coordinates. The results obtained suggest that the present system can be implemented in various applications and particularly in what concerns the detection of weakly volatile organic compounds present in trace amounts on different surfaces.

Comparative analysis between Payen and Daedalia Planum lava fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giacomini, Lorenza; Massironi, Matteo; Pasquarè, Giorgio; Carli, Cristian; Martellato, Elena; Frigeri, Alessandro; Cremonese, Gabriele; Bistacchi, Andrea; Federico, Costanzo

The Payen volcanic complex is a large Quaternary fissural structure belonging to the back-arc extensional area of the Andes in the Mendoza Province (Argentina). From the eastern portion of this volcanic structure huge pahoehoe lava flows were emitted, extending more than 180 km from the feeding vents. These huge flows propagated over the nearly flat surface of the Pampean foreland (ca 0.3° slope). The very low viscosity of the olivine basalt lavas, coupled with the inflation process are the most probable explanation for their considerable length. In an inflation process a thin viscoelastic crust, produced at an early stage, is later inflated by the underlying fluid core, which remains hot and fluid thanks to the thermal-shield effect of the crust. The inflation shows some typical morphological fingerprints like tumuli, lava lobes, lava rises and lava ridges. In order to compare the morphology of the Argentinean Payen flows with lava flows on Mars, MOLA, THEMIS, MOC, MRO/HIRISE, and MEX/OMEGA data have been analysed, providing a multi-scale characterisation of Martian flows. Mars Global Surveyor/MOLA data were used to investigate the topographic environment over which flows propagated on Mars in order to detect very low angle slopes where possibly inflation processes could have developed. Then Mars Odyssey/THEMIS and Mars Global Surveyor's MOC data were used to detect Martian lava flows with inflation "fingerprints", whereas OMEGA data were used to obtain some inferences about their composition. Finally the MRO/HIRISE images recently acquired, can provide further details and constraints on surface morphologies and lava fronts. All these data were used to analyze Daedalia Planum lava field, at about 300 km southwest of Arsia Mons, and clear morphological similarities with the longest flows of the Payen lava fields were found. These striking morphological analogies suggest that inflation process is quite common also for the Daedalia field. This is also supported by simple calculation of effusion rates for not inflated lava flows foreseeing for the Daedalia Planum long lava flows improbable huge rates. Consequently lower effusion rates coupled with very efficient spreading process are more likely. Nonetheless the comparison of typology vs frequency and dimension of inflation related features of Payen and Daedalia Planum field suggest that even the effusion rates responsible of inflated flows on Mars are by far higher than the one on the Earth.

Spheroidization of molybdenum powder by radio frequency thermal plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiao-ping; Wang, Kuai-she; Hu, Ping; Chen, Qiang; Volinsky, Alex A.

2015-11-01

To control the morphology and particle size of dense spherical molybdenum powder prepared by radio frequency (RF) plasma from irregular molybdenum powder as a precursor, plasma process parameters were optimized in this paper. The effects of the carrier gas flow rate and molybdenum powder feeding rate on the shape and size of the final products were studied. The molybdenum powder morphology was examined using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The powder phases were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The tap density and apparent density of the molybdenum powder were investigated using a Hall flow meter and a Scott volumeter. The optimal process parameters for the spherical molybdenum powder preparation are 50 g/min powder feeding rate and 0.6 m3/h carrier gas rate. In addition, pure spherical molybdenum powder can be obtained from irregular powder, and the tap density is enhanced after plasma processing. The average size is reduced from 72 to 62 µm, and the tap density is increased from 2.7 to 6.2 g/cm3. Therefore, RF plasma is a promising method for the preparation of high-density and high-purity spherical powders.

Modeling the Impact of Deformation on Unstable Miscible Displacements in Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillán, D.; Cueto-Felgueroso, L.

2014-12-01

Coupled flow and geomechanics is a critical research challenge in engineering and the geosciences. The simultaneous flow of two or more fluids with different densities or viscosities through deformable media is ubiquitous in environmental, industrial, and biological processes, including the removal of non-aqueous phase liquids from underground water bodies, the geological storage of CO2, and current challenges in energy technologies, such as enhanced geothermal systems, unconventional hydrocarbon resources or enhanced oil recovery techniques. Using numerical simulation, we study the interplay between viscous-driven flow instabilities (viscous fingering) and rock mechanics, and elucidate the structure of the displacement patterns as a function of viscosity contrast, injection rate and rock mechanical properties. Finally, we discuss the role of medium deformation on transport and mixing processes in porous media.

Modeling the Impact of Fracture Growth on Fluid Displacements in Deformable Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillán, D.; Cueto-Felgueroso, L.; Juanes, R.

2015-12-01

Coupled flow and geomechanics is a critical research challenge in engineering and the geosciences. The flow of a fluid through a deformable porous media is present in manyenvironmental, industrial, and biological processes,such as the removal of pollutants from underground water bodies, enhanced geothermal systems, unconventional hydrocarbon resources or enhanced oil recovery techniques. However, the injection of a fluid can generate or propagate fractures, which are preferential flow paths. Using numerical simulation, we study the interplay between injection and rock mechanics, and elucidate fracture propagation as a function of injection rate, initial crack topology and mechanical rock properties. Finally, we discuss the role of fracture growth on fluid displacements in porous media. Figure: An example of fracture (in red) propagated in a porous media (in blue)

Analysis of Heat Transfers inside Counterflow Plate Heat Exchanger Augmented by an Auxiliary Fluid Flow

PubMed Central

Khaled, A.-R. A.

2014-01-01

Enhancement of heat transfers in counterflow plate heat exchanger due to presence of an intermediate auxiliary fluid flow is investigated. The intermediate auxiliary channel is supported by transverse conducting pins. The momentum and energy equations for the primary fluids are solved numerically and validated against a derived approximate analytical solution. A parametric study including the effect of the various plate heat exchanger, and auxiliary channel dimensionless parameters is conducted. Different enhancement performance indicators are computed. The various trends of parameters that can better enhance heat transfer rates above those for the conventional plate heat exchanger are identified. Large enhancement factors are obtained under fully developed flow conditions. The maximum enhancement factors can be increased by above 8.0- and 5.0-fold for the step and exponential distributions of the pins, respectively. Finally, counterflow plate heat exchangers with auxiliary fluid flows are recommended over the typical ones if these flows can be provided with the least cost. PMID:24719572

Analysis of heat transfers inside counterflow plate heat exchanger augmented by an auxiliary fluid flow.

PubMed

Khaled, A-R A

2014-01-01

Enhancement of heat transfers in counterflow plate heat exchanger due to presence of an intermediate auxiliary fluid flow is investigated. The intermediate auxiliary channel is supported by transverse conducting pins. The momentum and energy equations for the primary fluids are solved numerically and validated against a derived approximate analytical solution. A parametric study including the effect of the various plate heat exchanger, and auxiliary channel dimensionless parameters is conducted. Different enhancement performance indicators are computed. The various trends of parameters that can better enhance heat transfer rates above those for the conventional plate heat exchanger are identified. Large enhancement factors are obtained under fully developed flow conditions. The maximum enhancement factors can be increased by above 8.0- and 5.0-fold for the step and exponential distributions of the pins, respectively. Finally, counterflow plate heat exchangers with auxiliary fluid flows are recommended over the typical ones if these flows can be provided with the least cost.

Effects of hyper +Gz acceleration on cardiovascular function, visual evoked potentials and cerebral blood flow in anesthetized rats.

PubMed

Matsunami, K; Satake, H; Konishi, T

1998-07-01

Sustained hyper-gravity acceleration, particularly along the long axis of the body of animals or man (Gz), produces significant mal-effects on subjects, and hence it has been well studied, The most common syndromes of Gz application were cardio-vascular de-conditioning, and black-out, red-out, and loss of consciousness, which finally lead subjects into death. However, in most previous studies, the duration of applied Gz was rather short. In the present experiments, we can use longer duration of 1000 seconds. In addition, recent technological innovation make it possible to record directly local cerebral blood flow at a target cortical area with a Laser Doppler flow meter. We used this innovated method to measure local cerebral blood flow of rats in relation to visual evoked potentials (VEPs) under hyper-Gz acceleration. Also we recorded cardio-vascular parameters like heart rate from ECG, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and correlated them with cerebral blood flow and VEPs.

Mono- and polynucleation, atomistic growth, and crystal phase of III-V nanowires under varying group V flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubrovskii, V. G.

2015-05-01

We present a refined model for the vapor-liquid-solid growth and crystal structure of Au-catalyzed III-V nanowires, which revisits several assumptions used so far and is capable of describing the transition from mononuclear to polynuclear regime and ultimately to regular atomistic growth. We construct the crystal phase diagrams and calculate the wurtzite percentages, elongation rates, critical sizes, and polynucleation thresholds of Au-catalyzed GaAs nanowires depending on the As flow. We find a non-monotonic dependence of the crystal phase on the group V flow, with the zincblende structure being preferred at low and high group V flows and the wurtzite structure forming at intermediate group V flows. This correlates with most of the available experimental data. Finally, we discuss the atomistic growth picture which yields zincblende crystal structure and should be very advantageous for fabrication of ternary III-V nanowires with well-controlled composition and heterointerfaces.

How Important Is Connectivity for Surface Water Fluxes? A Generalized Expression for Flow Through Heterogeneous Landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, Laurel G.; Ma, Jie; Kaplan, David

2017-10-01

How important is hydrologic connectivity for surface water fluxes through heterogeneous floodplains, deltas, and wetlands? While significant for management, this question remains poorly addressed. Here we adopt spatial resistance averaging, based on channel and patch configuration metrics quantifiable from aerial imagery, to produce an upscaled rate law for discharge. Our model suggests that patch coverage largely controls discharge sensitivity, with smaller effects from channel connectivity and vegetation patch fractal dimension. However, connectivity and patch configuration become increasingly important near the percolation threshold and at low water levels. These effects can establish positive feedbacks responsible for substantial flow change in evolving landscapes (14-36%, in our Everglades case study). Connectivity also interacts with other drivers; flow through poorly connected hydroscapes is less resilient to perturbations in other drivers. Finally, we found that flow through heterogeneous patches is alone sufficient to produce non-Manning flow-depth relationships commonly observed in wetlands but previously attributed to depth-varying roughness.

Effects of Pannus Formation on the Flow around a Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woojin; Choi, Haecheon; Kweon, Jihoon; Yang, Dong Hyun; Kim, Namkug; Kim, Young-Hak

2013-11-01

A pannus, an abnormal layer of fibrovascular tissue observed on a bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV), induces dysfunctions of BMHV such as the time delay and incomplete valve closing. We numerically simulate the flows around an intra-annular type BMHV model with and without pannus formation, respectively, and investigate the flow and bileaflet-movement modifications due to the pannus formation. Simulations are conducted at a physiological condition (mean flow rate of 5 l/min, cycle duration of 866 ms, and the Reynolds number of 7200 based on the inflow peak bulk velocity and inflow diameter). We model the pannus as an annulus with fixed outer radius and vary the inner radius of the pannus. Our preliminary results indicate that the flow field changes significantly and the bileaflet does not close properly due to the pannus formation. The detailed results will be given at the final presentation. Supported by the NRF Programs (NRF-2011-0028032, NRF-2012M2A8A4055647).

Portable data flow in UNIX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, R.; Molen, A.V.; Hannuschke, S.

1994-02-01

The authors describe the data flow of a nuclear physics data acquisition system. The system features a high speed active routing subsystem which allows an arbitrary number of data producers to contribute data to the system. Data are then routed to an arbitrary number of data consumers. Low overhead route-by-reference mechanisms are used to allow high rate operations. The system has been ported to a variety of UNIX[trademark] systems. Timings are given for the routing component of the system on several systems. Finally, they give an example of a set of programs which can be added to the system tomore » produce a complete data acquisition system.« less

Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in west-central Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, Jeffrey D.; Duwelius, Richard F.; Crawford, Charles G.

1987-01-01

The watersheds studied include mined and reclaimed; mined and unreclaimed; and unmined, agricultural land uses, and are each < 3 sq mi in area. Surface water, groundwater, and meteorologic data for the 1981 and 1982 water years were used to describe and compare hydrologic systems of the six watersheds and to identify hydrologic effects of mining and reclamation. Peak discharges were greater at the agricultural watersheds than at the unreclaimed watersheds, primarily because of large final-cut lakes in the unreclaimed watersheds. Annual runoff was greatest at the unreclaimed watersheds, intermediate at the agricultural watersheds, and least at the reclaimed watersheds. Hydrologic effects of mining were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and unreclaimed watersheds with those at unmined, agricultural watersheds. Comparisons of the hydrologic systems of these watersheds indicate that surface coal mining without reclamation has the potential to increase annual runoff, base flow, and groundwater recharge to the bedrock; reduce peak flow rates and variation in flow; lower the water table in upland areas; change the relation between surface water and groundwater divides; and create numerous, local flow systems in the shallow groundwater. Hydrologic effects of reclamation were identified by comparing the hydrologic systems at mined and reclaimed watersheds with those at mined and unreclaimed watersheds. Reclamation has the potential to decrease annual runoff, base flow, and recharge to the bedrock; increase peak flow rates, variation in flow, and response to thunderstorms; reestablish the premining relation between surface and groundwater divides; and create fewer local flow systems in the shallow groundwater. (Lantz-PTT)

Comparative Investigation on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Gaseous CO2 and Gaseous Water Flowing Through a Single Granite Fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yuanyuan; Bai, Bing; Li, Xiaochun

2017-11-01

CO2 and water are two commonly employed heat transmission fluids in several fields. Their temperature and pressure determine their phase states, thus affecting the heat transfer performance of the water/CO2. The heat transfer characteristics of gaseous CO2 and gaseous water flowing through fractured hot dry rock still need a great deal of investigation, in order to understand and evaluate the heat extraction in enhanced geothermal systems. In this work, we develop a 2D numerical model to compare the heat transfer performance of gaseous CO2 and gaseous water flowing through a single fracture aperture of 0.2 mm in a φ 50 × 50 mm cylindrical granite sample with a confining temperature of 200°C under different inlet mass flow rates. Our results indicate that: (1) the final outlet temperatures of the fluid are very close to the outer surface temperature under low inlet mass flow rate, regardless of the sample length. (2) Both the temperature of the fluid (gaseous CO2/gaseous water) and inner surface temperature rise sharply at the inlet, and the inner surface temperature is always higher than the fluid temperature. However, their temperature difference becomes increasingly small. (3) Both the overall heat transfer coefficient (OHTC) and local heat transfer coefficient (LHTC) of gaseous CO2 and gaseous water increase with increasing inlet mass flow rates. (4) Both the OHTC and LHTC of gaseous CO2 are lower than those of gaseous water under the same conditions; therefore, the heat mining performance of gaseous water is superior to gaseous CO2 under high temperature and low pressure.

In situ cosmogenic radiocarbon production and 2-D ice flow line modeling for an Antarctic blue ice area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buizert, Christo; Petrenko, Vasilii V.; Kavanaugh, Jeffrey L.; Cuffey, Kurt M.; Lifton, Nathaniel A.; Brook, Edward J.; Severinghaus, Jeffrey P.

2012-06-01

Radiocarbon measurements at ice margin sites and blue ice areas can potentially be used for ice dating, ablation rate estimates and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Part of the measured signal comes from in situ cosmogenic 14C production in ice, and this component must be well understood before useful information can be extracted from 14C data. We combine cosmic ray scaling and production estimates with a two-dimensional ice flow line model to study cosmogenic 14C production at Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. We find (1) that 14C production through thermal neutron capture by nitrogen in air bubbles is negligible; (2) that including ice flow patterns caused by basal topography can lead to a surface 14C activity that differs by up to 25% from the activity calculated using an ablation-only approximation, which is used in all prior work; and (3) that at high ablation margin sites, solar modulation of the cosmic ray flux may change the strength of the dominant spallogenic production by up to 10%. As part of this effort we model two-dimensional ice flow along the central flow line of Taylor Glacier. We present two methods for parameterizing vertical strain rates, and assess which method is more reliable for Taylor Glacier. Finally, we present a sensitivity study from which we conclude that uncertainties in published cosmogenic production rates are the largest source of potential error. The results presented here can inform ongoing and future 14C and ice flow studies at ice margin sites, including important paleoclimatic applications such as the reconstruction of paleoatmospheric 14C content of methane.

High-Performance Oligomeric Catholytes for Effective Macromolecular Separation in Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hendriks, Koen H.; Robinson, Sophia G.; Braten, Miles N.

Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) represent an attractive technology for energy storage from intermittent renewable sources. In these batteries, electrical energy is stored in and extracted from electrolyte solutions of redox-active molecules (termed catholytes and anolytes) that are passed through an electrochemical flow cell. To avoid battery self-discharge, the anolyte and catholyte solutions must be separated by a membrane in the flow cell. This membrane prevents crossover of the redox active molecules, while simultaneously allowing facile transport of charge-balancing ions. A key unmet challenge for the field is the design of redox-active molecule/membrane pairs that enable effective electrolyte separation whilemore » maintaining optimal battery properties. Herein, we demonstrate the development of oligomeric catholytes based on tris(dialkylamino)cyclopropenium (CP) salts that are specifically tailored for pairing with size-exclusion membranes composed of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). Systematic studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of oligomer size/structure on properties that are crucial for flow battery performance, including cycling stability, charge capacity, solubility, electron transfer kinetics, and crossover rates. These studies have led to the identification of a CP-derived tetramer in which these properties are all comparable, or significantly improved, relative to the monomeric counterpart. Finally, a proof-of-concept flow battery is demonstrated by pairing this tetrameric catholyte with a PIM membrane. After 6 days of cycling, no crossover is detected, demonstrating the promise of this approach. Finally, these studies provide a template for the future design of other redox-active oligomers for this application.« less

High-Performance Oligomeric Catholytes for Effective Macromolecular Separation in Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries

DOE PAGES

Hendriks, Koen H.; Robinson, Sophia G.; Braten, Miles N.; ...

2018-01-17

Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) represent an attractive technology for energy storage from intermittent renewable sources. In these batteries, electrical energy is stored in and extracted from electrolyte solutions of redox-active molecules (termed catholytes and anolytes) that are passed through an electrochemical flow cell. To avoid battery self-discharge, the anolyte and catholyte solutions must be separated by a membrane in the flow cell. This membrane prevents crossover of the redox active molecules, while simultaneously allowing facile transport of charge-balancing ions. A key unmet challenge for the field is the design of redox-active molecule/membrane pairs that enable effective electrolyte separation whilemore » maintaining optimal battery properties. Herein, we demonstrate the development of oligomeric catholytes based on tris(dialkylamino)cyclopropenium (CP) salts that are specifically tailored for pairing with size-exclusion membranes composed of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). Systematic studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of oligomer size/structure on properties that are crucial for flow battery performance, including cycling stability, charge capacity, solubility, electron transfer kinetics, and crossover rates. These studies have led to the identification of a CP-derived tetramer in which these properties are all comparable, or significantly improved, relative to the monomeric counterpart. Finally, a proof-of-concept flow battery is demonstrated by pairing this tetrameric catholyte with a PIM membrane. After 6 days of cycling, no crossover is detected, demonstrating the promise of this approach. Finally, these studies provide a template for the future design of other redox-active oligomers for this application.« less

The effects of flow on schooling Devario aequipinnatus: school structure, startle response and information transmission

PubMed Central

Chicoli, A.; Butail, S.; Lun, Y.; Bak-Coleman, J.; Coombs, S.; Paley, D.A.

2014-01-01

To assess how flow affects school structure and threat detection, startle response rates of solitary and small groups of giant danio Devario aequipinnatus were compared to visual looming stimuli in flow and no-flow conditions. The instantaneous position and heading of each D. aequipinnatus were extracted from high-speed videos. Behavioural results indicate that (1) school structure is altered in flow such that D. aequipinnatus orient upstream while spanning out in a crosswise direction, (2) the probability of at least one D. aequipinnatus detecting the visual looming stimulus is higher in flow than no flow for both solitary D. aequipinnatus and groups of eight D. aequipinnatus, however, (3) the probability of three or more individuals responding is higher in no flow than flow. Taken together, these results indicate a higher probability of stimulus detection in flow but a higher probability of internal transmission of information in no flow. Finally, results were well predicted by a computational model of collective fright response that included the probability of direct detection (based on signal detection theory) and indirect detection (i.e. via interactions between group members) of threatening stimuli. This model provides a new theoretical framework for analysing the collective transfer of information among groups of fishes and other organisms. PMID:24773538

Continent-Wide Estimates of Antarctic Strain Rates from Landsat 8-Derived Velocity Grids and Their Application to Ice Shelf Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alley, K. E.; Scambos, T.; Anderson, R. S.; Rajaram, H.; Pope, A.; Haran, T.

2017-12-01

Strain rates are fundamental measures of ice flow used in a wide variety of glaciological applications including investigations of bed properties, calculations of basal mass balance on ice shelves, application to Glen's flow law, and many other studies. However, despite their extensive application, strain rates are calculated using widely varying methods and length scales, and the calculation details are often not specified. In this study, we compare the results of nominal and logarithmic strain-rate calculations based on a satellite-derived velocity field of the Antarctic ice sheet generated from Landsat 8 satellite data. Our comparison highlights the differences between the two commonly used approaches in the glaciological literature. We evaluate the errors introduced by each code and their impacts on the results. We also demonstrate the importance of choosing and specifying a length scale over which strain-rate calculations are made, which can have large local impacts on other derived quantities such as basal mass balance on ice shelves. We present strain-rate data products calculated using an approximate viscous length-scale with satellite observations of ice velocity for the Antarctic continent. Finally, we explore the applications of comprehensive strain-rate maps to future ice shelf studies, including investigations of ice fracture, calving patterns, and stability analyses.

Quantitative comparison between crowd models for evacuation planning and evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, Vaisagh; Lee, Chong Eu; Lees, Michael Harold; Cheong, Siew Ann; Sloot, Peter M. A.

2014-02-01

Crowd simulation is rapidly becoming a standard tool for evacuation planning and evaluation. However, the many crowd models in the literature are structurally different, and few have been rigorously calibrated against real-world egress data, especially in emergency situations. In this paper we describe a procedure to quantitatively compare different crowd models or between models and real-world data. We simulated three models: (1) the lattice gas model, (2) the social force model, and (3) the RVO2 model, and obtained the distributions of six observables: (1) evacuation time, (2) zoned evacuation time, (3) passage density, (4) total distance traveled, (5) inconvenience, and (6) flow rate. We then used the DISTATIS procedure to compute the compromise matrix of statistical distances between the three models. Projecting the three models onto the first two principal components of the compromise matrix, we find the lattice gas and RVO2 models are similar in terms of the evacuation time, passage density, and flow rates, whereas the social force and RVO2 models are similar in terms of the total distance traveled. Most importantly, we find that the zoned evacuation times of the three models to be very different from each other. Thus we propose to use this variable, if it can be measured, as the key test between different models, and also between models and the real world. Finally, we compared the model flow rates against the flow rate of an emergency evacuation during the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and found the social force model agrees best with this real data.

Stability of a non-orthogonal stagnation flow to three dimensional disturbances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lasseigne, D. G.; Jackson, T. L.

1991-01-01

A similarity solution for a low Mach number nonorthogonal flow impinging on a hot or cold plate is presented. For the constant density case, it is known that the stagnation point shifts in the direction of the incoming flow and that this shift increases as the angle of attack decreases. When the effects of density variations are included, a critical plate temperature exists; above this temperature the stagnation point shifts away from the incoming stream as the angle is decreased. This flow field is believed to have application to the reattachment zone of certain separated flows or to a lifting body at a high angle of attack. Finally, the stability of this nonorthogonal flow to self similar, 3-D disturbances is examined. Stability properties of the flow are given as a function of the parameters of this study; ratio of the plate temperature to that of the outer potential flow and angle of attack. In particular, it is shown that the angle of attack can be scaled out by a suitable definition of an equivalent wavenumber and temporal growth rate, and the stability problem for the nonorthogonal case is identical to the stability problem for the orthogonal case.

Toward the modeling of mucus draining from the human lung: role of the geometry of the airway tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauroy, Benjamin; Fausser, Christian; Pelca, Dominique; Merckx, Jacques; Flaud, Patrice

2011-10-01

Mucociliary clearance and cough are the two main natural mucus draining methods in the bronchial tree. If they are affected by a pathology, they can become insufficient or even ineffective, then therapeutic draining of mucus plays a critical role to keep mucus levels in the lungs acceptable. The manipulations of physical therapists are known to be very efficient clinically but they are mostly empirical since the biophysical mechanisms involved in these manipulations have never been studied. We develop in this work a model of mucus clearance in idealized rigid human bronchial trees and focus our study on the interaction between (1) tree geometry, (2) mucus physical properties and (3) amplitude of flow rate in the tree. The mucus is considered as a Bingham fluid (gel-like) which is moved upward in the tree thanks to its viscous interaction with air flow. Our studies point out the important roles played both by the geometry and by the physical properties of mucus (yield stress and viscosity). More particularly, the yield stress has to be overcome to make mucus flow. Air flow rate and yield stress determine the maximal possible mucus thickness in each branch of the tree at equilibrium. This forms a specific distribution of mucus in the tree whose characteristics are strongly related to the multi-scaled structure of the tree. The behavior of any mucus distribution is then dependent on this distribution. Finally, our results indicate that increasing air flow rates ought to be more efficient to drain mucus out of the bronchial tree while minimizing patient discomfort.

Statistical analysis on experimental calibration data for flowmeters in pressure pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazzarin, Alessandro; Orsi, Enrico; Sanfilippo, Umberto

2017-08-01

This paper shows a statistical analysis on experimental calibration data for flowmeters (i.e.: electromagnetic, ultrasonic, turbine flowmeters) in pressure pipes. The experimental calibration data set consists of the whole archive of the calibration tests carried out on 246 flowmeters from January 2001 to October 2015 at Settore Portate of Laboratorio di Idraulica “G. Fantoli” of Politecnico di Milano, that is accredited as LAT 104 for a flow range between 3 l/s and 80 l/s, with a certified Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) - formerly known as Best Measurement Capability (BMC) - equal to 0.2%. The data set is split into three subsets, respectively consisting in: 94 electromagnetic, 83 ultrasonic and 69 turbine flowmeters; each subset is analysed separately from the others, but then a final comparison is carried out. In particular, the main focus of the statistical analysis is the correction C, that is the difference between the flow rate Q measured by the calibration facility (through the accredited procedures and the certified reference specimen) minus the flow rate QM contemporarily recorded by the flowmeter under calibration, expressed as a percentage of the same QM .

Particle Size Reduction in Geophysical Granular Flows: The Role of Rock Fragmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchi, G.; Sklar, L. S.

2016-12-01

Particle size reduction in geophysical granular flows is caused by abrasion and fragmentation, and can affect transport dynamics by altering the particle size distribution. While the Sternberg equation is commonly used to predict the mean abrasion rate in the fluvial environment, and can also be applied to geophysical granular flows, predicting the evolution of the particle size distribution requires a better understanding the controls on the rate of fragmentation and the size distribution of resulting particle fragments. To address this knowledge gap we are using single-particle free-fall experiments to test for the influence of particle size, impact velocity, and rock properties on fragmentation and abrasion rates. Rock types tested include granodiorite, basalt, and serpentinite. Initial particle masses and drop heights range from 20 to 1000 grams and 0.1 to 3.0 meters respectively. Preliminary results of free-fall experiments suggest that the probability of fragmentation varies as a power function of kinetic energy on impact. The resulting size distributions of rock fragments can be collapsed by normalizing by initial particle mass, and can be fit with a generalized Pareto distribution. We apply the free-fall results to understand the evolution of granodiorite particle-size distributions in granular flow experiments using rotating drums ranging in diameter from 0.2 to 4.0 meters. In the drums, we find that the rates of silt production by abrasion and gravel production by fragmentation scale with drum size. To compare these rates with free-fall results we estimate the particle impact frequency and velocity. We then use population balance equations to model the evolution of particle size distributions due to the combined effects of abrasion and fragmentation. Finally, we use the free-fall and drum experimental results to model particle size evolution in Inyo Creek, a steep, debris-flow dominated catchment, and compare model results to field measurements.

Using the Cn2 and wind profiler method with wide-field laser-guide-stars adaptive optics to quantify the frozen-flow decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guesalaga, Andrés; Neichel, Benoit; Cortés, Angela; Béchet, Clémentine; Guzmán, Dani

2014-05-01

We use the spatio-temporal cross-correlations of slopes from five Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors to analyse the temporal evolution of the atmospheric turbulence layers at different altitudes. The focus is on the verification of the frozen-flow assumption. The data come from the Gemini South Multiconjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS). First, we present the Cn2 and wind profiling technique. This method provides useful information for the operation of the adaptive optics system, such as the number of existing turbulence layers, their associated velocities, altitudes and strengths, and also a mechanism to estimate the dome-seeing contribution to the total turbulence. Next, by identifying the turbulence layers, we show that it is possible to estimate the rate of decay in time of the correlation among turbulence measurements. We reduce on-sky data obtained during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 campaigns. The first results suggest that the rate of temporal decorrelation can be expressed in terms of a single parameter that is independent of the layer altitude and turbulence strength. Finally, we show that the decay rate of the frozen-flow contribution increases linearly with the layer speed. The observed evolution of the decay rate confirms the potential interest of the predictive control for wide-field adaptive optics systems.

Design of artificial neural networks using a genetic algorithm to predict collection efficiency in venturi scrubbers.

PubMed

Taheri, Mahboobeh; Mohebbi, Ali

2008-08-30

In this study, a new approach for the auto-design of neural networks, based on a genetic algorithm (GA), has been used to predict collection efficiency in venturi scrubbers. The experimental input data, including particle diameter, throat gas velocity, liquid to gas flow rate ratio, throat hydraulic diameter, pressure drop across the venturi scrubber and collection efficiency as an output, have been used to create a GA-artificial neural network (ANN) model. The testing results from the model are in good agreement with the experimental data. Comparison of the results of the GA optimized ANN model with the results from the trial-and-error calibrated ANN model indicates that the GA-ANN model is more efficient. Finally, the effects of operating parameters such as liquid to gas flow rate ratio, throat gas velocity, and particle diameter on collection efficiency were determined.

Concrete volute pumps: technology review and improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prunières, R.; Longatte, F.; Catelan, F. X.; Philippot, J. M.

2012-11-01

When pumps need to deliver large water flow rates (typically more than 5 m3.s-1), concrete volute pumps (CVP) offer an interesting alternative to standard vertical wet-pit pumps. One of the major advantages of CVP is its simplicity in terms of design, manufacturability and maintainability. In addition, CVP geometrical arrangement allows to reach high performances in terms of hydraulic and mechanical behaviour. These advantages can be specifically appreciated when such pumps are used in the energy field for Power Plants which need high flow rate and reliability, and can lead to important financial savings over the Plant lifetime compared to vertical wet-pit pumps. Finally, as CVP was for a long time limited to total head rise lower than 30 mWC, it was established through CFD analysis that the addition of guide vanes between the impeller and the volute allows to achieve higher head rise without risk.

Self-powered enzyme micropumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Samudra; Patra, Debabrata; Ortiz-Rivera, Isamar; Agrawal, Arjun; Shklyaev, Sergey; Dey, Krishna K.; Córdova-Figueroa, Ubaldo; Mallouk, Thomas E.; Sen, Ayusman

2014-05-01

Non-mechanical nano- and microscale pumps that function without the aid of an external power source and provide precise control over the flow rate in response to specific signals are needed for the development of new autonomous nano- and microscale systems. Here we show that surface-immobilized enzymes that are independent of adenosine triphosphate function as self-powered micropumps in the presence of their respective substrates. In the four cases studied (catalase, lipase, urease and glucose oxidase), the flow is driven by a gradient in fluid density generated by the enzymatic reaction. The pumping velocity increases with increasing substrate concentration and reaction rate. These rechargeable pumps can be triggered by the presence of specific analytes, which enables the design of enzyme-based devices that act both as sensor and pump. Finally, we show proof-of-concept enzyme-powered devices that autonomously deliver small molecules and proteins in response to specific chemical stimuli, including the release of insulin in response to glucose.

Videocystography with synchronous detrusor pressure and flow rate recordings.

PubMed

Arnold, E P; Brown, A D; Webster, J R

1974-08-01

The addition of pressure and flow rate recordings to conventional cystourethrography is relatively inexpensive in terms of cost and of radiologist's time, each investigation requiring approximately half an hour.The value of this investigation in males lies in assessing the severity and site of outlet obstruction, particularly when the prostate is not clinically enlarged. Its value in demonstrating detrusor instability in cases of obstruction and in patients with post-prostatectomy problems is discussed. It is essential to the adequate assessment of sphincter mechanisms in both males and females. The particular importance of this in the female lies in the poor results of routine surgery for incontinence where this is due to detrusor instability.Finally the importance in neurological patients of a urodynamic evaluation of continence mechanisms and voiding dysfunction, both as a preliminary assessment and as a guide to the efficacy of treatment, is outlined.Various criticisms of the technique are reviewed and appropriate rebuttals provided.

Effect of interactions between multiple interfaces on the rheological characteristics of double emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Se Bin; Park, Jae Yong; Moon, Ji Young; Lee, Joon Sang

2018-06-01

In this study, we analyzed the rheological characteristics of double emulsions by using a three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann model. Numerical simulations indicate that interactions between multiple interfaces play a vital role in determining the shear stress on interfaces and affect deformations, which influence the relative viscosity of double emulsions. The large shear stress induced by droplets in contact increases the relative viscosity for high volume fractions. The double emulsions also show shear-thinning behavior, which corresponds with the Carreau model. The interfacial interference between the core and the deforming shell cause the relative viscosity to increase with increasing core-droplet radius. Finally, we investigated the dependence of the double-emulsion viscosity on the core-droplet viscosity. At high shear rates, the relative viscosity increases with increasing core-droplet viscosity. However, the trend is opposite at low shear rates, which results from the high inward flow (Marangoni flow) at low core-droplet viscosity.

Investigation of the falling water flow with evaporation for the passive containment cooling system and its scaling-down criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng; Li, Junming; Li, Le

2018-02-01

Falling water evaporation cooling could efficiently suppress the containment operation pressure during the nuclear accident, by continually removing the core decay heat to the atmospheric environment. In order to identify the process of large-scale falling water evaporation cooling, the water flow characteristics of falling film, film rupture and falling rivulet were deduced, on the basis of previous correlation studies. The influences of the contact angle, water temperature and water flow rates on water converge along the flow direction were then numerically obtained and results were compared with the data for AP1000 and CAP1400 nuclear power plants. By comparisons, it is concluded that the water coverage fraction of falling water could be enhanced by either reducing the surface contact angle or increasing the water temperature. The falling water flow with evaporation for AP1000 containment was then calculated and the feature of its water coverage fraction was analyzed. Finally, based on the phenomena identification of falling water flow for AP1000 containment evaporation cooling, the scaling-down is performed and the dimensionless criteria were obtained.

Wire Insulation Flammability Experiment: USML-1 One Year Post Mission Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenberg, Paul S.; Sacksteder, Kurt R.; Kashiwagi, Takashi

1994-01-01

Herein we report the results from the Wire Insulation Flammability (WIF) Experiment performed in the Glovebox Facility on the USML-1 mission. This experiment explored various aspects of electrically induced fire scenarios in a reduced gravity environment. Under quiescent microgravity conditions, heat and mass transfer are dominated by diffusive and radiative transport; while in normal-gravity buoyancy induced convection often dominates. Of considerable scientific and practical interest is the intermediate situation of combustion occurring in the presence of imposed gas flows, with lower characteristic velocities than those induced by buoyancy in noma1 gravity. Two distinct cases naturally arise: flow direction opposed to, or concurrent with, the flame spread direction. Two tests of each kind were conducted in the WIF experiment, providing the first controlled demonstration of flame spreading in forced convection ever conducted in space. Four test modules were flown. The wire insulation, 1.5 mm in diameter, was polyethylene, extruded onto nichrome wire. Temperatures of the wh3 cores and insulation heated in quiescent and flowing environments were measured. Video and still-camera images of the samples, burning in air flowing at approximately 10 cm/sec, were recorded to obtain flame characteristics including spread rate, structure and temperature. Flame spread rates in concurrent flow were approximately twice those in opposed flow. In concurrent and opposed flow regimes, the spreading flames stabilized around a bead of molten insulation material, within which bubble nucleation was observed. An ignition attempt without flow mated a quiescent cloud of vaporized fuel which ignited dramatically yet failed to sustain normal flame spread. Finally, all tests produced substantial soot agglomerates, particularly the concurrent flow tests; and the collected soot has a morphology very distinct from soot formed in normal gravity flames. Several unexpected and unique microgravity combustion phenomena were observed.

Median and Low-Flow Characteristics for Streams under Natural and Diverted Conditions, Northeast Maui, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gingerich, Stephen B.

2005-01-01

Flow-duration statistics under natural (undiverted) and diverted flow conditions were estimated for gaged and ungaged sites on 21 streams in northeast Maui, Hawaii. The estimates were made using the optimal combination of continuous-record gaging-station data, low-flow measurements, and values determined from regression equations developed as part of this study. Estimated 50- and 95-percent flow duration statistics for streams are presented and the analyses done to develop and evaluate the methods used in estimating the statistics are described. Estimated streamflow statistics are presented for sites where various amounts of streamflow data are available as well as for locations where no data are available. Daily mean flows were used to determine flow-duration statistics for continuous-record stream-gaging stations in the study area following U.S. Geological Survey established standard methods. Duration discharges of 50- and 95-percent were determined from total flow and base flow for each continuous-record station. The index-station method was used to adjust all of the streamflow records to a common, long-term period. The gaging station on West Wailuaiki Stream (16518000) was chosen as the index station because of its record length (1914-2003) and favorable geographic location. Adjustments based on the index-station method resulted in decreases to the 50-percent duration total flow, 50-percent duration base flow, 95-percent duration total flow, and 95-percent duration base flow computed on the basis of short-term records that averaged 7, 3, 4, and 1 percent, respectively. For the drainage basin of each continuous-record gaged site and selected ungaged sites, morphometric, geologic, soil, and rainfall characteristics were quantified using Geographic Information System techniques. Regression equations relating the non-diverted streamflow statistics to basin characteristics of the gaged basins were developed using ordinary-least-squares regression analyses. Rainfall rate, maximum basin elevation, and the elongation ratio of the basin were the basin characteristics used in the final regression equations for 50-percent duration total flow and base flow. Rainfall rate and maximum basin elevation were used in the final regression equations for the 95-percent duration total flow and base flow. The relative errors between observed and estimated flows ranged from 10 to 20 percent for the 50-percent duration total flow and base flow, and from 29 to 56 percent for the 95-percent duration total flow and base flow. The regression equations developed for this study were used to determine the 50-percent duration total flow, 50-percent duration base flow, 95-percent duration total flow, and 95-percent duration base flow at selected ungaged diverted and undiverted sites. Estimated streamflow, prediction intervals, and standard errors were determined for 48 ungaged sites in the study area and for three gaged sites west of the study area. Relative errors were determined for sites where measured values of 95-percent duration discharge of total flow were available. East of Keanae Valley, the 95-percent duration discharge equation generally underestimated flow, and within and west of Keanae Valley, the equation generally overestimated flow. Reduction in 50- and 95-percent flow-duration values in stream reaches affected by diversions throughout the study area average 58 to 60 percent.

Low-density, radiatively inefficient rotating-accretion flow on to a black hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inayoshi, Kohei; Ostriker, Jeremiah P.; Haiman, Zoltán; Kuiper, Rolf

2018-05-01

We study low-density axisymmetric accretion flows on to black holes (BHs) with two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations, adopting the α-viscosity prescription. When the gas angular momentum is low enough to form a rotationally supported disc within the Bondi radius (RB), we find a global steady accretion solution. The solution consists of a rotational equilibrium distribution around r ˜ RB, where the density follows ρ ∝ (1 + RB/r)3/2, surrounding a geometrically thick and optically thin accretion disc at the centrifugal radius RC(

Estimating recharge rates with analytic element models and parameter estimation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dripps, W.R.; Hunt, R.J.; Anderson, M.P.

2006-01-01

Quantifying the spatial and temporal distribution of recharge is usually a prerequisite for effective ground water flow modeling. In this study, an analytic element (AE) code (GFLOW) was used with a nonlinear parameter estimation code (UCODE) to quantify the spatial and temporal distribution of recharge using measured base flows as calibration targets. The ease and flexibility of AE model construction and evaluation make this approach well suited for recharge estimation. An AE flow model of an undeveloped watershed in northern Wisconsin was optimized to match median annual base flows at four stream gages for 1996 to 2000 to demonstrate the approach. Initial optimizations that assumed a constant distributed recharge rate provided good matches (within 5%) to most of the annual base flow estimates, but discrepancies of >12% at certain gages suggested that a single value of recharge for the entire watershed is inappropriate. Subsequent optimizations that allowed for spatially distributed recharge zones based on the distribution of vegetation types improved the fit and confirmed that vegetation can influence spatial recharge variability in this watershed. Temporally, the annual recharge values varied >2.5-fold between 1996 and 2000 during which there was an observed 1.7-fold difference in annual precipitation, underscoring the influence of nonclimatic factors on interannual recharge variability for regional flow modeling. The final recharge values compared favorably with more labor-intensive field measurements of recharge and results from studies, supporting the utility of using linked AE-parameter estimation codes for recharge estimation. Copyright ?? 2005 The Author(s).

Impact of L/D on 90 Degree Sharp-Edge Orifice Flow with Manifold Passage Cross Flow (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-30

that are observed by measurement as the flow transitions from non-cavitation to cavitation (turbulent flow), supercavitation , and finally separation in...include inception of cavitation, supercavitation , and separation. 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF...cavitation to cavitation (turbulent flow), supercavitation , and finally separation in sharp-edge 90 degree orifices. This study includes orifice L/D from

A three-dimensional dynamical model for channeled lava flow with nonlinear rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippucci, Marilena; Tallarico, Andrea; Dragoni, Michele

2010-05-01

Recent laboratory studies on the rheology of lava samples from different volcanic areas have highlighted that the apparent viscosity depends on a power of the strain rate. Several authors agree in attributing this dependence to the crystal content of the sample and to temperature. Starting from these results, in this paper we studied the effect of a power law rheology on a gravity-driven lava flow. The equation of motion is nonlinear in the diffusion term, and an analytical solution does not seem to be possible. The finite-volume method has been applied to solve numerically the equation governing the fully developed laminar flow of a power law non-Newtonian fluid in an inclined rectangular channel. The convergence, the stability, and the order of approximation were tested for the Newtonian rheology case, comparing the numerical solution with the available analytical solution. Results indicate that the assumption on the rheology, whether linear or nonlinear, strongly affects the velocity and/or the thickness of the lava channel both for channels with fixed geometry and for channels with constant flow rate. Results on channels with fixed geometry are confirmed by some simulations for real lava channels. Finally, the study of the Reynolds number indicates that gravity-driven lava channel flows are always in laminar regime, except for strongly nonlinear pseudoplastic fluids with low fluid consistency and at high slopes.

A Burning Rate Emulator (BRE) for Study in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markan, A.; Sunderland, P. B.; Quintiere, J. G.; DeRis, J.; Stocker, D. P.

2015-01-01

A gas-fueled burner, the Burning Rate Emulator (BRE), is used to emulate condensed-phase fuel flames. The design has been validated to easily measure the burning behavior of condensed-phase fuels by igniting a controlled stream of gas fuel and diluent. Four properties, including the heat of combustion, the heat of gasification, the surface temperature, and the laminar smoke point, are assumed to be sufficient to define the steady burning rate of a condensed-phase fuel. The heat of gasification of the fuel is determined by measuring the heat flux and the fuel flow rate. Microgravity BRE tests in the NASA 5.2 s drop facility have examined the burning of pure methane and ethylene (pure and 50 in N2 balance). Fuel flow rates, chamber oxygen concentration and initial pressure have been varied. Two burner sizes, 25 and 50 mm respectively, are chosen to examine the nature of initial microgravity burning. The tests reveal bubble-like flames that increase within the 5.2s drop but the heat flux received from the flame appears to asymptotically approach steady state. Portions of the methane flames appear to locally detach and extinguish at center, while its shape remains fixed, but growing. The effective heat of gasification is computed from the final measured net heat flux and the fuel flow rate under the assumption of an achieved steady burning. Heat flux (or mass flux) and flame position are compared with stagnant layer burning theory. The analysis offers the prospect of more complete findings from future longer duration ISS experiments.

Optical and Probe Diagnostics Applied to Reacting Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ticich, Thomas M.

2003-01-01

The general theme of the research my NASA colleague and I have planned is "Optical and probe diagnostics applied to reacting flows". We plan to explore three major threads during the fellowship period. The first interrogates the flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes using aerosol catalysts. Having demonstrated the viability of the technique for nanotube synthesis, we seek to understand the details of this reacting system which are important to its practical application. Laser light scattering will reveal changes in particle size at various heights above the burner. Analysis of the flame gas by mass spectroscopy will reveal the chemical composition of the mixture. Finally, absorption measurements will map the nanotube concentration within the flow. The second thread explores soot oxidation kinetics. Despite the impact of soot on engine performance, fire safety and pollution, models for its oxidation are inhibited by uncertainty in the values of the oxidation rate. We plan to employ both optical and microscopic measurements to refine this rate. Cavity ring-down absorption measurements of the carbonaceous aerosol can provide a measure of the mass concentration with time and, hence, an oxidation rate. Spectroscopic and direct probe measurements will provide the temperature of the system needed for subsequent modeling. These data will be benchmarked against changes in soot nanostructures as revealed by transmission electron microscopic images from directly sampled material.

Study of Low Flow Rate Ladle Bottom Gas Stirring Using Triaxial Vibration Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yenus, Jaefer; Brooks, Geoffrey; Dunn, Michelle; Li, Zushu; Goodwin, Tim

2018-02-01

Secondary steelmaking plays a great role in enhancing the quality of the final steel product. The metal quality is a function of metal bath stirring in ladles. The metal bath is often stirred by an inert gas to achieve maximum compositional and thermal uniformity throughout the melt. Ladle operators often observe the top surface phenomena, such as level of meniscus disturbance, to evaluate the status of stirring. However, this type of monitoring has significant limitations in assessing the process accurately especially at low gas flow rate bubbling. The present study investigates stirring phenomena using ladle wall triaxial vibration at a low flow rate on a steel-made laboratory model and plant scale for the case of the vacuum tank degasser. Cold model and plant data were successfully modeled by partial least-squares regression to predict the amount of stirring. In the cold model, it was found that the combined vibration signal could predict the stirring power and recirculation speed effectively in specific frequency ranges. Plant trials also revealed that there is a high structure in each data set and in the same frequency ranges at the water model. In the case of industrial data, the degree of linear relationship was strong for data taken from a single heat.

Droplet collisions and interaction with the turbulent flow within a two-phase wind tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordás, Róbert; Hagemeier, Thomas; Wunderlich, Bernd; Thévenin, Dominique

2011-08-01

Experiments in wind tunnels concerning meteorological issues are not very frequent in the literature. However, such experiments might be essential, for instance for a careful investigation of droplet-droplet interactions in turbulent flows. This issue is crucial for many configurations, in particular to understand warm rain initiation. It is clearly impossible to completely reproduce cloud turbulence within a wind tunnel due to the enormous length scales involved. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to recover the whole spectrum in order to quantify droplet interactions. It is sufficient for this purpose to account correctly for the relevant properties only. In the present paper, these properties and a methodology for setting those in a two-phase wind tunnel are first described. In particular, droplet size and number density, velocities, turbulent kinetic energy, k, and its dissipation rate, ɛ, are suitably reproduced, as demonstrated by non-intrusive measurement techniques. A complete experimental characterization of the air and droplet properties is freely available in a database accessible at http://www.ovgu.de/isut/lss/metstroem. Finally, quantifications of droplet collision rates and comparisons with theoretical predictions are presented, showing that measured collision rates are higher, typically by a factor of 2 to 5. These results demonstrate that model modifications are needed to estimate correctly droplet collision probabilities in turbulent flows

Modelling of Imbibition Phenomena in Fluid Flow through Heterogeneous Inclined Porous Media with different porous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Hardik S.; Meher, Ramakanta

2017-12-01

In this paper, the counter - current imbibition phenomenon is discussed in an inclined heterogeneous porous media with the consideration of two types of porous materials like volcanic sand and fine sand. Adomian decomposition method is applied to find the saturation of wetting phase and the recovery rate of the reservoir. Finally, a simulation result is developed to study the saturation of wetting phase and the optimum recovery rate of reservoir with the choices of some interesting parametric values. This problem has a great importance in the field of oil recovery process.

TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILING USING THE FLOWTHROUGH GENOSENSOR FINAL CRADA REPORT C/ORNL97-00472

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doktycz, M. J.; Yang, H.

1999-06-01

A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation (Contractor) and Gene Logic, Inc., (Participant) was carried out to evaluate the technical feasibility study of the application of the flowthrough genosensor for gene expression (transcriptional) profiling, over the current industry practice of using flat surface hybridization arrays to monitor the relative abundance of individual mRNA species in a cell. Various parameters, including substrate preparation, flow rates, hybridization conditions and sample concentrations, were evaluated on the flowthrough genosensor. The superiority of the flowthrough genosensor, in terms of hybridization rate and sensitivity were established.

The role of zonal flows and predator–prey oscillations in triggering the formation of edge and core transport barriers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmitz, Lothar; Zeng, Lei; Rhodes, Terry L.

2014-04-24

Here, we present direct evidence of low frequency, radially sheared, turbulence-driven flows (zonal flows (ZFs)) triggering edge transport barrier formation preceding the L- to H-mode transition via periodic turbulence suppression in limit-cycle oscillations (LCOs), consistent with predator–prey dynamics. The final transition to edge-localized mode-free H-mode occurs after the equilibrium E × B flow shear increases due to ion pressure profile evolution. ZFs are also observed to initiate formation of an electron internal transport barrier (ITB) at the q = 2 rational surface via local suppression of electron-scale turbulence. Multi-channel Doppler backscattering (DBS) has revealed the radial structure of the ZF-induced shear layer and the E × B shearing rate, ω E×B, in both barrier types. During edge barrier formation, the shearing rate lags the turbulence envelope during the LCO by 90°, transitioning to anti-correlation (180°) when the equilibrium shear dominates the turbulence-driven flow shear due to the increasing edge pressure gradient. The time-dependent flow shear and the turbulence envelope are anti-correlated (180° out of phase) in the electron ITB. LCOs with time-reversed evolution dynamics (transitioning from an equilibrium-flow dominated to a ZF-dominated state) have also been observed during the H–L back-transition and are potentially of interest for controlled ramp-down of the plasma stored energy and pressure (normalized to the poloidal magnetic field)more » $$\\beta_{\\theta} =2\\mu_{0} n{( {T_{{\\rm e}} +T_{{\\rm i}}})}/{B_{\\theta}^{2}}$$ in ITER.« less

The role of zonal flows and predator-prey oscillations in triggering the formation of edge and core transport barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitz, L.; Zeng, L.; Rhodes, T. L.; Hillesheim, J. C.; Peebles, W. A.; Groebner, R. J.; Burrell, K. H.; McKee, G. R.; Yan, Z.; Tynan, G. R.; Diamond, P. H.; Boedo, J. A.; Doyle, E. J.; Grierson, B. A.; Chrystal, C.; Austin, M. E.; Solomon, W. M.; Wang, G.

2014-07-01

We present direct evidence of low frequency, radially sheared, turbulence-driven flows (zonal flows (ZFs)) triggering edge transport barrier formation preceding the L- to H-mode transition via periodic turbulence suppression in limit-cycle oscillations (LCOs), consistent with predator-prey dynamics. The final transition to edge-localized mode-free H-mode occurs after the equilibrium E × B flow shear increases due to ion pressure profile evolution. ZFs are also observed to initiate formation of an electron internal transport barrier (ITB) at the q = 2 rational surface via local suppression of electron-scale turbulence. Multi-channel Doppler backscattering (DBS) has revealed the radial structure of the ZF-induced shear layer and the E × B shearing rate, ωE×B, in both barrier types. During edge barrier formation, the shearing rate lags the turbulence envelope during the LCO by 90°, transitioning to anti-correlation (180°) when the equilibrium shear dominates the turbulence-driven flow shear due to the increasing edge pressure gradient. The time-dependent flow shear and the turbulence envelope are anti-correlated (180° out of phase) in the electron ITB. LCOs with time-reversed evolution dynamics (transitioning from an equilibrium-flow dominated to a ZF-dominated state) have also been observed during the H-L back-transition and are potentially of interest for controlled ramp-down of the plasma stored energy and pressure (normalized to the poloidal magnetic field) \\beta_{\\theta} =2\\mu_{0} n{( {T_{e} +T_{i}})}/{B_{\\theta}^{2}} in ITER.

The Financial Benefits of Various Catastrophic Failure Prevention Strategies in a Wind Farm: Two market studies (UK-Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yürüşen, N. Y.; Tautz-Weinert, J.; Watson, S. J.; Melero, J. J.

2017-11-01

Operation of wind farms is driven by the overall aim of minimising costs while maximising energy sales. However, in certain circumstances investments are required to guarantee safe operation and survival of an asset. In this paper, we discuss the merits of various catastrophic failure prevention strategies in a Spanish wind farm. The wind farm operator was required to replace blades in two phases: temporary and final repair. We analyse the power performance of the turbine in the different states and investigate four scenarios with different timing of temporary and final repair during one year. The financial consequences of the scenarios are compared with a baseline by using a discounted cash flow analysis that considers the wholesale electricity market selling prices and interest rates. A comparison with the UK electricity market is conducted to highlight differences in the rate of return in the two countries.

Changes in jaw muscle activity and the physical properties of foods with different textures during chewing behaviors.

PubMed

Iguchi, Hiroko; Magara, Jin; Nakamura, Yuki; Tsujimura, Takanori; Ito, Kayoko; Inoue, Makoto

2015-12-01

This study aimed to investigate how the activity of the masseter (Mas) and suprahyoid (Hyoid) muscles is influenced by the physical properties of food, how changes in the rheological properties of food differ between different foods during the process of food reduction, and how different salivary flow rates affect bolus-making capability during masticatory behavior in healthy humans. Ten healthy adults participated in this study. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained from the Mas and Hyoid muscles, and 15 g of steamed rice and rice cake was prepared as test foods. In the ingestion test, the subjects were asked to eat each food in their usual manner. The chewing duration, number of chewing cycles before the first swallow, Mas and Hyoid EMG activity, and chewing cycle time were compared between the foods. Total chewing duration was divided into three substages: early, middle, and late; chewing cycle time and EMG activity per chewing cycle of each substage were compared between the foods and among the substages. In the spitting test, the rheological properties of the bolus at the end of each substage were compared between the foods and among the substages. Finally, stimulated salivary flow rates were measured and the relationships between salivary flow rate and chewing duration, EMG activity, and changes in physical food characteristics were investigated. There were significant differences in total chewing duration and the number of chewing cycles, but not in chewing cycle time, between the foods, which had similar hardness values. The EMG activity levels of the Mas and Hyoid per chewing cycle for the rice cake were significantly greater than for the steamed rice throughout the recording periods. While Mas activity did not change among the substages during chewing, Hyoid EMG activity decreased as chewing progressed. Chewing cycle time also gradually decreased as chewing progressed. The hardness of both foods initially increased, then gradually decreased back to baseline. The adhesiveness of the rice cake initially increased, and did not fall throughout the recording period; the adhesiveness of the steamed rice did not significantly change. Cohesiveness barely changed in either of the two foods during chewing, but was significantly greater for the rice cake than for the steamed rice. Finally, a correlation between the stimulated salivary flow rate and chewing performance was evident only in a change in Mas EMG activity. The current results demonstrate that the activities of the Mas and Hyoid muscles changed as chewing progressed, and were affected by hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness. Salivary flow rate may affect the changes in Mas activity during the process of bolus formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estimating long-term behavior of periodically driven flows without trajectory integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froyland, Gary; Koltai, Péter

2017-05-01

Periodically driven flows are fundamental models of chaotic behavior and the study of their transport properties is an active area of research. A well-known analytic construction is the augmentation of phase space with an additional time dimension; in this augmented space, the flow becomes autonomous or time-independent. We prove several results concerning the connections between the original time-periodic representation and the time-extended representation, focusing on transport properties. In the deterministic setting, these include single-period outflows and time-asymptotic escape rates from time-parameterized families of sets. We also consider stochastic differential equations with time-periodic advection term. In this stochastic setting one has a time-periodic generator (the differential operator given by the right-hand-side of the corresponding time-periodic Fokker-Planck equation). We define in a natural way an autonomous generator corresponding to the flow on time-extended phase space. We prove relationships between these two generator representations and use these to quantify decay rates of observables and to determine time-periodic families of sets with slow escape rate. Finally, we use the generator on the time-extended phase space to create efficient numerical schemes to implement the various theoretical constructions. These ideas build on the work of Froyland et al (2013 SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 51 223-47), and no expensive time integration is required. We introduce an efficient new hybrid approach, which treats the space and time dimensions separately.

Multisensor data fusion across time and space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villeneuve, Pierre V.; Beaven, Scott G.; Reed, Robert A.

2014-06-01

Field measurement campaigns typically deploy numerous sensors having different sampling characteristics for spatial, temporal, and spectral domains. Data analysis and exploitation is made more difficult and time consuming as the sample data grids between sensors do not align. This report summarizes our recent effort to demonstrate feasibility of a processing chain capable of "fusing" image data from multiple independent and asynchronous sensors into a form amenable to analysis and exploitation using commercially-available tools. Two important technical issues were addressed in this work: 1) Image spatial registration onto a common pixel grid, 2) Image temporal interpolation onto a common time base. The first step leverages existing image matching and registration algorithms. The second step relies upon a new and innovative use of optical flow algorithms to perform accurate temporal upsampling of slower frame rate imagery. Optical flow field vectors were first derived from high-frame rate, high-resolution imagery, and then finally used as a basis for temporal upsampling of the slower frame rate sensor's imagery. Optical flow field values are computed using a multi-scale image pyramid, thus allowing for more extreme object motion. This involves preprocessing imagery to varying resolution scales and initializing new vector flow estimates using that from the previous coarser-resolution image. Overall performance of this processing chain is demonstrated using sample data involving complex too motion observed by multiple sensors mounted to the same base. Multiple sensors were included, including a high-speed visible camera, up to a coarser resolution LWIR camera.

A hybrid method of estimating pulsating flow parameters in the space-time domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pałczyński, Tomasz

2017-05-01

This paper presents a method for estimating pulsating flow parameters in partially open pipes, such as pipelines, internal combustion engine inlets, exhaust pipes and piston compressors. The procedure is based on the method of characteristics, and employs a combination of measurements and simulations. An experimental test rig is described, which enables pressure, temperature and mass flow rate to be measured within a defined cross section. The second part of the paper discusses the main assumptions of a simulation algorithm elaborated in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation results are shown as 3D plots in the space-time domain, and compared with proposed models of phenomena relating to wave propagation, boundary conditions, acoustics and fluid mechanics. The simulation results are finally compared with acoustic phenomena, with an emphasis on the identification of resonant frequencies.

An experimental study of combustion: The turbulent structure of a reacting shear layer formed at a rearward-facing step. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitz, R. W.

1981-01-01

A premixed propane-air flame is stabilized in a turbulent free shear layer formed at a rearward-facing step. The mean and rms averages of the turbulent velocity flow field were determined by LDV for both reacting and non-reacting flows. The reaching flow was visualized by high speed schlieren photography. Large scale structures dominate the reacting shear layer. The growth of the large scale structures is tied to the propagation of the flame. The linear growth rate of the reacting shear layer defined by the mean velocity profiles is unchanged by combustion but the virtual origin is shifted downstream. The reacting shear layer based on the mean velocity profiles is shifted toward the recirculation zone and the reattachments lengths are shortened by 30%.

Avalanches of Singing Sand in the Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dagois-Bohy, Simon; Courrech Du Pont, Sylvain; Douady, Stéphane

2011-03-01

The song of dunes is a natural phenomenon that has arisen travellers' curiosity for a long time, from Marco Polo to R.A. Bagnold. Scientific observations in the XXth century have shown that the sound is emitted during a shear flow of these particular grains, the free surface of the flow having coherent vibrations like a loud speaker. The sound emission is also submitted to a threshold effect with many parameters like humidity, flow speed, surface of the grains. The sound has been reproduced in laboratory avalanche experiments close to the natural phenomenon on field, but set in a channel with a hard bottom and a few centimeters of sand flowing, which contradicts explanations of the sound that involve a sand dune under the avalanche flow. Flow rates measurements also show the presence of a plug region in the flow above the sheared band, with the same characteristic length as the coherence zones of the sound. Finally we show experimentally that the Froude number, once modified to take into account the height of this plug band, is the parameter that sets the amplitude of the sound, and produces a threshold that depends on the grain type.

Numerical Assessment of Novel Helical/Spiral Grafts with Improved Hemodynamics for Distal Graft Anastomoses

PubMed Central

Kabinejadian, Foad; McElroy, Michael; Ruiz-Soler, Andres; Leo, Hwa Liang; Slevin, Mark A.; Badimon, Lina

2016-01-01

In the present work, numerical simulations were conducted for a typical end-to-side distal graft anastomosis to assess the effects of inducing secondary flow, which is believed to remove unfavourable flow environment. Simulations were carried out for four models, generated based on two main features of 'out-of-plane helicity' and 'spiral ridge' in the grafts as well as their combination. Following a qualitative comparison against in vitro data, various mean flow and hemodynamic parameters were compared and the results showed that helicity is significantly more effective in inducing swirling flow in comparison to a spiral ridge, while their combination could be even more effective. In addition, the induced swirling flow was generally found to be increasing the wall shear stress and reducing the flow stagnation and particle residence time within the anastomotic region and the host artery, which may be beneficial to the graft longevity and patency rates. Finally, a parametric study on the spiral ridge geometrical features was conducted, which showed that the ridge height and the number of spiral ridges have significant effects on inducing swirling flow, and revealed the potential of improving the efficiency of such designs. PMID:27861485

Numerical Investigation of Cavitation Improvement for a Francis Turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhifeng; Xiao, Ruofu; Wang, Fujun; Yang, Wei

2015-12-01

Cavitation in hydraulic machine is undesired due to its negative effects on performances. To improve cavitation performance of a Francis turbine without the change of the best efficiency point, a model runner geometry optimization was carried out. Firstly, the runner outlet diameter was appropriately increased to reduce the flow velocity at runner outlet region. Then, to avoid the change of the flow rate at the best efficiency point, the blade shapes were carefully adjusted by decreasing the blade outlet angles and increasing the blade wrap angles. A large number of the modified runners were tested by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method. Finally the most appropriate one was selected, which has the runner outlet diameter 10% larger, the blade outlet angles 3 degrees smaller and the blade wrap angles 5 degrees larger. The results showed that the critical cavitation coefficient of the model runner decreased at every unit rotational speed after the optimization, and the effect was much remarkable at relative high flow rate. Besides, by analysing the internal flow field, it was found that the zone of the low pressure on pressure surface of the optimized turbine blades was reduced, the backflow and vortex rope in draft tube were reduced, and the cavitation zone was reduced obviously.

Nonuniform flow in soft glasses of colloidal rods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhont, J. K. G.; Kang, K.; Kriegs, H.; Danko, O.; Marakis, J.; Vlassopoulos, D.

2017-04-01

Despite our reasonably advanced understanding of the dynamics and flow of glasses made of spherical colloids, the role of shape, i.e., the respective behavior of glasses formed by rodlike, particles is virtually unexplored. Recently, long, thin and highly charged rods (fd-virus particles) were found to vitrify in aqueous suspensions at low ionic strength [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 015901 (2013), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.015901]. The glass transition of these long-ranged repulsive rods occurs at a concentration far above the isotropic-nematic coexistence region and is characterized by the unique arrest of both the dynamics of domains that constitute the chiral-nematic orientational texture, as well as individual rods inside the domains. Hence, two relevant length scales exist: the domain size of a few hundreds of microns, and the rod-cage size of a few microns, inside the domains. We show that the unique dual dynamic arrest and the existing of two widely separated length scales imparts an unprecedented, highly heterogeneous flow behavior with three distinct signatures. Beyond a weak stress plateau at very small shear rates that characterizes the glass, the kinetic arrest of the domain dynamics gives rise to internal fracture, as a result of domain-domain interactions, as well as wall partial slip. It is shown that, on increasing the shear rate, the fractured plug flow changes to a shear-banded flow profile due to the stress response of the kinetically arrested aligned rods within the domains. Shear-gradient banding occurs due to the strong thinning of the uniform chiral-nematic phase within the domains, i.e., complying with the classic shear-banding scenario, giving rise to a stress plateau in the flow curve. Finally, a linear (uniform) velocity profile is found at the highest shear rates. Vorticity banding is also observed at intermediate and high shear rates. These results point to the crucial role of particle shape in tailoring the flow properties of dense colloidal suspensions. Moreover, they strongly support the argument that the origin of shear banding in soft-particle glasses with long-ranged repulsive interactions is fundamentally different from that of hard-particle glasses with short-ranged repulsive interactions.

Impact of flow routing on catchment area calculations, slope estimates, and numerical simulations of landscape development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shelef, Eitan; Hilley, George E.

2013-12-01

Flow routing across real or modeled topography determines the modeled discharge and wetness index and thus plays a central role in predicting surface lowering rate, runoff generation, likelihood of slope failure, and transition from hillslope to channel forming processes. In this contribution, we compare commonly used flow-routing rules as well as a new routing rule, to commonly used benchmarks. We also compare results for different routing rules using Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) topography to explore the impact of different flow-routing schemes on inferring the generation of saturation overland flow and the transition between hillslope to channel forming processes, as well as on location of saturation overland flow. Finally, we examined the impact of flow-routing and slope-calculation rules on modeled topography produced by Geomorphic Transport Law (GTL)-based simulations. We found that different rules produce substantive differences in the structure of the modeled topography and flow patterns over ALSM data. Our results highlight the impact of flow-routing and slope-calculation rules on modeled topography, as well as on calculated geomorphic metrics across real landscapes. As such, studies that use a variety of routing rules to analyze and simulate topography are necessary to determine those aspects that most strongly depend on a chosen routing rule.

Final Report Auto/Steel Partnership Phase II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cady, C.M.; Chen, S.R.; Gray, G.T. III

1999-06-09

This is the final report in which effects of strain-rate, temperature, and stress-state on the yield stress and the strain hardening behavior of many common steels used in automobile construction were investigated. The yield and flow stresses were found to exhibit very high rate sensitivities for most of the steels while the hardening rates were found to be insensitive to strain rate and temperature at lower temperatures or at higher strain rates. This behavior is consistent with the observation that overcoming the intrinsic Peierls stress is shown to be the rate-controlling mechanism in these materials at low temperatures. The dependencemore » of the yield stress on temperature and strain rate was found to decrease while the strain hardening rate increased. The Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) model was adopted to model the stress-strain behavior of the steels. Parameters for the constitutive relations were derived for the MTS model and also for the Johnson-Cook (JC) and the Zerilli-Armstrong (ZA) models. The results of this study substantiate the applicability of these models for describing the high strain-rate deformation of these materials. The JC and ZA models, however, due to their use of a power strain hardening law were found to yield constitutive relations for the materials which are strongly dependent on the range of strains for which the models were optimized.« less

On the decades-long stability of the interstellar wind through the solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lallement, R.; Bertaux, J. L.

2014-05-01

We have revisited the series of observations recently used to infer a temporal variation in the interstellar helium flow over the past forty years. Concerning the recent IBEX-Lo direct detection of helium neutrals, there are two types of precise and unambiguous measurements that do not rely on the exact response of the instrument: the count rate maxima as a function of the spin angle, which determines the ecliptic latitude of the flow, and the count rate maxima as a function of IBEX longitude, which determines a tight relationship between the ecliptic longitude of the flow and its velocity far from the Sun. These measurements provide parameters (and couples of parameters in the second case) that are remarkably similar to the canonical, old values. In contrast, the preferred choice of a lower velocity and higher longitude reported before from IBEX data is only based on the count rate variation (at each spin phase maximum) as a function of the satellite longitude, when drifting across the region of high fluxes. We have examined the consequences of dead-time counting effects and conclude that including them at a realistic level is sufficient to reconcile the data with the old parameters, calling for further investigations. We discuss the analyses of the STEREO pickup ion data and argue that the statistical method that has been preferred to infer the neutral flow longitude (instead of the more direct method based on the pickup ion maximum flux directions) is not appropriate. Moreover, transport effects may have been significant at the very weak solar activity level of 2007-2009, in which case the longitudes of the pickup ion maxima are only upper limits on the flow longitude. Finally, we found that using some flow longitude determinations based on UV glow data is not adequate. Based on this global study, and at variance with recent conclusions, we find no evidence for a temporal variability of the interstellar helium flow. This has implications for inner and outer heliosphere studies.

Evaluation on nitrogen oxides and nanoparticle removal and nitrogen monoxide generation using a wet-type nonthermal plasma reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takehana, Kotaro; Kuroki, Tomoyuki; Okubo, Masaaki

2018-05-01

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from power plants and combustion sources cause air pollution problems. Selective catalytic reduction technology is remarkably useful for NOx removal. However, there are several drawbacks such as preparation of reducing agents, usage of harmful heavy metals, and higher cost. On the other hand, trace NO is a vasodilator agent and employed in inhalation therapies for treating pulmonary hypertension in humans. Considering these factors, in the present study, a wet-type nonthermal plasma reactor, which can control NOx and nanoparticle emissions and generate NO, is investigated. The fundamental characteristics of the reactor are investigated. First, the experiment of nanoparticle removal is carried out. Collection efficiencies of over 99% are achieved for nanoparticles at 50 and 100 ml min‑1 of liquid flow rates. Second, experiments of NOx removal under air atmosphere and NOx generation under nitrogen atmosphere are carried out. NOx-removal efficiencies of over 95% under the air plasma are achieved in 50–200 ml min‑1 liquid flow rates. Moreover, under nitrogen plasma, NOx is generated, of which the major portion is NO. For example, NO concentration is 25 ppm, while NOx concentration is 31 ppm at 50 ml min‑1 liquid flow rate. Finally, experiments of NO generation under the nitrogen atmosphere with or without flowing water are carried out. When water flows on the inner surface of the reactor, approximately 14 ppm of NO is generated. Therefore, NO generation requires flowing water. It is considered that the reaction of N and OH, which is similar to the extended Zeldovich mechanism, could occur to induce NO formation. From these results, it is verified that the wet-type plasma reactor is useful for NOx removal and NO generation under nitrogen atmosphere with flowing water.

Hypervelocity atmospheric flight: Real gas flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, John T.

1990-01-01

Flight in the atmosphere is examined from the viewpoint of including real gas phenomena in the flow field about a vehicle flying at hypervelocity. That is to say, the flow field is subject not only to compressible phenomena, but is dominated by energetic phenomena. There are several significant features of such a flow field. Spatially, its composition can vary by both chemical and elemental species. The equations which describe the flow field include equations of state and mass, species, elemental, and electric charge continuity; momentum; and energy equations. These are nonlinear, coupled, partial differential equations that were reduced to a relatively compact set of equations of a self-consistent manner (which allows mass addition at the surface at a rate comparable to the free-stream mass flux). The equations and their inputs allow for transport of these quantities relative to the mass-averaged behavior of the flow field. Thus transport of mass by chemical, thermal, pressure, and forced diffusion; transport of momentum by viscosity; and transport of energy by conduction, chemical considerations, viscosity, and radiative transfer are included. The last of these complicate the set of equations by making the energy equation a partial integrodifferential equation. Each phenomenon is considered and represented mathematically by one or more developments. The coefficients which pertain are both thermodynamically and chemically dependent. Solutions of the equations are presented and discussed in considerable detail, with emphasis on severe energetic flow fields. For hypervelocity flight in low-density environments where gaseous reactions proceed at finite rates, chemical nonequilibrium is considered and some illustrations are presented. Finally, flight where the flow field may be out of equilibrium, both chemically and thermodynamically, is presented briefly.

Hypervelocity atmospheric flight: Real gas flow fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, John T.

1989-01-01

Flight in the atmosphere is examined from the viewpoint of including real gas phenomena in the flow field about a vehicle flying at hypervelocity. That is to say, the flow field is subject not only to compressible phenomena, but is dominated by energetic phenomena. There are several significant features of such a flow field. Spatially, its composition can vary by both chemical and elemental species. The equations which describe the flow field include equations of state and mass, species, elemental, and electric charge continuity; momentum; and energy equations. These are nonlinear, coupled, partial differential equations that have been reduced to a relatively compact set of equations in a self-consistent manner (which allows mass addition at the surface at a rate comparable to the free-stream mass flux). The equations and their inputs allow for transport of these quantities relative to the mass-average behavior of the flow field. Thus transport of mass by chemical, thermal, pressure, and forced diffusion; transport of momentum by viscosity; and transport of energy by conduction, chemical considerations, viscosity, and radiative transfer are included. The last of these complicate the set of equations by making the energy equations a partial integrodifferential equation. Each phenomenon is considered and represented mathematically by one or more developments. The coefficients which pertain are both thermodynamically and chemically dependent. Solutions of the equations are presented and discussed in considerable detail, with emphasis on severe energetic flow fields. Hypervelocity flight in low-density environments where gaseous reactions proceed at finite rates chemical nonequilibrium is considered, and some illustrations are presented. Finally, flight where the flow field may be out of equilibrium, both chemically and thermodynamically, is presented briefly.

Characterization of Magma-Driven Hydrothermal Systems at Oceanic Spreading Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farough, A.; Lowell, R. P.; Corrigan, R.

2012-12-01

Fluid circulation in high-temperature hydrothermal systems involves complex water-rock chemical reactions and phase separation. Numerical modeling of reactive transport in multi-component, multiphase systems is required to obtain a full understanding of the characteristics and evolution of hydrothermal vent systems. We use a single-pass parameterized model of high-temperature hydrothermal circulation at oceanic spreading centers constrained by observational parameters such as vent temperature, heat output, and vent field area, together with surface area and depth of the sub-axial magma chamber, to deduce fundamental hydrothermal parameters such as mass flow rate, bulk permeability, conductive boundary layer thickness at the base of the system, magma replenishment rate, and residence time in the discharge zone. All of these key subsurface characteristics are known for fewer than 10 sites out of 300 known hydrothermal systems. The principal limitations of this approach stem from the uncertainty in heat output and vent field area. For systems where data are available on partitioning of heat and chemical output between focused and diffuse flow, we determined the fraction of high-temperature vent fluid incorporated into diffuse flow using a two-limb single pass model. For EPR 9°50` N and ASHES, the diffuse flow temperatures calculated assuming conservative mixing are nearly equal to the observed temperatures indicating that approximately 80%-90% of the hydrothermal heat output occurs as high-temperature flow derived from magmatic heat even though most of the heat output appears as low-temperature diffuse discharge. For the Main Endeavour Field and Lucky Strike, diffuse flow fluids show significant conductive cooling and heating respectively. Finally, we calculate the transport of various geochemical constituents in focused and diffuse flow at the vent field scale and compare the results with estimates of geochemical transports from the Rainbow hydrothermal field where diffuse flow is absent.

Mitigation of lava flow invasion hazard through optimized barrier configuration aided by numerical simulation: The case of the 2001 Etna eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scifoni, S.; Coltelli, M.; Marsella, M.; Proietti, C.; Napoleoni, Q.; Vicari, A.; Del Negro, C.

2010-04-01

Lava flow spreading along the flanks of Etna volcano often produces damages to the land and proprieties. The impact of these eruptions could be mitigated by building artificial barriers for controlling and slowing down the lava, as recently experienced in 1983, 1991-1993, 2001 and 2002. This study investigates how numerical simulations can be adopted for evaluating the effectiveness of barrier construction and for optimizing their geometry, considering as test case the lava flows emplaced on Etna's south flank during 2001. The flow temporal evolutions were reconstructed deriving the effusion rate trends, together with the pre-eruption topography were adopted as input data of the MAGFLOW simulation code. Three simulations were then conducted to simulate lava flow with and without barriers. The first aimed at verifying the reconstruction of the effusion rate trends, while the others at assessing the performance of the barrier system realized during the eruption in comparison with an alternative solution here proposed. A quantitative analysis carried out on the first simulation confirms the suitability of the selected test case. The comparison of the three simulated thickness distributions showed both the effectiveness of the barriers in slowing down the lava flow and the sensitivity of the MAGFLOW code to the topographical variations represented by the barriers. Finally, for reducing both the time necessary to erect the barrier and the barrier environmental impact, the gabion's barrier construction was analyzed. The implemented and tested procedure enforces the capability of using numerical simulations for designing optimized lava flow barriers aimed at making swifter mitigatory actions upon lava flows and improving the effectiveness of civil protection interventions during emergencies.

Optimization and scale up of microfluidic nanolipomer production method for preclinical and potential clinical trials.

PubMed

Gdowski, Andrew; Johnson, Kaitlyn; Shah, Sunil; Gryczynski, Ignacy; Vishwanatha, Jamboor; Ranjan, Amalendu

2018-02-12

The process of optimization and fabrication of nanoparticle synthesis for preclinical studies can be challenging and time consuming. Traditional small scale laboratory synthesis techniques suffer from batch to batch variability. Additionally, the parameters used in the original formulation must be re-optimized due to differences in fabrication techniques for clinical production. Several low flow microfluidic synthesis processes have been reported in recent years for developing nanoparticles that are a hybrid between polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. However, use of high flow microfluidic synthetic techniques has not been described for this type of nanoparticle system, which we will term as nanolipomer. In this manuscript, we describe the successful optimization and functional assessment of nanolipomers fabricated using a microfluidic synthesis method under high flow parameters. The optimal total flow rate for synthesis of these nanolipomers was found to be 12 ml/min and flow rate ratio 1:1 (organic phase: aqueous phase). The PLGA polymer concentration of 10 mg/ml and a DSPE-PEG lipid concentration of 10% w/v provided optimal size, PDI and stability. Drug loading and encapsulation of a representative hydrophobic small molecule drug, curcumin, was optimized and found that high encapsulation efficiency of 58.8% and drug loading of 4.4% was achieved at 7.5% w/w initial concentration of curcumin/PLGA polymer. The final size and polydispersity index of the optimized nanolipomer was 102.11 nm and 0.126, respectively. Functional assessment of uptake of the nanolipomers in C4-2B prostate cancer cells showed uptake at 1 h and increased uptake at 24 h. The nanolipomer was more effective in the cell viability assay compared to free drug. Finally, assessment of in vivo retention in mice of these nanolipomers revealed retention for up to 2 h and were completely cleared at 24 h. In this study, we have demonstrated that a nanolipomer formulation can be successfully synthesized and easily scaled up through a high flow microfluidic system with optimal characteristics. The process of developing nanolipomers using this methodology is significant as the same optimized parameters used for small batches could be translated into manufacturing large scale batches for clinical trials through parallel flow systems.

Two-Phase Flow in Packed Columns and Generation of Bubbly Suspensions for Chemical Processing in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Brian J.; Green, R. D.; Nahra, H. K.; Sridhar, K. R.

2000-01-01

For long-duration space missions, the life support and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems necessary to lower the mass and volume of consumables carried from Earth will require more sophisticated chemical processing technologies involving gas-liquid two-phase flows. This paper discusses some preliminary two-phase flow work in packed columns and generation of bubbly suspensions, two types of flow systems that can exist in a number of chemical processing devices. The experimental hardware for a co-current flow, packed column operated in two ground-based low gravity facilities (two-second drop tower and KC- 135 low-gravity aircraft) is described. The preliminary results of this experimental work are discussed. The flow regimes observed and the conditions under which these flow regimes occur are compared with the available co-current packed column experimental work performed in normal gravity. For bubbly suspensions, the experimental hardware for generation of uniformly sized bubbles in Couette flow in microgravity conditions is described. Experimental work was performed on a number of bubbler designs, and the capillary bubble tube was found to produce the most consistent size bubbles. Low air flow rates and low Couette flow produce consistent 2-3 mm bubbles, the size of interest for the "Behavior of Rapidly Sheared Bubbly Suspension" flight experiment. Finally the mass transfer implications of these two-phase flows is qualitatively discussed.

Pooled analysis of the CONFIRM registries: impact of gender on procedure and angiographic outcomes in patients undergoing orbital atherectomy for peripheral artery disease.

PubMed

Lee, Michael S; Canan, Timothy; Rha, Seung-Woon; Mustapha, Jihad; Adams, George L

2015-02-01

To compare the acute procedure and angiographic outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients treated with orbital atherectomy stratified by gender. The CONFIRM I, II, and III registries are US multicenter, nonrandomized, all-comers registries of PAD patients who were treated with orbital atherectomy. All patients with gender specified in the registry database were included in the current analysis, which compared the final residual stenosis achieved after atherectomy and the rate of acute complications in female and male patients. The 3 registries included 3131 patients with 4761 lesions: 1261 women (mean age 73.2 ± 10.7 years) with 1874 lesions and 1870 men (mean age 70.4 ± 10.2) with 2887 lesions. The women were older (p < 0.001) and had a higher but nonsignificant prevalence of critical limb ischemia (p = 0.075). After treatment, the final residual stenosis in women vs. men was 9% ± 11% vs. 11% ± 11%, respectively (p < 0.001). Women had a higher rate of all types of dissection (13.3% vs. 9.9%, p<0.001). However, both genders had similar rates of flow-limiting dissections (1.6% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.61), perforation, slow flow, vessel closure, spasm, embolism, and thrombus formation. The gender analysis of the CONFIRM registries revealed that there was successful lesion modification with orbital atherectomy in both men and women; however, women had a higher rate of dissection (all types). This difference is likely because of the older age and higher percentage of critical limb ischemia in women in this cohort. These results, however, suggest that additional studies should be completed to further understand the increased risks for women vs. men during endovascular procedures. © The Author(s) 2015.

The effects of non-Newtonian viscosity on the deformation of red blood cells in a shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sesay, Juldeh

2005-11-01

The analyses of the effects of non-Newtonian viscosity on the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs) suspended in a shear flow are presented. The specific objective is to investigate the mechanical deformation on the surfaces of an ellipsoidal particle model. The hydrodynamic stresses and other forces on the surface of the particle are used to determine the cell deformation. We extended previous works, which were based on the Newtonian fluid models, to the non-Newtonian case, and focus on imposed shear rate values between 1 and 100 per second. Two viscosity models are investigated, which respectively correspond to a normal person and a patient with cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The results are compared with those obtained assuming a Newtonian model. We observed that the orientation of the cell influences the deformation and the imposed shear rate drives the local shear rate distribution along the particle surface. The integral particle deformation for the non-Newtonian models in the given shear rate regime is higher than that for the Newtonian reference model. Finally, the deformation of the cell surface decreases as the dissipation ratio increases.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, C.; Potts, I.; Reeks, M. W., E-mail: mike.reeks@ncl.ac.uk

We present a simple stochastic quadrant model for calculating the transport and deposition of heavy particles in a fully developed turbulent boundary layer based on the statistics of wall-normal fluid velocity fluctuations obtained from a fully developed channel flow. Individual particles are tracked through the boundary layer via their interactions with a succession of random eddies found in each of the quadrants of the fluid Reynolds shear stress domain in a homogeneous Markov chain process. In this way, we are able to account directly for the influence of ejection and sweeping events as others have done but without resorting tomore » the use of adjustable parameters. Deposition rate predictions for a wide range of heavy particles predicted by the model compare well with benchmark experimental measurements. In addition, deposition rates are compared with those obtained from continuous random walk models and Langevin equation based ejection and sweep models which noticeably give significantly lower deposition rates. Various statistics related to the particle near wall behavior are also presented. Finally, we consider the model limitations in using the model to calculate deposition in more complex flows where the near wall turbulence may be significantly different.« less

Design and Performance of the Sorbent-Based Atmosphere Revitalization System for Orion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, James A.; Reynolds, Steven P.; Ebner, Armin D.; Knox, James C.; LeVan, M. Douglas

2007-01-01

Validation and simulations of a real-time dynamic cabin model were conducted on the sorbent-based atmosphere revitalization system for Orion. The dynamic cabin model, which updates the concentration of H2O and CO2 every second during the simulation, was able to predict the steady state model values for H2O and CO2 for long periods of steady metabolic production for a 4-person crew. It also showed similar trends for the exercise periods, where there were quick changes in production rates. Once validated, the cabin model was used to determine the effects of feed flow rate, cabin volume and column volume. A higher feed flow rate reduced the cabin concentrations only slightly over the base case, a larger cabin volume was able to reduce the cabin concentrations even further, and the lower column volume led to much higher cabin concentrations. Finally, the cabin model was used to determine the effect of the amount of silica gel in the column. As the amount increased, the cabin concentration of H2O decreased, but the cabin concentration of CO2 increased.

Inductive flux usage and its optimization in tokamak operation

DOE PAGES

Luce, Timothy C.; Humphreys, David A.; Jackson, Gary L.; ...

2014-07-30

The energy flow from the poloidal field coils of a tokamak to the electromagnetic and kinetic stored energy of the plasma are considered in the context of optimizing the operation of ITER. The goal is to optimize the flux usage in order to allow the longest possible burn in ITER at the desired conditions to meet the physics objectives (500 MW fusion power with energy gain of 10). A mathematical formulation of the energy flow is derived and applied to experiments in the DIII-D tokamak that simulate the ITER design shape and relevant normalized current and pressure. The rate ofmore » rise of the plasma current was varied, and the fastest stable current rise is found to be the optimum for flux usage in DIII-D. A method to project the results to ITER is formulated. The constraints of the ITER poloidal field coil set yield an optimum at ramp rates slower than the maximum stable rate for plasmas similar to the DIII-D plasmas. Finally, experiments in present-day tokamaks for further optimization of the current rise and validation of the projections are suggested.« less

Copper atom based measurements of velocity and turbulence in arc jet flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marinelli, William J.; Kessler, William J.; Allen, Mark G.; Arepalli, Sivaram; Scott, Carl D.

1991-01-01

Laboratory and field measurements were combined with a modeling effort to explore the feasibility of using atomic copper laser-induced fluorescence to measure velocity, turbulence, and temperature in arcjet flows. Both CW and pulsed frequency-doubled dye lasers were used to demonstrate the ability to measure velocity with 10 percent accuracy at rates of 200,000 cm/s in a rarefied flow of Cu atoms seeded in He. The pulsed laser established a threshold energy for power-broadening of the absorption line at 3.5 x 10 to the -8th J/sq cm. Field measurements at the NASA/JSC 10-MW arcjet facility demonstrated the ability to perform these measurements under actual test conditions. The use of this technique to measure freestream temperatures in the flow was examined for the 0.08/cm linewidth laser used in the NASA/JSC effort. Finally, single-shot turbulence measurements at the USAF/AEDC 35-MW H2 arcjet facility were measured with 4 percent accuracy using the laser/absorption line-overlap technique.

Modelling morphology evolution during solidification of IPP in processing conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pantani, R., E-mail: rpantani@unisa.it, E-mail: fedesantis@unisa.it, E-mail: vsperanza@unisa.it, E-mail: gtitomanlio@unisa.it; De Santis, F., E-mail: rpantani@unisa.it, E-mail: fedesantis@unisa.it, E-mail: vsperanza@unisa.it, E-mail: gtitomanlio@unisa.it; Speranza, V., E-mail: rpantani@unisa.it, E-mail: fedesantis@unisa.it, E-mail: vsperanza@unisa.it, E-mail: gtitomanlio@unisa.it

During polymer processing, crystallization takes place during or soon after flow. In most of cases, the flow field dramatically influences both the crystallization kinetics and the crystal morphology. On their turn, crystallinity and morphology affect product properties. Consequently, in the last decade, researchers tried to identify the main parameters determining crystallinity and morphology evolution during solidification In processing conditions. In this work, we present an approach to model flow-induced crystallization with the aim of predicting the morphology after processing. The approach is based on: interpretation of the FIC as the effect of molecular stretch on the thermodynamic crystallization temperature; modelingmore » the molecular stretch evolution by means of a model simple and easy to be implemented in polymer processing simulation codes; identification of the effect of flow on nucleation density and spherulites growth rate by means of simple experiments; determination of the condition under which fibers form instead of spherulites. Model predictions reproduce most of the features of final morphology observed in the samples after solidification.« less

Silicon microfluidic flow focusing devices for the production of size-controlled PLGA based drug loaded microparticles.

PubMed

Keohane, Kieran; Brennan, Des; Galvin, Paul; Griffin, Brendan T

2014-06-05

The increasing realisation of the impact of size and surface properties on the bio-distribution of drug loaded colloidal particles has driven the application of micro fabrication technologies for the precise engineering of drug loaded microparticles. This paper demonstrates an alternative approach for producing size controlled drug loaded PLGA based microparticles using silicon Microfluidic Flow Focusing Devices (MFFDs). Based on the precise geometry and dimensions of the flow focusing channel, microparticle size was successfully optimised by modifying the polymer type, disperse phase (Qd) flow rate, and continuous phase (Qc) flow rate. The microparticles produced ranged in sizes from 5 to 50 μm and were highly monodisperse (coefficient of variation <5%). A comparison of Ciclosporin (CsA) loaded PLGA microparticles produced by MFFDs vs conventional production techniques was also performed. MFFDs produced microparticles with a narrower size distribution profile, relative to the conventional approaches. In-vitro release kinetics of CsA was found to be influenced by the production technique, with the MFFD approach demonstrating the slowest rate of release over 7 days (4.99 ± 0.26%). Finally, MFFDs were utilised to produce pegylated microparticles using the block co-polymer, PEG-PLGA. In contrast to the smooth microparticles produced using PLGA, PEG-PLGA microparticles displayed a highly porous surface morphology and rapid CsA release, with 85 ± 6.68% CsA released after 24h. The findings from this study demonstrate the utility of silicon MFFDs for the precise control of size and surface morphology of PLGA based microparticles with potential drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A three-dimensional analysis on the role of atmospheric waves in the climatology and interannual variability of stratospheric final warming in the Southern Hemisphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, Soichiro; Kohma, Masashi; Sato, Kaoru

2016-07-01

Stratospheric final warming (SFW) in the Southern Hemisphere is examined in terms of their interannual variability and climatology using reanalysis data from January 1979 to March 2014. First, it is shown from a two-dimensional transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) analysis that a time-integrated vertical component of Eliassen-Palm flux during the spring is significantly related with SFW date. To clarify the role of residual mean flow in the interannual variability of the SFW date, SFWs are categorized into early and late groups according to the SFW date and their differences are examined. Significant difference in potential temperature tendency is observed in the middle and lower stratosphere in early October. Their structure in the meridional cross section accords well with that of vertical potential temperature advection by the residual mean flow. Difference in heating rate by shortwave radiation is minor. These results suggest that the adiabatic heating associated with the residual mean flow largely affects polar stratospheric temperature during austral spring and SFW date. The analysis is extended to investigate the longitudinal structure by using a three-dimensional (3-D) TEM theory. The significant difference in potential temperature tendency is mainly observed around the Weddell Sea at 10 hPa. Next, climatological 3-D structure of a vertical component of the residual mean flow in association with SFW is examined in terms of the effect on the troposphere. The results suggest that a downward residual mean flow from the stratosphere penetrates into underlying troposphere over East Antarctica and partly influences tropospheric temperature there.

A computational model for the flow of resin in self-healing composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, J.; Qamar, I. P. S.; Rendall, T. C. S.; Trask, R. S.

2015-03-01

To explore the flow characteristics of healing agent leaving a vascular network and infusing a damage site within a fibre reinforced polymer composite, a numerical model of healing agent flow from an orifice has been developed using smoothed particle hydrodynamics. As an initial validation the discharge coefficient for low Reynolds number flow from a cylindrical tank is calculated numerically, using two different viscosity formulations, and compared to existing experimental data. Results of this comparison are very favourable; the model is able to reproduce experimental results for the discharge coefficient in the high Reynolds number limit, together with the power-law behaviour for low Reynolds numbers. Results are also presented for a representative delamination geometry showing healing fluid behaviour and fraction filled inside the delamination for a variety of fluid viscosities. This work provides the foundations for the vascular self-healing community in calculating not only the flow rate through the network, but also, by simulating a representative damage site, the final location of the healing fluid within the damage site in order to assess the improvement in local and global mechanical properties and thus healing efficiency.

Dynamic self-assembly of charged colloidal strings and walls in simple fluid flows.

PubMed

Abe, Yu; Zhang, Bo; Gordillo, Leonardo; Karim, Alireza Mohammad; Francis, Lorraine F; Cheng, Xiang

2017-02-22

Colloidal particles can self-assemble into various ordered structures in fluid flows that have potential applications in biomedicine, materials synthesis and encryption. These dynamic processes are also of fundamental interest for probing the general principles of self-assembly under non-equilibrium conditions. Here, we report a simple microfluidic experiment, where charged colloidal particles self-assemble into flow-aligned 1D strings with regular particle spacing near a solid boundary. Using high-speed confocal microscopy, we systematically investigate the influence of flow rates, electrostatics and particle polydispersity on the observed string structures. By studying the detailed dynamics of stable flow-driven particle pairs, we quantitatively characterize interparticle interactions. Based on the results, we construct a simple model that explains the intriguing non-equilibrium self-assembly process. Our study shows that the colloidal strings arise from a delicate balance between attractive hydrodynamic coupling and repulsive electrostatic interaction between particles. Finally, we demonstrate that, with the assistance of transverse electric fields, a similar mechanism also leads to the formation of 2D colloidal walls.

Low-cost thin-film absorber/evaporator for an absorption chiller. Final report, May 1992-April 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lowenstein, A.; Sibilia, M.

1993-04-01

The feasibility of making the absorber and evaporator of a small lithium-bromide absorption chiller from thin plastic films was studied. Tests were performed to measure (1) pressure limitations for a plastic thin-film heat exchanger, (2) flow pressure-drop characteristics, (3) air permeation rates across the plastic films, and (4) creep characteristics of the plastic films. Initial tests were performed on heat exchangers made of either low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a LDPE/HDPE blend. While initial designs for the heat exchanger failed at internal pressures of only 5 to 6 psi, the final design could withstand pressures of 34 psi.

Inducing protein aggregation by extensional flow

PubMed Central

Dobson, John; Kumar, Amit; Willis, Leon F.; Tuma, Roman; Higazi, Daniel R.; Turner, Richard; Lowe, David C.; Ashcroft, Alison E.; Radford, Sheena E.; Kapur, Nikil

2017-01-01

Relative to other extrinsic factors, the effects of hydrodynamic flow fields on protein stability and conformation remain poorly understood. Flow-induced protein remodeling and/or aggregation is observed both in Nature and during the large-scale industrial manufacture of proteins. Despite its ubiquity, the relationships between the type and magnitude of hydrodynamic flow, a protein’s structure and stability, and the resultant aggregation propensity are unclear. Here, we assess the effects of a defined and quantified flow field dominated by extensional flow on the aggregation of BSA, β2-microglobulin (β2m), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We show that the device induces protein aggregation after exposure to an extensional flow field for 0.36–1.8 ms, at concentrations as low as 0.5 mg mL−1. In addition, we reveal that the extent of aggregation depends on the applied strain rate and the concentration, structural scaffold, and sequence of the protein. Finally we demonstrate the in situ labeling of a buried cysteine residue in BSA during extensional stress. Together, these data indicate that an extensional flow readily unfolds thermodynamically and kinetically stable proteins, exposing previously sequestered sequences whose aggregation propensity determines the probability and extent of aggregation. PMID:28416674

Dynamic motion of red blood cells in simple shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sui, Y.; Chew, Y. T.; Roy, P.; Cheng, Y. P.; Low, H. T.

2008-11-01

A three-dimensional numerical model is proposed to simulate the dynamic motion of red blood cells (RBCs) in simple shear flow. The RBCs are approximated by ghost cells consisting of Newtonian liquid drops enclosed by Skalak membranes which take into account the membrane shear elasticity and the membrane area incompressibility. The RBCs have an initially biconcave discoid resting shape, and the internal liquid is assumed to have the same physical properties as the matrix fluid. The simulation is based on a hybrid method, in which the immersed boundary concept is introduced into the framework of the lattice Boltzmann method, and a finite element model is incorporated to obtain the forces acting on the nodes of the cell membrane which is discretized into flat triangular elements. The dynamic motion of RBCs is investigated in simple shear flow under a broad range of shear rates. At large shear rates, the cells are found to carry out a swinging motion, in which periodic inclination oscillation and shape deformation superimpose on the membrane tank treading motion. With the shear rate decreasing, the swinging amplitude of the cell increases, and finally triggers a transition to tumbling motion. This is the first direct numerical simulation that predicts both the swinging motion of the RBCs and the shear rate induced transition, which have been observed in a recent experiment. It is also found that as the mode changes from swinging to tumbling, the apparent viscosity of the suspension increases monotonically.

Dispersion-convolution model for simulating peaks in a flow injection system.

PubMed

Pai, Su-Cheng; Lai, Yee-Hwong; Chiao, Ling-Yun; Yu, Tiing

2007-01-12

A dispersion-convolution model is proposed for simulating peak shapes in a single-line flow injection system. It is based on the assumption that an injected sample plug is expanded due to a "bulk" dispersion mechanism along the length coordinate, and that after traveling over a distance or a period of time, the sample zone will develop into a Gaussian-like distribution. This spatial pattern is further transformed to a temporal coordinate by a convolution process, and finally a temporal peak image is generated. The feasibility of the proposed model has been examined by experiments with various coil lengths, sample sizes and pumping rates. An empirical dispersion coefficient (D*) can be estimated by using the observed peak position, height and area (tp*, h* and At*) from a recorder. An empirical temporal shift (Phi*) can be further approximated by Phi*=D*/u2, which becomes an important parameter in the restoration of experimental peaks. Also, the dispersion coefficient can be expressed as a second-order polynomial function of the pumping rate Q, for which D*(Q)=delta0+delta1Q+delta2Q2. The optimal dispersion occurs at a pumping rate of Qopt=sqrt[delta0/delta2]. This explains the interesting "Nike-swoosh" relationship between the peak height and pumping rate. The excellent coherence of theoretical and experimental peak shapes confirms that the temporal distortion effect is the dominating reason to explain the peak asymmetry in flow injection analysis.

Development and Characterization of a Parallelizable Perfusion Bioreactor for 3D Cell Culture.

PubMed

Egger, Dominik; Fischer, Monica; Clementi, Andreas; Ribitsch, Volker; Hansmann, Jan; Kasper, Cornelia

2017-05-25

The three dimensional (3D) cultivation of stem cells in dynamic bioreactor systems is essential in the context of regenerative medicine. Still, there is a lack of bioreactor systems that allow the cultivation of multiple independent samples under different conditions while ensuring comprehensive control over the mechanical environment. Therefore, we developed a miniaturized, parallelizable perfusion bioreactor system with two different bioreactor chambers. Pressure sensors were also implemented to determine the permeability of biomaterials which allows us to approximate the shear stress conditions. To characterize the flow velocity and shear stress profile of a porous scaffold in both bioreactor chambers, a computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed. Furthermore, the mixing behavior was characterized by acquisition of the residence time distributions. Finally, the effects of the different flow and shear stress profiles of the bioreactor chambers on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated in a proof of concept study. In conclusion, the data from computational fluid dynamics and shear stress calculations were found to be predictable for relative comparison of the bioreactor geometries, but not for final determination of the optimal flow rate. However, we suggest that the system is beneficial for parallel dynamic cultivation of multiple samples for 3D cell culture processes.

Development and Characterization of a Parallelizable Perfusion Bioreactor for 3D Cell Culture

PubMed Central

Egger, Dominik; Fischer, Monica; Clementi, Andreas; Ribitsch, Volker; Hansmann, Jan; Kasper, Cornelia

2017-01-01

The three dimensional (3D) cultivation of stem cells in dynamic bioreactor systems is essential in the context of regenerative medicine. Still, there is a lack of bioreactor systems that allow the cultivation of multiple independent samples under different conditions while ensuring comprehensive control over the mechanical environment. Therefore, we developed a miniaturized, parallelizable perfusion bioreactor system with two different bioreactor chambers. Pressure sensors were also implemented to determine the permeability of biomaterials which allows us to approximate the shear stress conditions. To characterize the flow velocity and shear stress profile of a porous scaffold in both bioreactor chambers, a computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed. Furthermore, the mixing behavior was characterized by acquisition of the residence time distributions. Finally, the effects of the different flow and shear stress profiles of the bioreactor chambers on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated in a proof of concept study. In conclusion, the data from computational fluid dynamics and shear stress calculations were found to be predictable for relative comparison of the bioreactor geometries, but not for final determination of the optimal flow rate. However, we suggest that the system is beneficial for parallel dynamic cultivation of multiple samples for 3D cell culture processes. PMID:28952530

40 CFR 1065.545 - Validation of proportional flow control for batch sampling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of the estimate, SEE, of the sample flow rate versus the total flow rate. For each test interval, demonstrate that SEE was less than or equal to 3.5% of the mean sample flow rate. (b) For any pair of flow meters, use recorded sample and total flow rates, where total flow rate means the raw exhaust flow rate...

Particle loading time and humidity effects on the efficiency of an N95 filtering facepiece respirator model under constant and inhalation cyclic flows.

PubMed

Mahdavi, Alireza; Haghighat, Fariborz; Bahloul, Ali; Brochot, Clothilde; Ostiguy, Claude

2015-06-01

It is necessary to investigate the efficiencies of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) exposed to ultrafine particles (UFPs) for long periods of time, since the particle loading time may potentially affect the efficiency of FFRs. This article aims to investigate the filtration efficiency for a model of electrostatic N95 FFRs with constant and 'inhalation-only' cyclic flows, in terms of particle loading time effect, using different humidity conditions. Filters were exposed to generated polydisperse NaCl particles. Experiments were performed mimicking an 'inhalation-only' scenario with a cyclic flow of 85 l min(-1) as the minute volume [or 170 l min(-1) as mean inhalation flow (MIF)] and for two constant flows of 85 and 170 l min(-1), under three relative humidity (RH) levels of 10, 50, and 80%. Each test was performed for loading time periods of 6h and the particle penetration (10-205.4nm in electrical mobility diameter) was measured once every 2h. For a 10% RH, the penetration of smaller size particles (<80nm), including the most penetrating particle size (MPPS), decreased over time for both constant and cyclic flows. For 50 and 80% RH levels, the changes in penetration were typically observed in an opposite direction with less magnitude. The penetrations at MPPS increased with respect to loading time under constant flow conditions (85 and 170 l min(-1)): it did not substantially increase under cyclic flows. The comparison of the cyclic flow (85 l min(-1) as minute volume) and constant flow equal to the cyclic flow minute volume indicated that, for all conditions the penetration was significantly less for the constant flow than that of cyclic flow. The comparison between the cyclic (170 l min(-1) as MIF) and constant flow equal to cyclic flow MIF indicated that, for the initial stage of loading, the penetrations were almost equal, but they were different for the final stages of the loading time. For a 10% RH, the penetration of a wide range of sizes was observed to be higher with the cyclic flow (170 as MIF) than with the equivalent constant flow (170 l min(-1)). For 50 and 80% RH levels, the penetrations were usually greater with a constant flow (170 l min(-1)) than with a cyclic flow (170 l min(-1) as MIF). It is concluded that, for the tested electrostatic N95 filters, the change in penetration as a function of the loading time does not necessarily take place with the same rate under constant (MIF) and cyclic flow. Moreover, for all tested flow rates, the penetration is not only affected by the loading time but also by the RH level. Lower RH levels (10%) have decreasing penetration rates in terms of loading time, while higher RH levels (50 and 80%) have increasing penetration rates. Also, the loading of the filter is normally accompanied with a shift of MPPS towards larger sizes. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Pore-scale supercritical CO2 dissolution and mass transfer under imbibition conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Chun; Zhou, Quanlin; Kneafsey, Timothy J.

2016-06-01

In modeling of geological carbon storage, dissolution of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) is often assumed to be instantaneous with equilibrium phase partitioning. In contrast, recent core-scale imbibition experiments have shown a prolonged depletion of residual scCO2 by dissolution, implying a non-equilibrium mechanism. In this study, eight pore-scale scCO2 dissolution experiments in a 2D heterogeneous, sandstone-analogue micromodel were conducted at supercritical conditions (9 MPa and 40 °C). The micromodel was first saturated with deionized (DI) water and drained by injecting scCO2 to establish a stable scCO2 saturation. DI water was then injected at constant flow rates after scCO2 drainage was completed. Highmore » resolution time-lapse images of scCO2 and water distributions were obtained during imbibition and dissolution, aided by a scCO2-soluble fluorescent dye introduced with scCO2 during drainage. These images were used to estimate scCO2 saturations and scCO2 depletion rates. Experimental results show that (1) a time-independent, varying number of water-flow channels are created during imbibition and later dominant dissolution by the random nature of water flow at the micromodel inlet, and (2) a time-dependent number of water-flow channels are created by coupled imbibition and dissolution following completion of dominant imbibition. The number of water-flow paths, constant or transient in nature, greatly affects the overall depletion rate of scCO2 by dissolution. The average mass fraction of dissolved CO2 (dsCO2) in water effluent varies from 0.38% to 2.72% of CO2 solubility, indicating non-equilibrium scCO2 dissolution in the millimeter-scale pore network. In general, the transient depletion rate decreases as trapped, discontinuous scCO2 bubbles and clusters within water-flow paths dissolve, then remains low with dissolution of large bypassed scCO2 clusters at their interfaces with longitudinal water flow, and finally increases with coupled transverse water flow and enhanced dissolution of large scCO2 clusters. The three stages of scCO2 depletion, common to experiments with time-independent water-flow paths, are revealed by zoom-in image analysis of individual scCO2 bubbles and clusters. The measured relative permeability of water, affected by scCO2 dissolution and bi-modal permeability, shows a non-monotonic dependence on saturation. The results for experiments with different injection rates imply that the non-equilibrium nature of scCO2 dissolution becomes less important when water flow is relatively low and the time scale for dissolution is large, and more pronounced when heterogeneity is strong.« less

MBM fuel feeding system design and evaluation for FBG pilot plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Campbell, William A., E-mail: bill.campbell@usask.ca; Fonstad, Terry; Pugsley, Todd

2012-06-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A 1-5 g/s fuel feeding system for pilot scale FBG was designed, built and tested. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Multiple conveying stages improve pressure balancing, flow control and stability. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Secondary conveyor stage reduced output irregularity from 47% to 15%. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pneumatic air sparging effective in dealing with poor flow ability of MBM powder. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pneumatic injection port plugs with char at gasification temperature of 850 Degree-Sign C. - Abstract: A biomass fuel feeding system has been designed, constructed and evaluated for a fluidized bed gasifier (FBG) pilot plant at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, SK, Canada). The system was designedmore » for meat and bone meal (MBM) to be injected into the gasifier at a mass flow-rate range of 1-5 g/s. The designed system consists of two stages of screw conveyors, including a metering stage which controlled the flow-rate of fuel, a rotary airlock and an injection conveyor stage, which delivered that fuel at a consistent rate to the FBG. The rotary airlock which was placed between these conveyors, proved unable to maintain a pressure seal, thus the entire conveying system was sealed and pressurized. A pneumatic injection nozzle was also fabricated, tested and fitted to the end of the injection conveyor for direct injection and dispersal into the fluidized bed. The 150 mm metering screw conveyor was shown to effectively control the mass output rate of the system, across a fuel output range of 1-25 g/s, while the addition of the 50 mm injection screw conveyor reduced the irregularity (error) of the system output rate from 47% to 15%. Although material plugging was found to be an issue in the inlet hopper to the injection conveyor, the addition of air sparging ports and a system to pulse air into those ports was found to successfully eliminate this issue. The addition of the pneumatic injection nozzle reduced the output irregularity further to 13%, with an air supply of 50 slpm as the minimum air supply to drive this injector. After commissioning of this final system to the FBG reactor, the injection nozzle was found to plug with char however, and was subsequently removed from the system. Final operation of the reactor continues satisfactorily with the two screw conveyors operating at matching pressure with the fluidized bed, with the output rate of the system estimated based on system characteristic equations, and confirmed by static weight measurements made before and after testing. The error rate by this method is reported to be approximately 10%, which is slightly better than the estimated error rate of 15% for the conveyor system. The reliability of this measurement prediction method relies upon the relative consistency of the physical properties of MBM with respect to its bulk density and feeding characteristics.« less

Prediction of Mechanical Behaviour of Low Carbon Steel at High Strain Rate Using Thermal Activation Theory and Static Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Kinya; Kobayashi, Hidetoshi; Sugiyama, Fumiko; Horikawa, Keitaro

Thermal activation theory is well-known to be a useful theory to explain the mechanical behaviour of various metals in the wide range of temperature and strain-rate. In this study, a number of trials to obtain the lower yield stress or flow stress at high strain rates from quasi-static data were carried out using the data shown in the report titled “The final report of research group on high-speed deformation of steels for automotive use”. A relation between the thermal component of stress and the strain rate obtained from experiments for αFe and the temperature-strain rate parameter were used with thermal activation theory. The predictions were successfully performed and they showed that the stress-strain behaviour at high strain rates can be evaluated from quasi-static data with good accuracy.

Tortuous path chemical preconcentrator

DOEpatents

Manginell, Ronald P.; Lewis, Patrick R.; Adkins, Douglas R.; Wheeler, David R.; Simonson, Robert J.

2010-09-21

A non-planar, tortuous path chemical preconcentrator has a high internal surface area having a heatable sorptive coating that can be used to selectively collect and concentrate one or more chemical species of interest from a fluid stream that can be rapidly released as a concentrated plug into an analytical or microanalytical chain for separation and detection. The non-planar chemical preconcentrator comprises a sorptive support structure having a tortuous flow path. The tortuosity provides repeated twists, turns, and bends to the flow, thereby increasing the interfacial contact between sample fluid stream and the sorptive material. The tortuous path also provides more opportunities for desorption and readsorption of volatile species. Further, the thermal efficiency of the tortuous path chemical preconcentrator is comparable or superior to the prior non-planar chemical preconcentrator. Finally, the tortuosity can be varied in different directions to optimize flow rates during the adsorption and desorption phases of operation of the preconcentrator.

Photo-actuation of liquids for light-driven microfluidics: state of the art and perspectives.

PubMed

Baigl, Damien

2012-10-07

Using light to control liquid motion is a new paradigm for the actuation of microfluidic systems. We review here the different principles and strategies to induce or control liquid motion using light, which includes the use of radiation pressure, optical tweezers, light-induced wettability gradients, the thermocapillary effect, photosensitive surfactants, the chromocapillary effect, optoelectrowetting, photocontrolled electroosmotic flows and optical dielectrophoresis. We analyze the performance of these approaches to control using light many kinds of microfluidic operations involving discrete pL- to μL-sized droplets (generation, driving, mixing, reaction, sorting) or fluid flows in microchannels (valve operation, injection, pumping, flow rate control). We show that a complete toolbox is now available to control microfluidic systems by light. We finally discuss the perspectives of digital optofluidics as well as microfluidics based on all optical fluidic chips and optically reconfigurable devices.

An Alternating Current Electroosmotic Pump Based on Conical Nanopore Membranes.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaojian; Ramiah Rajasekaran, Pradeep; Martin, Charles R

2016-04-26

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) is used to pump solutions through microfluidic devices and capillary electrophoresis columns. We describe here an EOF pump based on membrane EOF rectification, an electrokinetic phenomenon we recently described. EOF rectification requires membranes with asymmetrically shaped pores, and conical pores in a polymeric membrane were used here. We show here that solution flow through the membrane can be achieved by applying a symmetrical sinusoidal voltage waveform across the membrane. This is possible because the alternating current (AC) carried by ions through the pore is rectified, and we previously showed that rectified currents yield EOF rectification. We have investigated the effect of both the magnitude and frequency of the voltage waveform on flow rate through the membrane, and we have measured the maximum operating pressure. Finally, we show that operating in AC mode offers potential advantages relative to conventional DC-mode EOF pumps.

CFD for hypersonic propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Povinelli, Louis A.

1991-01-01

An overview is given of research activity on the application of computational fluid dynamics (CDF) for hypersonic propulsion systems. After the initial consideration of the highly integrated nature of air-breathing hypersonic engines and airframe, attention is directed toward computations carried out for the components of the engine. A generic inlet configuration is considered in order to demonstrate the highly three dimensional viscous flow behavior occurring within rectangular inlets. Reacting flow computations for simple jet injection as well as for more complex combustion chambers are then discussed in order to show the capability of viscous finite rate chemical reaction computer simulations. Finally, the nozzle flow fields are demonstrated, showing the existence of complex shear layers and shock structure in the exhaust plume. The general issues associated with code validation as well as the specific issue associated with the use of CFD for design are discussed. A prognosis for the success of CFD in the design of future propulsion systems is offered.

CFD for hypersonic propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Povinelli, Louis A.

1990-01-01

An overview is given of research activity on the application of computational fluid dynamics (CDF) for hypersonic propulsion systems. After the initial consideration of the highly integrated nature of air-breathing hypersonic engines and airframe, attention is directed toward computations carried out for the components of the engine. A generic inlet configuration is considered in order to demonstrate the highly three dimensional viscous flow behavior occurring within rectangular inlets. Reacting flow computations for simple jet injection as well as for more complex combustion chambers are then discussed in order to show the capability of viscous finite rate chemical reaction computer simulations. Finally, the nozzle flow fields are demonstrated, showing the existence of complex shear layers and shock structure in the exhaust plume. The general issues associated with code validation as well as the specific issue associated with the use of CFD for design are discussed. A prognosis for the success of CFD in the design of future propulsion systems is offered.

Comparison of Coupled Radiative Flow Solutions with Project Fire 2 Flight Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olynick, David R.; Henline, W. D.; Chambers, Lin Hartung; Candler, G. V.

1995-01-01

A nonequilibrium, axisymmetric, Navier-Stokes flow solver with coupled radiation has been developed for use in the design or thermal protection systems for vehicles where radiation effects are important. The present method has been compared with an existing now and radiation solver and with the Project Fire 2 experimental data. Good agreement has been obtained over the entire Fire 2 trajectory with the experimentally determined values of the stagnation radiation intensity in the 0.2-6.2 eV range and with the total stagnation heating. The effects of a number of flow models are examined to determine which combination of physical models produces the best agreement with the experimental data. These models include radiation coupling, multitemperature thermal models, and finite rate chemistry. Finally, the computational efficiency of the present model is evaluated. The radiation properties model developed for this study is shown to offer significant computational savings compared to existing codes.

Characterization Of Flow Stress Of Different AA6082 Alloys By Means Of Hot Torsion Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donati, Lorenzo; El Mehtedi, Mohamad

2011-05-01

FEM simulations are become the most powerful tools in order to optimize the different aspects of the extrusion process and an accurate flow stress definition of the alloy is a prerequisite for a reliable effectiveness of the simulation. In the paper the determination of flow stress by means of hot torsion test is initially presented and discussed: the several approximations that are usually introduced in flow stress computation are described and computed for an AA6082 alloy in order to evidence the final effect on curves shapes. The procedure for regressing the parameters of the sinhyperbolic flow stress definition is described in detailed and applied to the described results. Then four different alloys, extracted by different casting batches but all namely belonging to the 6082 class, were hot torsion tested in comparable levels of temperature and strain rate up to specimen failure. The results are analyzed and discussed in order to understand if a mean flow stress behavior can be identified for the whole material class at the different tested conditions or if specific testing conditions (chemical composition of the alloy, specimen shape, etc) influence the materials properties to a higher degree.

Evaluation of an active humidification system for inspired gas.

PubMed

Roux, Nicolás G; Plotnikow, Gustavo A; Villalba, Darío S; Gogniat, Emiliano; Feld, Vivivana; Ribero Vairo, Noelia; Sartore, Marisa; Bosso, Mauro; Scapellato, José L; Intile, Dante; Planells, Fernando; Noval, Diego; Buñirigo, Pablo; Jofré, Ricardo; Díaz Nielsen, Ernesto

2015-03-01

The effectiveness of the active humidification systems (AHS) in patients already weaned from mechanical ventilation and with an artificial airway has not been very well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an AHS in chronically tracheostomized and spontaneously breathing patients. Measurements were quantified at three levels of temperature (T°) of the AHS: level I, low; level II, middle; and level III, high and at different flow levels (20 to 60 L/minute). Statistical analysis of repeated measurements was performed using analysis of variance and significance was set at a P<0.05. While the lowest temperature setting (level I) did not condition gas to the minimum recommended values for any of the flows that were used, the medium temperature setting (level II) only conditioned gas with flows of 20 and 30 L/minute. Finally, at the highest temperature setting (level III), every flow reached the minimum absolute humidity (AH) recommended of 30 mg/L. According to our results, to obtain appropiate relative humidity, AH and T° of gas one should have a device that maintains water T° at least at 53℃ for flows between 20 and 30 L/m, or at T° of 61℃ at any flow rate.

Testing and Analytical Modeling for Purging Process of a Cryogenic Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Mazurkivich, P. V.; Nelson, M. A.; Majumdar, A. K.

2015-01-01

The purging operations for cryogenic main propulsion systems of upper stage are usually carried out for the following cases: 1) Purging of the Fill/Drain line after completion of propellant loading. This operation allows the removal of residual propellant mass; and 2) Purging of the Feed/Drain line if the mission is scrubbed. The lines would be purged by connections to a ground high-pressure gas storage source. The flow-rate of purge gas should be regulated such that the pressure in the line will not exceed the required maximum allowable value. Exceeding the maximum allowable pressure may lead to structural damage in the line. To gain confidence in analytical models of the purge process, a test series was conducted. The test article, a 20-cm incline line, was filled with liquid hydrogen and then purged with gaseous helium (GHe). The influences of GHe flow-rates and initial temperatures were evaluated. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program, an in-house general-purpose computer program for flow network analysis, was utilized to model and simulate the testing. The test procedures, modeling descriptions, and the results will be presented in the final paper.

Cascaded lattice Boltzmann method with improved forcing scheme for large-density-ratio multiphase flow at high Reynolds and Weber numbers.

PubMed

Lycett-Brown, Daniel; Luo, Kai H

2016-11-01

A recently developed forcing scheme has allowed the pseudopotential multiphase lattice Boltzmann method to correctly reproduce coexistence curves, while expanding its range to lower surface tensions and arbitrarily high density ratios [Lycett-Brown and Luo, Phys. Rev. E 91, 023305 (2015)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.91.023305]. Here, a third-order Chapman-Enskog analysis is used to extend this result from the single-relaxation-time collision operator, to a multiple-relaxation-time cascaded collision operator, whose additional relaxation rates allow a significant increase in stability. Numerical results confirm that the proposed scheme enables almost independent control of density ratio, surface tension, interface width, viscosity, and the additional relaxation rates of the cascaded collision operator. This allows simulation of large density ratio flows at simultaneously high Reynolds and Weber numbers, which is demonstrated through binary collisions of water droplets in air (with density ratio up to 1000, Reynolds number 6200 and Weber number 440). This model represents a significant improvement in multiphase flow simulation by the pseudopotential lattice Boltzmann method in which real-world parameters are finally achievable.

Marine floc strength and breakup response in turbulent flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, Matthew; Ackleson, Steven; Smith, Geoffrey

2017-11-01

The effect of turbulence on marine floc formation and breakup is studied experimentally using a recirculating breakup facility. Flocs of bentonite clay particles are grown in a large, stirred aggregation tank of salt water (salinity of 10 ppt) before being subjected to fully-developed pipe flow. Pipe flow conditions range from laminar to turbulent with dissipation rates up to 2.1 m2/s3. Particle size distributions are measured through in-situ sampling of the small-angle forward volume scattering function and through microscopic imaging. Floc size is compared before and after exposure to turbulence and found to be a strong function of the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. Hydrodynamic conditions within the aggregation tank have a large influence on overall floc strength; flocs formed with stirred aggregation resist breakup compared to flocs formed without stirring. Floc shape and structure statistics are quantified through image analysis and the results are discussed in relation to the measured floc breakup response. Finally, the relevance of these findings to quantifying and predicting marine floc dynamics and the eventual fate of particles in the ocean is presented. The authors thank the National Research Council Postdoctoral Program for their support of this work.

Parametric investigations of plasma characteristics in a remote inductively coupled plasma system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Prasoon; Roy, Abhra; Jain, Kunal; Bhoj, Ananth

2016-09-01

Designing a remote plasma system involves source chamber sizing, selection of coils and/or electrodes to power the plasma, designing the downstream tubes, selection of materials used in the source and downstream regions, locations of inlets and outlets and finally optimizing the process parameter space of pressure, gas flow rates and power delivery. Simulations can aid in spatial and temporal plasma characterization in what are often inaccessible locations for experimental probes in the source chamber. In this paper, we report on simulations of a remote inductively coupled Argon plasma system using the modeling platform CFD-ACE +. The coupled multiphysics model description successfully address flow, chemistry, electromagnetics, heat transfer and plasma transport in the remote plasma system. The SimManager tool enables easy setup of parametric simulations to investigate the effect of varying the pressure, power, frequency, flow rates and downstream tube lengths. It can also enable the automatic solution of the varied parameters to optimize a user-defined objective function, which may be the integral ion and radical fluxes at the wafer. The fast run time coupled with the parametric and optimization capabilities can add significant insight and value in design and optimization.

An evaluation of fluid bed drying of aqueous granulations.

PubMed

Hlinak, A J; Saleki-Gerhardt, A

2000-01-01

The purpose of the work described was twofold: (a) to apply heat and mass balance approaches to evaluate the fluid bed drying cycle of an aqueous granulation, and (b) to determine the effect of the temperature and relative humidity of the drying air on the ability to meet a predetermined moisture content specification. Water content determinations were performed using Karl Fischer titration, and Computrac and Mark 1 moisture analyzers. The water vapor sorption isotherms were measured using a gravimetric moisture sorption apparatus with vacuum-drying capability. Temperature, relative humidity, and air flow were measured during the drying cycle of a production-scale fluid bed dryer. Heat and mass balance equations were used to calculate the evaporation rates. Evaporation rates calculated from heat and mass balance equations agreed well with the experimental data, whereas equilibrium moisture content values provided useful information for determination of the upper limit for inlet air humidity. Increasing the air flow rate and inlet temperature reduced the drying time through the effect on the primary driving force. As expected, additional drying of granules during the equilibration period did not show a significant impact on reducing the final moisture content of granules. Reducing the drying temperature resulted in measurement of higher equilibrium moisture content for the granules, which was in good agreement with the water vapor sorption data. Heat and mass balance equations can be used to successfully model the fluid bed drying cycle of aqueous granulations. The water vapor sorption characteristics of granules dictate the final moisture content at a given temperature and relative humidity.

Effect of egg freshness on texture and baking characteristics of batter systems formulated using egg, flour and sugar.

PubMed

Xing, Liting; Niu, Fuge; Su, Yujie; Yang, Yanjun

2016-04-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of egg freshness on baking properties and final qualities in batter systems. Batters were made with eggs of different freshness, and the properties of batter systems were studied through rheological analysis, rapid viscosity analysis (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), batter density and expansion rate during the baking and cooling processes. Moreover, the qualities of final baked systems were investigated, including specific volume and texture profile analysis (TPA). The flow behavior of batters showed that the consistency index (K) decreased as the Haugh unit (HU) value decreased, while the flow behavior index (n) increased. Both the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) determined by mechanical spectra at 20 °C decreased with decreasing HU. RVA and DSC determinations revealed that lower-HU samples had a lower viscosity in the baking process and a shorter time for starch gelatinization and egg protein denaturation. Observation of the batter density revealed an increasing change, which was reflected by a decrease in the specific volume of final models. TPA showed significant differences in hardness and chewiness, but no significant differences in springiness and cohesiveness were found. The egg freshness affected the properties of batter systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

F-Area Acid/Caustic Basin groundwater monitoring report. Second quarter 1995

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1995-09-01

During second quarter 1995, samples from the FAC monitoring wells at the F-Area Acid/Caustic Basin were collected and analyzed for herbicides/pesticides, indicator parameters, metals, nitrate, radionuclide indicators, volatile organic compounds, and other constituents. Piezometer FAC 5P and monitoring well FAC 6 were dry and could not be sampled. New monitoring wells FAC 9C, 10C, 11C, and 12C were completed in the Barnwell/McBean aquifer and were sampled for the first time during third quarter 1994 (second quarter 1995 is the fourth of four quarters of data required to support the closure of the basin). Analytical results that exceeded final Primary Drinkingmore » Water Standards (PDWS) or Savannah River Site (SRS) Flag 2 criteria such as the SRS turbidity standard of 50 NTU during the quarter were as follows: gross alpha exceeded the final PDWS and aluminum, iron, manganese, and radium-226 exceeded the SRS Flag 2 criteria in one or more of the FAC wells. Turbidity exceeded the SRS standard (50 NTU) in well FAC 3. Groundwater flow direction in the water table beneath the F-Area Acid/Caustic Basin was to the west at a rate of 1300 feet per year. Groundwater flow in the Barnwell/McBean was to the northeast at a rate of 50 feet per year.« less

Construction of a Novel Three-Dimensional PEDOT/RVC Electrode Structure for Capacitive Deionization: Testing and Performance

PubMed Central

Rahaman, Mostafizur; Govindasami, Periyasami; Almoiqli, Mohammed; Altalhi, Tariq; Mezni, Amine

2017-01-01

This article discusses the deposition of different amount of microstuctured poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) by electrochemical method to prepare three-dimensional (3D) PEDOT/RVC electrodes aimed to be used in capacitive deionization (CDI) technology. A CDI unit cell has been constructed here in this study. The performance of CDI cell in the ion removal of NaCl onto the sites of PEDOT/RVC electrode has been systematically investigated in terms of flow-rate, applied electrical voltage, and increasing PEDOT loading on PEDOT/RVC electrodes. It is observed that the increase in flow-rate, electric voltage, and PEDOT loading up to a certain level improve the ion removal performance of electrode in the CDI cell. The result shows that these electrodes can be used effectively for desalination technology, as the electrosorption capacity/desalination performance of these electrodes is quite high compared to carbon materials. Moreover, the stability of the electrodes has been tested and it is reported that these electrodes are regenerative. The effect of increasing NaCl concentration on the electrosorption capacity has also been investigated for these electrodes. Finally, it has been shown that 1 m3 PEDOT-120 min/RVC electrodes from 75 mg/L NaCl feed solution produce 421, 978 L water per day of 20 mg/L NaCl final concentration. PMID:28773205

Construction of a Novel Three-Dimensional PEDOT/RVC Electrode Structure for Capacitive Deionization: Testing and Performance.

PubMed

Aldalbahi, Ali; Rahaman, Mostafizur; Govindasami, Periyasami; Almoiqli, Mohammed; Altalhi, Tariq; Mezni, Amine

2017-07-24

This article discusses the deposition of different amount of microstuctured poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) by electrochemical method to prepare three-dimensional (3D) PEDOT/RVC electrodes aimed to be used in capacitive deionization (CDI) technology. A CDI unit cell has been constructed here in this study. The performance of CDI cell in the ion removal of NaCl onto the sites of PEDOT/RVC electrode has been systematically investigated in terms of flow-rate, applied electrical voltage, and increasing PEDOT loading on PEDOT/RVC electrodes. It is observed that the increase in flow-rate, electric voltage, and PEDOT loading up to a certain level improve the ion removal performance of electrode in the CDI cell. The result shows that these electrodes can be used effectively for desalination technology, as the electrosorption capacity/desalination performance of these electrodes is quite high compared to carbon materials. Moreover, the stability of the electrodes has been tested and it is reported that these electrodes are regenerative. The effect of increasing NaCl concentration on the electrosorption capacity has also been investigated for these electrodes. Finally, it has been shown that 1 m³ PEDOT-120 min/RVC electrodes from 75 mg/L NaCl feed solution produce 421, 978 L water per day of 20 mg/L NaCl final concentration.

Long-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected left main coronary artery disease: a single-centre experience over 14 years.

PubMed

Xu, Li; Sun, Hao; Wang, Le-Feng; Yang, Xin-Chun; Li, Kui-Bao; Zhang, Da-Peng; Wang, Hong-Shi; Li, Wei-Ming

2016-07-01

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease is clinically catastrophic although it has a low incidence. Studies on the long-term prognosis of these patients are rare. From January 1999 to September 2013, 55 patients whose infarct-related artery was the ULMCA were enrolled. Clinical, angiographic and interventional data was collected. Short-term and long-term clinical follow-up results as well as prognostic determinants during hospitalisation and follow-up were analysed. Cardiogenic shock (CS) occurred in 30 (54.5%) patients. During hospitalisation, 22 (40.0%) patients died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CS (odds ratio [OR] 5.86; p = 0.03), collateral circulation of Grade 2 or 3 (OR 0.14; p = 0.02) and final flow of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) Grade 3 (OR 0.05; p = 0.03) correlated with death during hospitalisation. 33 patients survived to discharge; another seven patients died during the follow-up period of 44.6 ± 31.3 (median 60, range 0.67-117.00) months. The overall mortality rate was 52.7% (n = 29). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the total cumulative survival rate was 30.7%. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that CS during hospitalisation was the only predictor of overall mortality (hazard ratio 4.07, 95% confidence interval 1.40-11.83; p = 0.01). AMI caused by ULMCA lesions is complicated by high incidence of CS and mortality. CS, poor collateral blood flow and failure to restore final flow of TIMI Grade 3 correlated with death during hospitalisation. CS is the only predictor of long-term overall mortality. Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.

Combination of ozonation and photocatalysis for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratnawati, Enjarlis, Slamet

2017-11-01

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenol removal from pharmaceutical wastewater were investigated using configuration of two circulation batch reactors in a series with ozonation and photocatalytic processes. The ozonation is conducted with O3/granulated activated carbon (O3/GAC), whereas photocatalysis with TiO2 that immobilized on pumice stone (PS-TiO2). The effect of circulation flow rate (10; 12; 15 L/min) and the amount PS-TiO2 (200 g, 250 g, 300 g) were examined. Wastewater of 20 L was circulated pass through the pipe that injected with O3 by the ozone generator, and subsequently flow through two GAC columns, and finally, go through photoreactor that contains photocatalyst PS-TiO2 which equipped with mercury lamp as a photon source. At a time interval, COD and phenol concentration were measured to assess the performance of the process. FESEM imaging confirmed that TiO2 was successfully impregnated on PS, as corroborated by EDX spectra. Meanwhile, degradation process indicated that the combined ozonation and photocatalytic processes (O3/GAC-TiO2) is more efficient compared to the ozonation and photocatalysis alone. For combination process with the circulation flow rate of 10 L/min and 300 g of PS-TiO2,the influent COD of around 1000 ppm are effectively degraded to a final effluent COD of 290 ppm (71% removal) and initial phenol concentration of 4.75 ppm down to 0 ppm for 4 h which this condition fulfill the discharge standards quality. Therefore, this portable prototype reactor is effective that can be used in the pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. For the future, this process condition will be developed for orientation on the industrial applications (portable equipment) since pharmaceutical industries produce wastewater relatively in the small amount.

Flow Quantification by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vu, Anthony Tienhuan

1994-01-01

In this dissertation, a robust method for the measurement and visualization of flow field in laminar, complex and turbulent flows by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilizing flow induced Adiabatic Fast Passage (AFP) principle will be presented. This dissertation focuses on the application of AFP in spatially resolvable size vessels. We first review two main flow effects in NMR: time-of-flight and phase dispersion. The discussion of NMR flow imaging application - flow measurements and NMR angiography will be given. The theoretical framework of adiabatic passage will be discussed in order to explain the principle of flow-induced adiabatic passage tagging for flow imaging applications. From a knowledge of the basic flow-induced adiabatic passage principle, we propose a multi-zone AFP excitation scheme to deal with flow in a curved tube, branches and constrictions, i.e. complex and turbulent flow regimes. The technique provides a quick and simple way to acquire flow profiles simultaneously at several locations and arbitrary orientations inside the field-of-view. The flow profile is the time-averaged evolution of the labeled flowing material. Results obtained using a carotid bifurcation and circular jet phantoms are similar to the previous experimental studies employing laser Doppler Anemometry, and other flow visualization techniques. In addition, the preliminary results obtained with a human volunteer support the feasibility of the technique for in vivo flow quantification. Finally, a quantitative comparison of flow measurement of the new proposed techniques with the more established Phase Contrast MRA was performed. The results show excellent correlation between the two methods and with the standard volumetric flow rate measurement indicating that the flow measurements obtained using this technique are reliable and accurate under various flow regimes.

Modeling the purging of dense fluid from a street canyon driven by an interfacial mixing flow and skimming flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratian-Ghorghi, Z.; Kaye, N. B.

2013-07-01

An experimental study is presented to investigate the mechanism of flushing a trapped dense contaminant from a canyon by turbulent boundary layer flow. The results of a series of steady-state experiments are used to parameterize the flushing mechanisms. The steady-state experimental results for a canyon with aspect ratio one indicate that dense fluid is removed from the canyon by two different processes, skimming of dense fluid from the top of the dense layer; and by an interfacial mixing flow that mixes fresh fluid down into the dense lower layer (entrainment) while mixing dense fluid into the flow above the canyon (detrainment). A model is developed for the time varying buoyancy profile within the canyon as a function of the Richardson number which parameterizes both the interfacial mixing and skimming processes observed. The continuous release steady-state experiments allowed for the direct measurement of the skimming and interfacial mixing flow rates for any layer depth and Richardson number. Both the skimming rate and the interfacial mixing rate were found to be power-law functions of the Richardson number of the layer. The model results were compared to the results of previously published finite release experiments [Z. Baratian-Ghorghi and N. B. Kaye, Atmos. Environ. 60, 392-402 (2012)], 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.06.077. A high degree of consistency was found between the finite release data and the continuous release data. This agreement acts as an excellent check on the measurement techniques used, as the finite release data was based on curve fitting through buoyancy versus time data, while the continuous release data was calculated directly by measuring the rate of addition of volume and buoyancy once a steady-state was established. Finally, a system of ordinary differential equations is presented to model the removal of dense fluid from the canyon based on empirical correlations of the skimming and interfacial mixing taken form the steady-state experiments. The ODE model predicts well the time taken for a finite volume of dense fluid to be flushed from a canyon.

A model for complex flows of soft glassy materials with application to flows through fixed fiber beds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarkar, Arijit; Koch, Donald L., E-mail: dlk15@cornell.edu

2015-11-15

The soft glassy rheology (SGR) model has successfully described the time dependent simple shear rheology of a broad class of complex fluids including foams, concentrated emulsions, colloidal glasses, and solvent-free nanoparticle-organic hybrid materials (NOHMs). The model considers a distribution of mesoscopic fluid elements that hop from trap to trap at a rate which is enhanced by the work done to strain the fluid element. While an SGR fluid has a broad exponential distribution of trap energies, the rheology of NOHMs is better described by a narrower energy distribution and we consider both types of trap energy distributions in this study.more » We introduce a tensorial version of these models with a hopping rate that depends on the orientation of the element relative to the mean stress field, allowing a range of relative strengths of the extensional and simple shear responses of the fluid. As an application of these models we consider the flow of a soft glassy material through a dilute fixed bed of fibers. The dilute fixed bed exhibits a range of local linear flows which alternate in a chaotic manner with time in a Lagrangian reference frame. It is amenable to an analytical treatment and has been used to characterize the strong flow response of many complex fluids including fiber suspensions, dilute polymer solutions and emulsions. We show that the accumulated strain in the fluid elements has an abrupt nonlinear growth at a Deborah number of order one in a manner similar to that observed for polymer solutions. The exponential dependence of the hopping rate on strain leads to a fluid element deformation that grows logarithmically with Deborah number at high Deborah numbers. SGR fluids having a broad range of trap energies flowing through fixed beds can exhibit a range of rheological behaviors at small Deborah numbers ranging from a yield stress, to a power law response and finally to Newtonian behavior.« less

Feasibility of Ultrasound-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics as a Mitral Valve Regurgitation Quantification Technique: Comparison with 2-D and 3-D Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area-Based Methods.

PubMed

Jamil, Muhammad; Ahmad, Omar; Poh, Kian Keong; Yap, Choon Hwai

2017-07-01

Current Doppler echocardiography quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity has shortcomings. Proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA)-based methods, for example, are unable to account for the fact that ultrasound Doppler can measure only one velocity component: toward or away from the transducer. In the present study, we used ultrasound-based computational fluid dynamics (Ub-CFD) to quantify mitral regurgitation and study its advantages and disadvantages compared with 2-D and 3-D PISA methods. For Ub-CFD, patient-specific mitral valve geometry and velocity data were obtained from clinical ultrasound followed by 3-D CFD simulations at an assumed flow rate. We then obtained the average ratio of the ultrasound Doppler velocities to CFD velocities in the flow convergence region, and scaled CFD flow rate with this ratio as the final measured flow rate. We evaluated Ub-CFD, 2-D PISA and 3-D PISA with an in vitro flow loop, which featured regurgitation flow through (i) a simplified flat plate with round orifice and (ii) a 3-D printed realistic mitral valve and regurgitation orifice. The Ub-CFD and 3-D PISA methods had higher precision than the 2-D PISA method. Ub-CFD had consistent accuracy under all conditions tested, whereas 2-D PISA had the lowest overall accuracy. In vitro investigations indicated that the accuracy of 2-D and 3-D PISA depended significantly on the choice of aliasing velocity. Evaluation of these techniques was also performed for two clinical cases, and the dependency of PISA on aliasing velocity was similarly observed. Ub-CFD was robustly accurate and precise and has promise for future translation to clinical practice. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and characterization of an all-diamond tubular flow microelectrode for electroanalysis.

PubMed

Hutton, Laura A; Vidotti, Marcio; Iacobini, James G; Kelly, Chris; Newton, Mark E; Unwin, Patrick R; Macpherson, Julie V

2011-07-15

The development of the first all-diamond hydrodynamic flow device for electroanalytical applications is described. Here alternate layers of intrinsic (insulating), conducting (heavily boron doped), and intrinsic polycrystalline diamond are grown to create a sandwich structure. By laser cutting a hole through the material, it is possible to produce a tubular flow ring electrode of a characteristic length defined by the thickness of the conducting layer (for these studies ∼90 μm). The inside of the tube can be polished to 17 ± 10 nm surface roughness using a diamond impregnanted wire resulting in a coplanar, smooth, all-diamond surface. The steady-state limiting current versus volume flow rate characteristics for the one electron oxidation of FcTMA(+) are in agreement with those expected for laminar flow in a tubular electrode geometry. For dopamine detection, it is shown that the combination of the reduced fouling properties of boron doped diamond, coupled with the flow geometry design where the products of electrolysis are washed away downstream of the electrode, completely eradicates fouling during electrolysis. This paves the way for incorporation of this flow design into online electroanalytical detection systems. Finally, the all diamond tubular flow electrode system described here provides a platform for future developments including the development of ultrathin ring electrodes, multiple apertures for increased current response, and multiple, individually addressable ring electrodes incorporated into the same flow tube.

Application of Thin-Film Thermocouples to Localized Heat Transfer Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, J.; Bruckner, R. J.; Smith, F. A.

1995-01-01

The paper describes a proof-of-concept experiment on thin-film thermocouples used for localized heat transfer measurements applicable to experiments on hot parts of turbine engines. The paper has three main parts. The first part describes the thin-film sensors and manufacturing procedures. Attention is paid to connections between thin-film thermocouples and lead wires, which has been a source of problems in the past. The second part addresses the test arrangement and facility used for the heat transfer measurements modeling the conditions for upcoming warm turbine tests at NASA LeRC. The paper stresses the advantages of a modular approach to the test rig design. Finally, we present the results of bulk and local heat flow rate measurements, as well as overall heat transfer coefficients obtained from measurements in a narrow passage with an aspect ratio of 11.8. The comparison of bulk and local heat flow rates confirms applicability of thin-film thermocouples to upcoming warm turbine tests.

Critical behaviour in charging of electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, Rui; Buzna, Lubos; Gibbens, Richard; Kelly, Frank

2015-09-01

The increasing penetration of electric vehicles over the coming decades, taken together with the high cost to upgrade local distribution networks and consumer demand for home charging, suggest that managing congestion on low voltage networks will be a crucial component of the electric vehicle revolution and the move away from fossil fuels in transportation. Here, we model the max-flow and proportional fairness protocols for the control of congestion caused by a fleet of vehicles charging on two real-world distribution networks. We show that the system undergoes a continuous phase transition to a congested state as a function of the rate of vehicles plugging to the network to charge. We focus on the order parameter and its fluctuations close to the phase transition, and show that the critical point depends on the choice of congestion protocol. Finally, we analyse the inequality in the charging times as the vehicle arrival rate increases, and show that charging times are considerably more equitable in proportional fairness than in max-flow.

The Disk Wind Model of the Broad Line Regions in Active Galactic Nuclei and Cataclysmic Variables

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begelman, Mitchell

2002-01-01

This is the final progress report for our Astrophysics Theory Program (NRA 97-OSS12) grant NAG5-7723. We have made considerable progress on incorporating photoionization calculations with a 2.5D hydrodynamical code to model disk winds in AGNs. Following up on our simultaneous broad band monitoring campaign of the type I Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548, we have investigated the constraints imposed on models of accretion in Seyfert galaxies by their optical, UV, and X-ray spectral energy distributions (SEDs). Using results from thermal Comptonization models that relate the physical properties of the hot inner accretion flow to the thermal reprocessing that occurs in the surrounding colder thin disk, we find that we can constrain the central black hole mass, accretion rate and size scale of the hot central flow. We have applied our model to observations of Seyfert galaxies NGC 3516, NGC 7469 and NGC 5548. Our mass and accretion rate estimates for these objects roughly agree with those found using other methods.

Wireless programmable electrochemical drug delivery micropump with fully integrated electrochemical dosing sensors.

PubMed

Sheybani, Roya; Cobo, Angelica; Meng, Ellis

2015-08-01

We present a fully integrated implantable electrolysis-based micropump with incorporated EI dosing sensors. Wireless powering and data telemetry (through amplitude and frequency modulation) were utilized to achieve variable flow control and a bi-directional data link with the sensors. Wireless infusion rate control (0.14-1.04 μL/min) and dose sensing (bolus resolution of 0.55-2 μL) were each calibrated separately with the final circuit architecture and then simultaneous wireless flow control and dose sensing were demonstrated. Recombination detection using the dosing system, as well as, effects of coil separation distance and misalignment in wireless power and data transfer were studied. A custom-made normally closed spring-loaded ball check valve was designed and incorporated at the reservoir outlet to prevent backflow of fluids as a result of the reverse pressure gradient caused by recombination of electrolysis gases. Successful delivery, infusion rate control, and dose sensing were achieved in simulated brain tissue.

Preliminary Two-Phase Terry Turbine Nozzle Models for RCIC Off-Design Operation Conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Haihua; O'Brien, James

This report presents the effort to extend the single-phase analytical Terry turbine model to cover two-phase off-design conditions. The work includes: (1) adding well-established two-phase choking models – the Isentropic Homogenous Equilibrium Model (IHEM) and Moody’s model, and (2) theoretical development and implementation of a two-phase nozzle expansion model. The two choking models provide bounding cases for the two-phase choking mass flow rate. The new two-phase Terry turbine model uses the choking models to calculate the mass flow rate, the critical pressure at the nozzle throat, and steam quality. In the divergent stage, we only consider the vapor phase withmore » a similar model for the single-phase case by assuming that the liquid phase would slip along the wall with a much slower speed and will not contribute the impulse on the rotor. We also modify the stagnation conditions according to two-phase choking conditions at the throat and the cross-section areas for steam flow at the nozzle throat and at the nozzle exit. The new two-phase Terry turbine model was benchmarked with the same steam nozzle test as for the single-phase model. Better agreement with the experimental data is observed than from the single-phase model. We also repeated the Terry turbine nozzle benchmark work against the Sandia CFD simulation results with the two-phase model for the pure steam inlet nozzle case. The RCIC start-up tests were simulated and compared with the single-phase model. Similar results are obtained. Finally, we designed a new RCIC system test case to simulate the self-regulated Terry turbine behavior observed in Fukushima accidents. In this test, a period inlet condition for the steam quality varying from 1 to 0 is applied. For the high quality inlet period, the RCIC system behaves just like the normal operation condition with a high pump injection flow rate and a nominal steam release rate through the turbine, with the net addition of water to the primary system; for the low quality inlet period, the RCIC turbine shaft work dramatically decreases and results in a much reduced pump injection flow rate, and the mixture flow rate through the turbine increases due to the high liquid phase flow rate. The net effect for this period is net removal of coolant from the primary loop. With the periodic addition and removal of coolant to the primary loop, the self-regulation mode of the RCIC system can be maintained for a quite long time. Both the IHEM and Moody’s models generate similar phenomena; however noticeable differences can be observed.« less

Axisymmetric collapses of granular columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lube, Gert; Huppert, Herbert E.; Sparks, R. Stephen J.; Hallworth, Mark A.

2004-06-01

Experimental observations of the collapse of initially vertical columns of small grains are presented. The experiments were performed mainly with dry grains of salt or sand, with some additional experiments using couscous, sugar or rice. Some of the experimental flows were analysed using high-speed video. There are three different flow regimes, dependent on the value of the aspect ratio a {=} h_i/r_i, where h_i and r_i are the initial height and radius of the granular column respectively. The differing forms of flow behaviour are described for each regime. In all cases a central, conically sided region of angle approximately 59(°) , corresponding to an aspect ratio of 1.7, remains undisturbed throughout the motion. The main experimental results for the final extent of the deposit and the time for emplacement are systematically collapsed in a quantitative way independent of any friction coefficients. Along with the kinematic data for the rate of spread of the front of the collapsing column, this is interpreted as indicating that frictional effects between individual grains in the bulk of the moving flow only play a role in the last instant of the flow, as it comes to an abrupt halt. For a {<} 1.7, the measured final runout radius, r_infty, is related to the initial radius by r_infty {=} r_i(1 {+} 1.24a); while for 1.7 {<} a the corresponding relationship is r_infty {=} r_i(1 {+} 1.6a(1/2) ). The time, t_infty, taken for the grains to reach r_infty is given by t_infty {=} 3(h_i/g)(1/2} {=} 3(r_i/g)({1/2}a^{1/2)) , where g is the gravitational acceleration. The insights and conclusions gained from these experiments can be applied to a wide range of industrial and natural flows of concentrated particles. For example, the observation of the rapid deposition of the grains can help explain details of the emplacement of pyroclastic flows resulting from the explosive eruption of volcanoes.

Birth of a hydraulic jump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duchesne, Alexis; Bohr, Tomas; Andersen, Anders

2017-11-01

The hydraulic jump, i.e., the sharp transition between a supercritical and a subcritical free-surface flow, has been extensively studied in the past centuries. However, ever since Leonardo da Vinci asked it for the first time, an important question has been left unanswered: How does a hydraulic jump form? We present an experimental and theoretical study of the formation of stationary hydraulic jumps in centimeter wide channels. Two starting situations are considered: The channel is, respectively, empty or filled with liquid, the liquid level being fixed by the wetting properties and the boundary conditions. We then change the flow-rate abruptly from zero to a constant value. In an empty channel, we observe the formation of a stationary hydraulic jump in a two-stage process: First, the channel fills by the advancing liquid front, which undergoes a transition from supercritical to subcritical at some position in the channel. Later the influence of the downstream boundary conditions makes the jump move slowly upstream to its final position. In the pre-filled channel, the hydraulic jump forms at the injector edge and then moves downstream to its final position.

The Ottaviano eruption of Somma-Vesuvio (8000 y B.P.): a magmatic alternating fall and flow-forming eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolandi, G.; Maraffi, S.; Petrosino, P.; Lirer, L.

1993-11-01

The Ottaviano eruption occurred in the late neolithic (8000 y B.P.). 2.40 km 3 of phonolitic pyroclastic material (0.61 km 3 DRE) were emplaced as pyroclastic flow, surge and fall deposits. The eruption began with a fall phase, with a model column height of 14 km, producing a pumice fall deposit (LA). This phase ended with short-lived weak explosive activity, giving rise to a fine-grained deposit (L1), passing to pumice fall deposits as the result of an increasing column height and mass discharge rate. The subsequent two fall phases (producing LB and LC deposits), had model column heights of 20 and 22 km with eruption rates of 2.5 × 10 7 and 2.81 × 10 7 kg/s, respectively. These phases ended with the deposition of ash layers (L2 and L3), related to a decreasing, pulsing explosive activity. The values of dynamic parameters calculated for the eruption classify it as a sub-plinian event. Each fall phase was characterized by variations in the eruptive intensity, and several pyroclastic flows were emplaced (F1 to F3). Alternating pumice and ash fall beds record the waning of the eruption. Finally, owing to the collapse of a eruptive column of low gas content, the last pyroclastic flow (F4) was emplaced.

Webcam-based flow cytometer using wide-field imaging for low cell number detection at high throughput.

PubMed

Balsam, Joshua; Bruck, Hugh Alan; Rasooly, Avraham

2014-09-07

Here we describe a novel low-cost flow cytometer based on a webcam capable of low cell number detection in a large volume which may overcome the limitations of current flow cytometry. Several key elements have been combined to yield both high throughput and high sensitivity. The first element is a commercially available webcam capable of 187 frames per second video capture at a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. The second element in this design is a 1 W 450 nm laser module for area-excitation, which combined with the webcam allows for rapid interrogation of a flow field. The final element is a 2D flow-cell which overcomes the flow limitation of hydrodynamic focusing and allows for higher sample throughput in a wider flow field. This cell allows for the linear velocity of target cells to be lower than in a conventional "1D" hydrodynamic focusing flow-cells typically used in cytometry at similar volumetric flow rates. It also allows cells to be imaged at the full frame rate of the webcam. Using this webcam-based flow cytometer with wide-field imaging, it was confirmed that the detection of fluorescently tagged 5 μm polystyrene beads in "1D" hydrodynamic focusing flow-cells was not practical for low cell number detection due to streaking from the motion of the beads, which did not occur with the 2D flow-cell design. The sensitivity and throughput of this webcam-based flow cytometer was then investigated using THP-1 human monocytes stained with SYTO-9 florescent dye in the 2D flow-cell. The flow cytometer was found to be capable of detecting fluorescently tagged cells at concentrations as low as 1 cell per mL at flow rates of 500 μL min(-1) in buffer and in blood. The effectiveness of detection was concentration dependent: at 100 cells per mL 84% of the cells were detected compared to microscopy, 10 cells per mL 79% detected and 1 cell per mL 59% of the cells were detected. With the blood samples spiked to 100 cells per mL, the average concentration for all samples was 91.4 cells per mL, with a 95% confidence interval of 86-97 cells per mL. These low cell concentrations and the large volume capabilities of the system may overcome the limitations of current cytometry, and are applicable to rare cell (such as circulating tumor cell) detection The simplicity and low cost of this device suggests that it may have a potential use in developing point-of-care clinical flow cytometry for resource-poor settings associated with global health.

Enhancing Bioremediation of Oil-contaminated Soils by Controlling Nutrient Transport using Dual Characteristics of Soil Pore Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mori, Y.; Suetsugu, A.; Matsumoto, Y.; Fujihara, A.; Suyama, K.; Miyamoto, T.

2012-12-01

Soil structure is heterogeneous with cracks or macropores allowing bypass flow, which may lead to applied chemicals avoiding interaction with soil particles or the contaminated area. We investigated the bioremediation efficiency of oil-contaminated soils by applying suction at the bottom of soil columns during bioremediation. Unsaturated flow conditions were investigated so as to avoid bypass flow and achieve sufficient dispersion of chemicals in the soil column. The boundary conditions at the bottom of the soil columns were 0 kPa and -3 kPa, and were applied to a volcanic ash soil with and without macropores. Unsaturated flow was achieved with -3 kPa and an injection rate of 1/10 of the saturated hydraulic conductivity. The resultant biological activities of the effluent increased dramatically in the unsaturated flow with macropores condition. Unsaturated conditions prevented bypass flow and allowed dispersion of the injected nutrients. Unsaturated flow achieved 60-80% of saturation, which enhanced biological activity in the soil column. Remediation results were better for unsaturated conditions because of higher biological activity. Moreover, unsaturated flow with macropores achieved uniform remediation efficiency from upper through lower positions in the column. Finally, taking the applied solution volume into consideration, unsaturated flow with -3 kPa achieved 10 times higher efficiency when compared with conventional saturated flow application. These results suggest that effective use of nutrients or remediation chemicals is possible by avoiding bypass flow and enhancing biological activity using relatively simple and inexpensive techniques.

Identification of an unsteady aerodynamic model up to high angle of attack regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Yigang

1997-12-01

The harmonic oscillatory tests for a fighter aircraft configuration using the Dynamic Plunge-Pitch-Roll (DyPPiR) model mount at Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel are described and analyzed. The corresponding data reduction methods are developed on the basis of multirate digital signal processing techniques. Since the model is sting-mounted to the support system of DyPPiR, the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is first used to identify the frequencies of the elastic modes of sting. Then the sampling rate conversion systems are built up in digital domain to resample the data at a lower rate without introducing distortions to the signals of interest. Finally linear-phase Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters are designed by Remez exchange algorithm to extract the aerodynamic characteristics responses to the programmed motions from the resampled measurements. These data reduction procedures are also illustrated through examples. The results obtained from the harmonic oscillatory tests are then illustrated and the associated flow mechanisms are discussed. Since no significant hysteresis loops are observed for the lift and the drag coefficients for the current angle of attack range and the tested reduced frequencies, the dynamic lags of separated and vortex flow effects are small in the current oscillatory tests. However, large hysteresis loops are observed for pitch moment coefficient in the current tests. This observation suggests that at current flow conditions, pitch moment has large pitch rate dotalpha dependencies. Then the nondimensional maximum pitch rate \\ qsb{max} is introduced to characterize these harmonic oscillatory motions. It is found that at current flow conditions, all the hysteresis loops of pitch moment coefficient with same \\ qsb{max} are tangential to one another at both top and bottom of the loops, implying approximately same maximum offset of these loops from static values. Several cases are also illustrated. Based on the results obtained and those from references, a state-space model is developed to describe the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics up to the high angle of attack regime. A nondimensional coordinate is introduced as the state variable describing the flow separation or vortex burst. First-order differential equation is used to govern the dynamics of flow separation or vortex bursting through this state variable. To be valid for general configurations, Taylor series expansions in terms of the input variables are used in the determination of aerodynamic characteristics, resembling the current approach of the stability derivatives. However, these derivatives are longer constant. They are dependent on the state variable of flow separation or vortex burst. In this way, the changes in stability derivatives with the angle of attack are included dynamically. The performance of the model is then validated by the wind-tunnel measurements of an NACA 0015 airfoil, a 70sp° delta wing and, finally two F-18 aircraft configurations. The results obtained show that within the framework of the proposed model, it is possible to obtain good agreement with different unsteady wind tunnel data in high angle-of-attack regime.

Effect of steady crucible rotation on the segregation of impurities in vertical Bridgman growth of multi-crystalline silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellmann, M. P.; Meese, E. A.

2011-10-01

We have performed axisymmetric, transient simulations of the vertical Bridgman growth of multi-crystalline (mc) silicon to study the effect of the steady crucible rotation on the melt flow and impurity segregation. A solute transport model has been applied to predict the final segregation pattern of impurities in a circular ingot. Imposing rotation rates of 1-5 rpm on the system makes radial segregation much worse compared to the non-rotating case. Low rotation rates at 1-2 rpm increase radial segregation in the first half period of solidification, whereas at rotation rates above the effect is insignificantly small. Contrary behavior was observed for the second half period of solidification. Here radial segregation is increased at high rotation rates from 3 to 5 rpm with small impact at 1-2 rpm.

In vivo study of flow-rate accuracy of the MedStream Programmable Infusion System.

PubMed

Venugopalan, Ramakrishna; Ginggen, Alec; Bork, Toralf; Anderson, William; Buffen, Elaine

2011-01-01

  Flow-rate accuracy and precision are important parameters to optimizing the efficacy of programmable intrathecal (IT) infusion pump delivery systems. Current programmable IT pumps are accurate within ±14.5% of their programmed infusion rate when assessed under ideal environmental conditions and specific flow-rate settings in vitro. We assessed the flow-rate accuracy of a novel programmable pump system across its entire flow-rate range under typical conditions in sheep (in vivo) and nominal conditions in vitro.   The flow-rate accuracy of the MedStream Programmable Pump was assessed in both the in vivo and in vitro settings. In vivo flow-rate accuracy was assessed in 16 sheep at various flow-rates (producing 90 flow intervals) more than 90 ± 3 days. Pumps were then explanted, re-sterilized and in vitro flow-rate accuracy was assessed at 37°C and 1013 mBar (80 flow intervals).   In vivo (sheep body temperatures 38.1°C-39.8°C), mean ± SD flow-rate error was 9.32% ± 9.27% and mean ± SD leak-rate was 0.028 ± 0.08 mL/day. Following explantation, mean in vitro flow-rate error and leak-rate were -1.05% ± 2.55% and 0.003 ± 0.004 mL/day (37°C, 1013 mBar), respectively.   The MedStream Programmable Pump demonstrated high flow-rate accuracy when tested in vivo and in vitro at normal body temperature and environmental pressure as well as when tested in vivo at variable sheep body temperature. The flow-rate accuracy of the MedStream Programmable Pump across its flow-rate range, compares favorably to the accuracy of current clinically utilized programmable IT infusion pumps reported at specific flow-rate settings and conditions. © 2011 International Neuromodulation Society.

Influence of secondary settling tank performance on suspended solids mass balance in activated sludge systems.

PubMed

Patziger, M; Kainz, H; Hunze, M; Józsa, J

2012-05-01

Secondary settling is the final step of the activated sludge-based biological waste water treatment. Secondary settling tanks (SSTs) are therefore an essential unit of producing a clear effluent. A further important function of SSTs is the sufficient thickening to achieve highly concentrated return sludge and biomass within the biological reactor. In addition, the storage of activated sludge is also needed in case of peak flow events (Ekama et al., 1997). Due to the importance of a high SST performance the problem has long been investigated (Larsen, 1977; Krebs, 1991; Takács et al., 1991; Ekama et al., 1997; Freimann, 1999; Patziger et al., 2005; Bürger et al., 2011), however, a lot of questions are still to solve regarding e.g. the geometrical features (inflow, outflow) and operations (return sludge control, scraper mechanism, allowable maximum values of surface overflow rates). In our study we focused on SSTs under dynamic load considering both the overall unsteady behaviour and the features around the peaks, investigating the effect of various sludge return strategies as well as the inlet geometry on SST performance. The main research tool was a FLUENT-based novel mass transport model consisting of two modules, a 2D axisymmetric SST model and a mixed reactor model of the biological reactor (BR). The model was calibrated and verified against detailed measurements of flow and concentration patterns, sludge settling, accompanied with continuous on-line measurement of in- and outflow as well as returned flow rates of total suspended solids (TSS) and water. As to the inlet arrangement a reasonable modification of the geometry could result in the suppression of the large scale flow structures of the sludge-water interface thus providing a significant improvement in the SST performance. Furthermore, a critical value of the overflow rate (q(crit)) was found at which a pronounced large scale circulation pattern develops in the vertical plane, the density current in such a way hitting the outer wall of the SST, turning then to the vertical direction accompanied with significant flow velocities. This phenomenon strengthens with the hydraulic load and can entrain part of the sludge thus resulting in unfavourable turbid effluent. As a representative case study an operating circular SST most commonly used in practice was investigated. Focusing on the sludge return strategies, it was found that up to a threshold peak flow rate the most efficient way is to keep the return sludge flow rate constant, at 0.4Q(MAX). However, once the inflow rate exceeds the threshold value the return sludge flow rate should be slowly increased up to 0.6Q(MAX), performed in a delayed manner, about 20-30 min after the threshold value is exceeded. For preserving the methodology outlined in the present paper, other types of SSTs, however, need further individual investigations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calibrating the Helium Pressurization System for the Space Shuttle Liquid-Hydrogen Tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Analysis of the results from the STS-114 tanking tests and subsequent launch called into question existing thermal and mass models of helium pressurization of the liquid hydrogen tank. This hydrogen tank, which makes up the bottom two-thirds of the External Tank, is pressurized prior to launch to avoid cavitation in the Shuttle Main Engine pumps. At about 2 minutes prior to launch, the main vent valve is closed, and pressurized helium flows into the tank ullage space to achieve set point pressure. As the helium gas cools, its pressure drops, calling for additional helium. Subsequent helium flows are provided in short, timed pulses. The number of pulses is taken as a rough leak indicator. An analysis of thermal models by Marshall Space Flight Center showed considerable uncertainty in the pressure-versus-time behavior of the helium ullage space and the ability to predict the number of pulses normally expected. Kennedy Space Center proposed to calibrate the dime-sized orifice, which together with valves, controls the helium flow quantity (Figure 1). Pressure and temperature sensors were installed to provide upstream and downstream measurements necessary to compute flow rate based on the orifice discharge coefficient. An assessment of flow testing with helium indicated an extremely costly use of this critical resource. In order to reduce costs, we proposed removing the orifices from each Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) and asking Colorado Engineering Experiment Station Inc. (CEESI) to calibrate the flow. CEESI has a high-pressure air flow system with traceable flow meters capable of handling the large flow rates. However, literature research indicated that square-edged orifices of small diameters often exhibit significant hysteresis and nonrepeatability in the vicinity of choked or sonic flow. Fortunately, the MLP orifices behaved relatively well in testing (Figure 2). Using curve fitting of the air-flow data, in conjunction with ASME orifice modeling equations, a method of relating the helium mass flow to measured air flow data was obtained. This analysis showed that the highest uncertainty in flow occurred in the vicinity of the choking pressure ratio, as would be expected. In addition, analysis of typical flow pulses showed that most of the helium flow occurred either well below or well above this uncertain area. The final result is the ability to provide postlaunch estimates of helium mass flows that are within 1.5 percent of the actual value.

Robust estimates of environmental effects on population vital rates: an integrated capture–recapture model of seasonal brook trout growth, survival and movement in a stream network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Letcher, Benjamin H.; Schueller, Paul; Bassar, Ronald D.; Nislow, Keith H.; Coombs, Jason A.; Sakrejda, Krzysztof; Morrissey, Michael; Sigourney, Douglas B.; Whiteley, Andrew R.; O'Donnell, Matthew J.; Dubreuil, Todd L.

2015-01-01

Modelling the effects of environmental change on populations is a key challenge for ecologists, particularly as the pace of change increases. Currently, modelling efforts are limited by difficulties in establishing robust relationships between environmental drivers and population responses.We developed an integrated capture–recapture state-space model to estimate the effects of two key environmental drivers (stream flow and temperature) on demographic rates (body growth, movement and survival) using a long-term (11 years), high-resolution (individually tagged, sampled seasonally) data set of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from four sites in a stream network. Our integrated model provides an effective context within which to estimate environmental driver effects because it takes full advantage of data by estimating (latent) state values for missing observations, because it propagates uncertainty among model components and because it accounts for the major demographic rates and interactions that contribute to annual survival.We found that stream flow and temperature had strong effects on brook trout demography. Some effects, such as reduction in survival associated with low stream flow and high temperature during the summer season, were consistent across sites and age classes, suggesting that they may serve as robust indicators of vulnerability to environmental change. Other survival effects varied across ages, sites and seasons, indicating that flow and temperature may not be the primary drivers of survival in those cases. Flow and temperature also affected body growth rates; these responses were consistent across sites but differed dramatically between age classes and seasons. Finally, we found that tributary and mainstem sites responded differently to variation in flow and temperature.Annual survival (combination of survival and body growth across seasons) was insensitive to body growth and was most sensitive to flow (positive) and temperature (negative) in the summer and fall.These observations, combined with our ability to estimate the occurrence, magnitude and direction of fish movement between these habitat types, indicated that heterogeneity in response may provide a mechanism providing potential resilience to environmental change. Given that the challenges we faced in our study are likely to be common to many intensive data sets, the integrated modelling approach could be generally applicable and useful.

Robust estimates of environmental effects on population vital rates: an integrated capture-recapture model of seasonal brook trout growth, survival and movement in a stream network.

PubMed

Letcher, Benjamin H; Schueller, Paul; Bassar, Ronald D; Nislow, Keith H; Coombs, Jason A; Sakrejda, Krzysztof; Morrissey, Michael; Sigourney, Douglas B; Whiteley, Andrew R; O'Donnell, Matthew J; Dubreuil, Todd L

2015-03-01

Modelling the effects of environmental change on populations is a key challenge for ecologists, particularly as the pace of change increases. Currently, modelling efforts are limited by difficulties in establishing robust relationships between environmental drivers and population responses. We developed an integrated capture-recapture state-space model to estimate the effects of two key environmental drivers (stream flow and temperature) on demographic rates (body growth, movement and survival) using a long-term (11 years), high-resolution (individually tagged, sampled seasonally) data set of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from four sites in a stream network. Our integrated model provides an effective context within which to estimate environmental driver effects because it takes full advantage of data by estimating (latent) state values for missing observations, because it propagates uncertainty among model components and because it accounts for the major demographic rates and interactions that contribute to annual survival. We found that stream flow and temperature had strong effects on brook trout demography. Some effects, such as reduction in survival associated with low stream flow and high temperature during the summer season, were consistent across sites and age classes, suggesting that they may serve as robust indicators of vulnerability to environmental change. Other survival effects varied across ages, sites and seasons, indicating that flow and temperature may not be the primary drivers of survival in those cases. Flow and temperature also affected body growth rates; these responses were consistent across sites but differed dramatically between age classes and seasons. Finally, we found that tributary and mainstem sites responded differently to variation in flow and temperature. Annual survival (combination of survival and body growth across seasons) was insensitive to body growth and was most sensitive to flow (positive) and temperature (negative) in the summer and fall. These observations, combined with our ability to estimate the occurrence, magnitude and direction of fish movement between these habitat types, indicated that heterogeneity in response may provide a mechanism providing potential resilience to environmental change. Given that the challenges we faced in our study are likely to be common to many intensive data sets, the integrated modelling approach could be generally applicable and useful. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Nasal high-flow oxygen therapy in patients with hypoxic respiratory failure: effect on functional and subjective respiratory parameters compared to conventional oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

PubMed

Schwabbauer, Norbert; Berg, Björn; Blumenstock, Gunnar; Haap, Michael; Hetzel, Jürgen; Riessen, Reimer

2014-01-01

Aim of the study was to compare the short-term effects of oxygen therapy via a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on functional and subjective respiratory parameters in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure in comparison to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and standard treatment via a Venturi mask. Fourteen patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure were treated with HFNC (FiO2 0.6, gas flow 55 l/min), NIV (FiO2 0.6, PEEP 5 cm H2O Hg, tidal volume 6-8 ml/kg ideal body weight,) and Venturi mask (FiO2 0.6, oxygen flow 15 l/min,) in a randomized order for 30 min each. Data collection included objective respiratory and circulatory parameters as well as a subjective rating of dyspnea and discomfort by the patients on a 10-point scale. In a final interview, all three methods were comparatively evaluated by each patient using a scale from 1 (=very good) to 6 (=failed) and the patients were asked to choose one method for further treatment. PaO2 was highest under NIV (129 ± 38 mmHg) compared to HFNC (101 ± 34 mmHg, p <0.01 vs. NIV) and VM (85 ± 21 mmHg, p <0.001 vs. NIV, p <0.01 vs. HFNC, ANOVA). All other functional parameters showed no relevant differences. In contrast, dyspnea was significantly better using a HFNC (2.9 ± 2.1, 10-point Borg scale) compared to NIV (5.0 ± 3.3, p <0.05), whereas dyspnea rating under HFNC and VM (3.3 ± 2.3) was not significantly different. A similar pattern was found when patients rated their overall discomfort on the 10 point scale: HFNC 2.7 ± 1.8, VM 3.1 ± 2.8 (ns vs. HFNC), NIV 5.4 ± 3.1 (p <0.05 vs. HFNC). In the final evaluation patients gave the best ratings to HFNC 2.3 ± 1.4, followed by VM 3.2 ± 1.7 (ns vs. HFNC) and NIV 4.5 ± 1.7 (p <0.01 vs. HFNC and p <0.05 vs. VM). For further treatment 10 patients chose HFNC, three VM and one NIV. In hypoxic respiratory failure HFNC offers a good balance between oxygenation and comfort compared to NIV and Venturi mask and seems to be well tolerated by patients. GERMAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER: DRKS00005132.

Instabilities and subharmonic resonances of subsonic heated round jets, volume 2. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, Lian Lai

1990-01-01

When a jet is perturbed by a periodic excitation of suitable frequency, a large-scale coherent structure develops and grows in amplitude as it propagates downstream. The structure eventually rolls up into vortices at some downstream location. The wavy flow associated with the roll-up of a coherent structure is approximated by a parallel mean flow and a small, spatially periodic, axisymmetric wave whose phase velocity and mode shape are given by classical (primary) stability theory. The periodic wave acts as a parametric excitation in the differential equations governing the secondary instability of a subharmonic disturbance. The (resonant) conditions for which the periodic flow can strongly destabilize a subharmonic disturbance are derived. When the resonant conditions are met, the periodic wave plays a catalytic role to enhance the growth rate of the subharmonic. The stability characteristics of the subharmonic disturbance, as a function of jet Mach number, jet heating, mode number and the amplitude of the periodic wave, are studied via a secondary instability analysis using two independent but complementary methods: (1) method of multiple scales, and (2) normal mode analysis. It is found that the growth rates of the subharmonic waves with azimuthal numbers beta = 0 and beta = 1 are enhanced strongly, but comparably, when the amplitude of the periodic wave is increased. Furthermore, compressibility at subsonic Mach numbers has a moderate stabilizing influence on the subharmonic instability modes. Heating suppresses moderately the subharmonic growth rate of an axisymmetric mode, and it reduces more significantly the corresponding growth rate for the first spinning mode. Calculations also indicate that while the presence of a finite-amplitude periodic wave enhances the growth rates of subharmonic instability modes, it minimally distorts the mode shapes of the subharmonic waves.

Flow and fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 at different tensile strain rates and triaxialities.

PubMed

Chen, Xuanzhen; Peng, Yong; Peng, Shan; Yao, Song; Chen, Chao; Xu, Ping

2017-01-01

This study aims to investigate the flow and fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 (AA6082-T6) at different strain rates and triaxialities. Two groups of Charpy impact tests were carried out to further investigate its dynamic impact fracture property. A series of tensile tests and numerical simulations based on finite element analysis (FEA) were performed. Experimental data on smooth specimens under various strain rates ranging from 0.0001~3400 s-1 shows that AA6082-T6 is rather insensitive to strain rates in general. However, clear rate sensitivity was observed in the range of 0.001~1 s-1 while such a characteristic is counteracted by the adiabatic heating of specimens under high strain rates. A Johnson-Cook constitutive model was proposed based on tensile tests at different strain rates. In this study, the average stress triaxiality and equivalent plastic strain at facture obtained from numerical simulations were used for the calibration of J-C fracture model. Both of the J-C constitutive model and fracture model were employed in numerical simulations and the results was compared with experimental results. The calibrated J-C fracture model exhibits higher accuracy than the J-C fracture model obtained by the common method in predicting the fracture behavior of AA6082-T6. Finally, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of fractured specimens with different initial stress triaxialities were analyzed. The magnified fractographs indicate that high initial stress triaxiality likely results in dimple fracture.

A simplified computational fluid-dynamic approach to the oxidizer injector design in hybrid rockets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Martino, Giuseppe D.; Malgieri, Paolo; Carmicino, Carmine; Savino, Raffaele

2016-12-01

Fuel regression rate in hybrid rockets is non-negligibly affected by the oxidizer injection pattern. In this paper a simplified computational approach developed in an attempt to optimize the oxidizer injector design is discussed. Numerical simulations of the thermo-fluid-dynamic field in a hybrid rocket are carried out, with a commercial solver, to investigate into several injection configurations with the aim of increasing the fuel regression rate and minimizing the consumption unevenness, but still favoring the establishment of flow recirculation at the motor head end, which is generated with an axial nozzle injector and has been demonstrated to promote combustion stability, and both larger efficiency and regression rate. All the computations have been performed on the configuration of a lab-scale hybrid rocket motor available at the propulsion laboratory of the University of Naples with typical operating conditions. After a preliminary comparison between the two baseline limiting cases of an axial subsonic nozzle injector and a uniform injection through the prechamber, a parametric analysis has been carried out by varying the oxidizer jet flow divergence angle, as well as the grain port diameter and the oxidizer mass flux to study the effect of the flow divergence on heat transfer distribution over the fuel surface. Some experimental firing test data are presented, and, under the hypothesis that fuel regression rate and surface heat flux are proportional, the measured fuel consumption axial profiles are compared with the predicted surface heat flux showing fairly good agreement, which allowed validating the employed design approach. Finally an optimized injector design is proposed.

Enhanced enstrophy generation for turbulent convection in low-Prandtl-number fluids

DOE PAGES

Schumacher, Jörg; Götzfried, Paul; Scheel, Janet D.

2015-07-20

Turbulent convection is often present in liquids with a kinematic viscosity much smaller than the diffusivity of the temperature. Here we reveal why these convection flows obey a much stronger level of fluid turbulence than those in which kinematic viscosity and thermal diffusivity are the same; i.e., the Prandtl number Pr is unity. We compare turbulent convection in air at Pr = 0.7 and in liquid mercury at Pr = 0.021. In this comparison the Prandtl number at constant Grashof number Gr is varied, rather than at constant Rayleigh number Ra as usually done. Our simulations demonstrate that the turbulentmore » Kolmogorov-like cascade is extended both at the large- and small-scale ends with decreasing Pr. The kinetic energy injection into the flow takes place over the whole cascade range. In contrast to convection in air, the kinetic energy injection rate is particularly enhanced for liquid mercury for all scales larger than the characteristic width of thermal plumes. As a consequence, mean values and fluctuations of the local strain rates are increased, which in turn results in significantly enhanced enstrophy production by vortex stretching. The normalized distributions of enstrophy production in the bulk and the ratio of the principal strain rates are found to agree for both Prs. Finally, despite the different energy injection mechanisms, the principal strain rates also agree with those in homogeneous isotropic turbulence conducted at the same Reynolds numbers as for the convection flows. Thus, our results have interesting implications for small-scale turbulence modeling of liquid metal convection in astrophysical and technological applications.« less

Ovum pick-up in sheep: a comparison between different aspiration devices for optimal oocyte retrieval.

PubMed

Rodríguez, C; Anel, L; Alvarez, M; Anel, E; Boixo, J C; Chamorro, C A; de Paz, P

2006-04-01

In vivo ovum pick-up (OPU) in sheep may be improved with a proper choice of aspiration elements (needle and tubing) and aspiration vacuum pressure. In the present study, two experiments were carried out. In Expt 1, visible follicles in ovaries of slaughtered ewes (treated separately according to their diameters: small<3 mm, medium 3-5 mm and large>5 mm) were aspirated using different combinations of the three studied factors such as aspiration flow rate (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml water/min), needle gauge (18 and 20 G) and tubing inner diameter (1, 2 or 3 mm internal diameter). In Expt 2, a study with two 18 G needles of different lengths (18 G: 82 mm; 18 GL: 600 mm) was carried out, using ovaries obtained post-mortem, and performing in vivo laparoscopic follicular aspiration on ewes. We considered good quality oocytes as those with both complete compact cumulus and a homogeneous cytoplasm. Recovery rate, proportion of good quality oocytes (good quality oocytes/100 oocytes recovered) and overall efficiency (good quality oocytes/100 follicles aspirated) were noted. In Expt 1, aspiration flow rate affect remarkable proportion of good quality oocytes (69.5%, 50.5%, 44.8%, 36.5% and 28.3% for flows from 10 to 50 ml/min respectively, p<0.05). Needle gauge did not affect aspiration device efficiency. Thin and intermediate tubings were more effective (overall efficiency rates: 34.9%, 32.3% and 28.1% for 1, 2 and 3 mm respectively, p<0.05). Follicle size did not affect recovery rate, but proportion of good quality oocytes was higher for large (77.9%) and medium (64.4%) follicles (p<0.05). Finally, some combinations of the aspiration device showed greater effectiveness. In Expt 2, needle length did not influence recovery rate, but good quality oocytes rate was significantly modified both post-mortem and in vivo (good quality rate for 18 G vs 18 GL needles: 69.5% vs 47.7% and 58.1% vs 25.4%, post-mortem and in vivo respectively, p<0.05). We conclude that low-aspiration flow rates (10 and 20 ml/min) with thin or intermediate tubings (1 and 2 mm), and any short needle (18 G or 20 G) are the most adequate aspiration factors for OPU in sheep.

Comparison of superhydrophobic drag reduction between turbulent pipe and channel flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, Hyung Jae; Lee, Jae Hwa

2017-09-01

It has been known over several decades that canonical wall-bounded internal flows of a pipe and channel share flow similarities, in particular, close to the wall due to the negligible curvature effect. In the present study, direct numerical simulations of fully developed turbulent pipe and channel flows are performed to investigate the influence of the superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) on the turbulence dynamics and the resultant drag reduction (DR) of the flows under similar conditions. SHSs at the wall are modeled in spanwise-alternating longitudinal regions with a boundary with no-slip and shear-free conditions, and the two parameters of the spanwise periodicity (P/δ) and SHS fraction (GF) within a pitch are considered. It is shown, in agreement with previous investigations in channels, that the turbulent drag for the pipe and channel flows over SHSs is continuously decreased with increases in P/δ and GF. However, the DR rate in the pipe flows is greater than that in the channel flows with an accompanying reduction of the Reynolds stress. The enhanced performance of the DR for the pipe flow is attributed to the increased streamwise slip and weakened Reynolds shear stress contributions. In addition, a mathematical analysis of the spanwise mean vorticity equation suggests that the presence of a strong secondary flow due to the increased spanwise slip of the pipe flows makes a greater negative contribution of advective vorticity transport than the channel flows, resulting in a higher DR value. Finally, an inspection of the origin of the mean secondary flow in turbulent flows over SHSs based on the spatial gradients of the turbulent kinetic energy demonstrates that the secondary flow is both driven and sustained by spatial gradients in the Reynolds stress components, i.e., Prandtl's secondary flow of the second kind.

Topographic and Stochastic Influences on Pahoehoe Lava Lobe Emplacement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, Christopher W.; Glaze, Lori S.; James, Mike R.; Baloga, Stephen M.

2013-01-01

A detailed understanding of pahoehoe emplacement is necessary for developing accurate models of flow field development, assessing hazards, and interpreting the significance of lava morphology on Earth and other planetary surfaces. Active pahoehoe lobes on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, were examined on 21-26 February 2006 using oblique time-series stereo-photogrammetry and differential global positioning system (DGPS) measurements. During this time, the local discharge rate for peripheral lava lobes was generally constant at 0.0061 +/- 0.0019 m3/s, but the areal coverage rate of the lobes exhibited a periodic increase every 4.13 +/- 0.64 minutes. This periodicity is attributed to the time required for the pressure within the liquid lava core to exceed the cooling induced strength of its margins. The pahoehoe flow advanced through a series of down slope and cross-slope breakouts, which began as approximately 0.2 m-thick units (i.e., toes) that coalesced and inflated to become approximately meter-thick lobes. The lobes were thickest above the lowest points of the initial topography and above shallow to reverse facing slopes, defined relative to the local flow direction. The flow path was typically controlled by high-standing topography, with the zone directly adjacent to the final lobe margin having an average relief that was a few centimeters higher than the lava inundated region. This suggests that toe-scale topography can, at least temporarily, exert strong controls on pahoehoe flow paths by impeding the lateral spreading of the lobe. Observed cycles of enhanced areal spreading and inflated lobe morphology are also explored using a model that considers the statistical likelihood of sequential breakouts from active flow margins and the effects of topographic barriers.

Actinometric measurements and theoretical calculations of j/O3/, the rate of photolysis of ozone to O/1D/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickerson, R. R.; Stedman, D. H.; Chameides, W. L.; Crutzen, P. J.; Fishman, J.

1979-01-01

The paper presents an experimental technique which measures j/O3-O(1-D)/, the rate of solar photolysis of ozone to singlet oxygen atoms. It is shown that a flow actinometer carries dilute O3 in N2O into direct sunlight where the O(1D) formed reacts with N2O to form NO which chemiluminescence detects, with a time resolution of about one minute. Measurements indicate a photolysis rate of 1.2 (+ or - .2) x 10 to the -5/s for a cloudless sky, 45 deg zenith angle, 0.345 cm ozone column and zero albedo. Finally, ground level results compare with theoretical calculations based on the UV actinic flux as a function of ozone column and solar zenith angle.

Characteristics of hydrogen produced by partial oxidation and auto-thermal reforming in a small methanol reformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horng, Rong-Fang; Chou, Huann-Ming; Lee, Chiou-Hwang; Tsai, Hsien-Te

This paper investigates experimentally, the transient characteristics of a small methanol reformer using partial oxidation (POX) and auto-thermal reforming (ATR) for fuel cell applications. The parameters varied were heating temperature, methanol supply rate, steady mode shifting temperature, O 2/C (O 2/CH 3OH) and S/C (H 2O/CH 3OH) molar ratios with the main aim of promoting a rapid response and a high flow rate of hydrogen. The experiments showed that a high steady mode shifting temperature resulted in a faster temperature rise at the catalyst outlet and vice versa and that a low steady mode shifting temperature resulted in a lower final hydrogen concentration. However, when the mode shifting temperature was too high, the hydrogen production response was not necessarily improved. It was subsequently shown that the optimum steady mode shifting temperature for this experimental set-up was approximately 75 °C. Further, the hydrogen concentration produced by the auto-thermal process was as high as 49.12% and the volume flow rate up to 23.0 L min -1 compared to 40.0% and 20.5 L min -1 produced by partial oxidation.

A Low Mach Number Model for Moist Atmospheric Flows

DOE PAGES

Duarte, Max; Almgren, Ann S.; Bell, John B.

2015-04-01

A low Mach number model for moist atmospheric flows is introduced that accurately incorporates reversible moist processes in flows whose features of interest occur on advective rather than acoustic time scales. Total water is used as a prognostic variable, so that water vapor and liquid water are diagnostically recovered as needed from an exact Clausius–Clapeyron formula for moist thermodynamics. Low Mach number models can be computationally more efficient than a fully compressible model, but the low Mach number formulation introduces additional mathematical and computational complexity because of the divergence constraint imposed on the velocity field. Here in this paper, latentmore » heat release is accounted for in the source term of the constraint by estimating the rate of phase change based on the time variation of saturated water vapor subject to the thermodynamic equilibrium constraint. Finally, the authors numerically assess the validity of the low Mach number approximation for moist atmospheric flows by contrasting the low Mach number solution to reference solutions computed with a fully compressible formulation for a variety of test problems.« less

A Low Mach Number Model for Moist Atmospheric Flows

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duarte, Max; Almgren, Ann S.; Bell, John B.

A low Mach number model for moist atmospheric flows is introduced that accurately incorporates reversible moist processes in flows whose features of interest occur on advective rather than acoustic time scales. Total water is used as a prognostic variable, so that water vapor and liquid water are diagnostically recovered as needed from an exact Clausius–Clapeyron formula for moist thermodynamics. Low Mach number models can be computationally more efficient than a fully compressible model, but the low Mach number formulation introduces additional mathematical and computational complexity because of the divergence constraint imposed on the velocity field. Here in this paper, latentmore » heat release is accounted for in the source term of the constraint by estimating the rate of phase change based on the time variation of saturated water vapor subject to the thermodynamic equilibrium constraint. Finally, the authors numerically assess the validity of the low Mach number approximation for moist atmospheric flows by contrasting the low Mach number solution to reference solutions computed with a fully compressible formulation for a variety of test problems.« less

Doubly-excited pulse-waves on flowing liquid films: experiments and numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adebayo, Idris; Xie, Zhihua; Che, Zhizhao; Wray, Alex; Matar, Omar

2016-11-01

The interaction patterns between doubly-excited pulse waves on a flowing liquid film are studied both experimentally and numerically. The flowing film is constituted on an inclined glass substrate while pulse-waves are excited on the film surface by means of a solenoid valve connected to a relay which receives signals from customised Matlab routines. The effect of varying the system parameters i.e. film flow rate, inter-pulse interval and substrate inclination angle on the pulse interaction patterns are then studied. Results show that different interaction patterns exist for these binary pulses; which include a singular behaviour, complete merger, partial merger and total non-coalescence. A regime map of these patterns is then plotted for each inclination angles examined, based on the film Re and the inter-pulse interval. Finally, the individual effect of the system parameters on the merging distance of these binary pulses in the merger mode is then studied and the results validated using both numerical simulations and mathematical modelling. Funding from the Nigerian Government (for Idris Adebayo), and the EPSRC through a programme Grant MEMPHIS (EP/K003976/1) gratefully acknowledged.

Turbulence characteristics of swirling flowfields. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, T. W.; Lilley, D. G.

1985-01-01

The time mean and turbulence properties of a confined swirling jet using the six orientation, single hot wire technique were obtained. The effect of swirl on a confined, expanding jet is to reduce the size of the corner recirculation zone and generate a central recirculation zone followed by a precessing vortex core. The effect of introducing a contraction nozzle of area ratio four, located two test section diameters downstream of the inlet, is to dramatically reduce the size and shape of the central recirculation zone for the swirling flows considered. The shear stresses are found to increase by an order of magnitude in the region of the contraction nozzle because of large radial gradients of axial velocity. Reduction of the expansion ratio to D/o = 1 causes the time mean flow field to be homogeneous throughout the entire test section with the tangential velocity dominating in the swirling cases. No recirculation zones were observed for these particular flows. Turbulence levels and dissipation rates were found to be low except in the entrance regions and in areas of acceleration in the swirling flow cases.

Comparison of viscous-shock-layer solutions by time-asymptotic and steady-state methods. [flow distribution around a Jupiter entry probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, R. N.; Moss, J. N.; Simmonds, A. L.

1982-01-01

Two flow-field codes employing the time- and space-marching numerical techniques were evaluated. Both methods were used to analyze the flow field around a massively blown Jupiter entry probe under perfect-gas conditions. In order to obtain a direct point-by-point comparison, the computations were made by using identical grids and turbulence models. For the same degree of accuracy, the space-marching scheme takes much less time as compared to the time-marching method and would appear to provide accurate results for the problems with nonequilibrium chemistry, free from the effect of local differences in time on the final solution which is inherent in time-marching methods. With the time-marching method, however, the solutions are obtainable for the realistic entry probe shapes with massive or uniform surface blowing rates; whereas, with the space-marching technique, it is difficult to obtain converged solutions for such flow conditions. The choice of the numerical method is, therefore, problem dependent. Both methods give equally good results for the cases where results are compared with experimental data.

Chemically generated convective transport in microfluidic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shklyaev, Oleg; Das, Sambeeta; Altemose, Alicia; Shum, Henry; Balazs, Anna; Sen, Ayusman

High precision manipulation of small volumes of fluid, containing suspended micron sized objects like cells, viruses, and large molecules, is one of the main goals in designing modern lab-on-a-chip devices which can find a variety of chemical and biological applications. To transport the cargo toward sensing elements, typical microfluidic devices often use pressure driven flows. Here, we propose to use enzymatic chemical reactions which decompose reagent into less dense products and generate flows that can transport particles. Density variations that lead to flow in the assigned direction are created between the place where reagent is fed into the solution and the location where it is decomposed by enzymes attached to the surface of the microchannel. When the reagent is depleted, the fluid motion stops and particles sediment to the bottom. We demonstrate how the choice of chemicals, leading to specific reaction rates, can affect the transport properties. In particular, we show that the intensity of the fluid flow, the final location of cargo, and the time for cargo delivery are controlled by the amount and type of reagent in the system.

The flow dynamics of an extremely large volume pyroclastic flow, the 2.08-Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite, NW Argentina, and comparison with other flow types

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cas, Ray A.F.; Wright, Heather M.; Folkes, Christopher B.; Lesti, Chiara; Porreca, Massimiliano; Giordano, Guido; Viramonte, Jose G.

2011-01-01

The 2.08-Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite (CGI) represents a >630-km3 dense rock equivalent (VEI 8) eruption from the long-lived Cerro Galán magma system (∼6 Ma). It is a crystal-rich (35–60%), pumice (<10% generally) and lithic-poor (<5% generally) rhyodacitic ignimbrite, lacking a preceding plinian fallout deposit. The CGI is preserved up to 80 km from the structural margins of the caldera, but almost certainly was deposited up to 100 km from the caldera in some places. Only one emplacement unit is preserved in proximal to medial settings and in most distal settings, suggesting constant flow conditions, but where the pyroclastic flow moved into a palaeotopography of substantial valleys and ridges, it interacted with valley walls, resulting in flow instabilities that generated multiple depositional units, often separated by pyroclastic surge deposits. The CGI preserves a widespread sub-horizontal fabric, defined by aligned elongate pumice and lithic clasts, and minerals (e.g. biotite). A sub-horizontal anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility fabric is defined by minute magnetic minerals in all localities where it has been analysed. The CGI is poor in both vent-derived (‘accessory’) lithics and locally derived lithics from the ground surface (‘accidental’) lithics. Locally derived lithics are small (<20 cm) and were not transported far from source points. All data suggest that the pyroclastic flow system producing the CGI was characterised throughout by high sedimentation rates, resulting from high particle concentration and suppressed turbulence at the depositional boundary layer, despite being a low aspect ratio ignimbrite. Based on these features, we question whether high velocity and momentum are necessary to account for extensive flow mobility. It is proposed that the CGI was deposited by a pyroclastic flow system that developed a substantial, high particle concentration granular under-flow, which flowed with suppressed turbulence. High particle concentration and fine-ash content hindered gas loss and maintained flow mobility. In order to explain the contemporaneous maintenance of high particle concentration, high sedimentation rate at the depositional boundary layer and a high level of mobility, it is also proposed that the flow(s) was continuously supplied at a high mass feeding rate. It is also proposed that internal gas pressure within the flow, directed downwards onto the substrate over which the flow was passing, reduced the friction between the flow and the substrate and also enhanced its mobility. The pervasive sub-horizontal fabric of aligned pumice, lithic and even biotite crystals indicates a consistent horizontal shear force existed during transport and deposition in the basal granular flow, consistent with the existence of a laminar, shearing, granular flow regime during the final stages of transport and deposition.

Effect of flow rate on environmental variables and phytoplankton dynamics: results from field enclosures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haiping; Chen, Ruihong; Li, Feipeng; Chen, Ling

2015-03-01

To investigate the effects of flow rate on phytoplankton dynamics and related environment variables, a set of enclosure experiments with different flow rates were conducted in an artificial lake. We monitored nutrients, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, chlorophyll- a and phytoplankton levels. The lower biomass in all flowing enclosures showed that flow rate significantly inhibited the growth of phytoplankton. A critical flow rate occurred near 0.06 m/s, which was the lowest relative inhibitory rate. Changes in flow conditions affected algal competition for light, resulting in a dramatic shift in phytoplankton composition, from blue-green algae in still waters to green algae in flowing conditions. These findings indicate that critical flow rate can be useful in developing methods to reduce algal bloom occurrence. However, flow rate significantly enhanced the inter-relationships among environmental variables, in particular by inducing higher water turbidity and vegetative reproduction of periphyton ( Spirogyra). These changes were accompanied by a decrease in underwater light intensity, which consequently inhibited the photosynthetic intensity of phytoplankton. These results warn that a universal critical flow rate might not exist, because the effect of flow rate on phytoplankton is interlinked with many other environmental variables.

Demonstration, testing, & evaluation of in situ heating of soil. Draft final report, Volume II: Appendices A to E

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dev, H.; Enk, J.; Jones, D.

This document is a draft final report for US DOE contract entitled, {open_quotes}Demonstration Testing and Evaluation of In Situ Soil Heating,{close_quotes} Contract No. DE-AC05-93OR22160, IITRI Project No. C06787. This report is presented in two volumes. Volume I contains the technical report This document is Volume II, containing appendices with background information and data. In this project approximately 300 cu. yd. of clayey soil containing a low concentration plume of volatile organic chemicals was heated in situ by the application of electrical energy. It was shown that as a result of heating the effective permeability of soil to air flow wasmore » increased such that in situ soil vapor extraction could be performed. The initial permeability of soil was so low that the soil gas flow rate was immeasurably small even at high vacuum levels. When scaled up, this process can be used for the environmental clean up and restoration of DOE sites contaminated with VOCs and other organic chemicals boiling up to 120{degrees}to 130{degrees}C in the vadose zone. Although it may applied to many types of soil formations, it is particularly attractive for low permeability clayey soil where conventional in situ venting techniques are limited by low air flow.« less

Tracking the Flow of Resources in Electronic Waste - The Case of End-of-Life Computer Hard Disk Drives.

PubMed

Habib, Komal; Parajuly, Keshav; Wenzel, Henrik

2015-10-20

Recovery of resources, in particular, metals, from waste flows is widely seen as a prioritized option to reduce their potential supply constraints in the future. The current waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) treatment system is more focused on bulk metals, where the recycling rate of specialty metals, such as rare earths, is negligible compared to their increasing use in modern products, such as electronics. This study investigates the challenges in recovering these resources in the existing WEEE treatment system. It is illustrated by following the material flows of resources in a conventional WEEE treatment plant in Denmark. Computer hard disk drives (HDDs) containing neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets were selected as the case product for this experiment. The resulting output fractions were tracked until their final treatment in order to estimate the recovery potential of rare earth elements (REEs) and other resources contained in HDDs. The results further show that out of the 244 kg of HDDs treated, 212 kg comprising mainly of aluminum and steel can be finally recovered from the metallurgic process. The results further demonstrate the complete loss of REEs in the existing shredding-based WEEE treatment processes. Dismantling and separate processing of NdFeB magnets from their end-use products can be a more preferred option over shredding. However, it remains a technological and logistic challenge for the existing system.

Evaluation of design ventilation requirements for enclosed parking facilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ayari, A.; Krarti, M.

2000-07-01

This paper proposes a new design approach to determine the ventilation requirements for enclosed parking garages. The design approach accounts for various factors that affect the indoor air quality within a parking facility, including the average CO emission rate, the average travel time, the number of cars, and the acceptable CO level within the parking garage. This paper first describes the results of a parametric analysis based on the design method that was developed. Then the design method is presented to explain how the ventilation flow rate can be determined for any enclosed parking facility. Finally, some suggestions are proposedmore » to save fan energy for ventilating parking garages using demand ventilation control strategies.« less

Experimental validation of numerical simulations on a cerebral aneurysm phantom model

PubMed Central

Seshadhri, Santhosh; Janiga, Gábor; Skalej, Martin; Thévenin, Dominique

2012-01-01

The treatment of cerebral aneurysms, found in roughly 5% of the population and associated in case of rupture to a high mortality rate, is a major challenge for neurosurgery and neuroradiology due to the complexity of the intervention and to the resulting, high hazard ratio. Improvements are possible but require a better understanding of the associated, unsteady blood flow patterns in complex 3D geometries. It would be very useful to carry out such studies using suitable numerical models, if it is proven that they reproduce accurately enough the real conditions. This validation step is classically based on comparisons with measured data. Since in vivo measurements are extremely difficult and therefore of limited accuracy, complementary model-based investigations considering realistic configurations are essential. In the present study, simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been compared with in situ, laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements in the phantom model of a cerebral aneurysm. The employed 1:1 model is made from transparent silicone. A liquid mixture composed of water, glycerin, xanthan gum and sodium chloride has been specifically adapted for the present investigation. It shows physical flow properties similar to real blood and leads to a refraction index perfectly matched to that of the silicone model, allowing accurate optical measurements of the flow velocity. For both experiments and simulations, complex pulsatile flow waveforms and flow rates were accounted for. This finally allows a direct, quantitative comparison between measurements and simulations. In this manner, the accuracy of the employed computational model can be checked. PMID:24265876

Numerical simulation for heat transfer performance in unsteady flow of Williamson fluid driven by a wedge-geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamid, Aamir; Hashim; Khan, Masood

2018-06-01

The main concern of this communication is to investigate the two-layer flow of a non-Newtonian rheological fluid past a wedge-shaped geometry. One remarkable aspect of this article is the mathematical formulation for two-dimensional flow of Williamson fluid by incorporating the effect of infinite shear rate viscosity. The impacts of heat transfer mechanism on time-dependent flow field are further studied. At first, we employ the suitable non-dimensional variables to transmute the time-dependent governing flow equations into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The converted conservation equations are numerically integrated subject to physically suitable boundary conditions with the aid of Runge-Kutta Fehlberg integration procedure. The effects of involved pertinent parameters, such as, moving wedge parameter, wedge angle parameter, local Weissenberg number, unsteadiness parameter and Prandtl number on the non-dimensional velocity and temperature distributions have been evaluated. In addition, the numerical values of the local skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are compared and presented through tables. The outcomes of this study indicate that the rate of heat transfer increases with the growth of both wedge angle parameter and unsteadiness parameter. Moreover, a substantial rise in the fluid velocity is observed with enhancement in the viscosity ratio parameter while an opposite trend is true for the non-dimensional temperature field. A comparison is presented between the current study and already published works and results found to be in outstanding agreement. Finally, the main findings of this article are highlighted in the last section.

Syringe Pump Performance Maintained with IV Filter Use During Low Flow Rate Delivery for Pediatric Patients.

PubMed

Chau, Destiny F; Vasilopoulos, Terrie; Schoepf, Miriam; Zhang, Christina; Fahy, Brenda G

2016-09-01

Complex surgical and critically ill pediatric patients rely on syringe infusion pumps for precise delivery of IV medications. Low flow rates and in-line IV filter use may affect drug delivery. To determine the effects of an in-line filter to remove air and/or contaminants on syringe pump performance at low flow rates, we compared the measured rates with the programmed flow rates with and without in-line IV filters. Standardized IV infusion assemblies with and without IV filters (filter and control groups) attached to a 10-mL syringe were primed and then loaded onto a syringe pump and connected to a 16-gauge, 16-cm single-lumen catheter. The catheter was suspended in a normal saline fluid column to simulate the back pressure from central venous circulation. The delivered infusate was measured by gravimetric methods at predetermined time intervals, and flow rate was calculated. Experimental trials for initial programmed rates of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 mL/h were performed in control and filter groups. For each trial, the flow rate was changed to double the initial flow rate and was then returned to the initial flow rate to analyze pump performance for titration of rates often required during medication administration. These conditions (initial rate, doubling of initial rate, and return to initial rate) were analyzed separately for steady-state flow rate and time to steady state, whereas their average was used for percent deviation analysis. Differences between control and filter groups were assessed using Student t tests with adjustment for multiplicity (using n = 3 replications per group). Mean time from 0 to initial flow (startup delay) was <1 minute in both groups with no statistical difference between groups (P = 1.0). The average time to reach steady-state flow after infusion startup or rate changes was not statistically different between the groups (range, 0.8-5.5 minutes), for any flow rate or part of the trial (initial rate, doubling of initial rate, and return to initial rate), although the study was underpowered to detect small time differences. Overall, the mean steady-state flow rate for each trial was below the programmed flow rate with negative mean percent deviations for each trial. In the 1.0-mL/h initial rate trial, the steady-state flow rate attained was lower in the filter than the control group for the initial rate (P = 0.04) and doubling of initial rate (P = 0.04) with a trend during the return to initial rate (P = 0.06), although this same effect was not observed when doubling the initial rate trials of 0.8 or 0.6 mL/h or any other rate trials compared with the control group. With low flow rates used in complex surgical and pediatric critically ill patients, the addition of IV filters did not confer statistically significant changes in startup delay, flow variability, or time to reach steady-state flow of medications administered by syringe infusion pumps. The overall flow rate was lower than programmed flow rate with or without a filter.

Investigation of micromixing by acoustically oscillated sharp-edges

PubMed Central

Nama, Nitesh; Huang, Po-Hsun; Huang, Tony Jun; Costanzo, Francesco

2016-01-01

Recently, acoustically oscillated sharp-edges have been utilized to achieve rapid and homogeneous mixing in microchannels. Here, we present a numerical model to investigate acoustic mixing inside a sharp-edge-based micromixer in the presence of a background flow. We extend our previously reported numerical model to include the mixing phenomena by using perturbation analysis and the Generalized Lagrangian Mean (GLM) theory in conjunction with the convection-diffusion equation. We divide the flow variables into zeroth-order, first-order, and second-order variables. This results in three sets of equations representing the background flow, acoustic response, and the time-averaged streaming flow, respectively. These equations are then solved successively to obtain the mean Lagrangian velocity which is combined with the convection-diffusion equation to predict the concentration profile. We validate our numerical model via a comparison of the numerical results with the experimentally obtained values of the mixing index for different flow rates. Further, we employ our model to study the effect of the applied input power and the background flow on the mixing performance of the sharp-edge-based micromixer. We also suggest potential design changes to the previously reported sharp-edge-based micromixer to improve its performance. Finally, we investigate the generation of a tunable concentration gradient by a linear arrangement of the sharp-edge structures inside the microchannel. PMID:27158292

Two-phase flow visualization under reservoir conditions for highly heterogeneous conglomerate rock: A core-scale study for geologic carbon storage.

PubMed

Kim, Kue-Young; Oh, Junho; Han, Weon Shik; Park, Kwon Gyu; Shinn, Young Jae; Park, Eungyu

2018-03-20

Geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is considered a viable strategy for significantly reducing anthropogenic CO 2 emissions into the atmosphere; however, understanding the flow mechanisms in various geological formations is essential for safe storage using this technique. This study presents, for the first time, a two-phase (CO 2 and brine) flow visualization under reservoir conditions (10 MPa, 50 °C) for a highly heterogeneous conglomerate core obtained from a real CO 2 storage site. Rock heterogeneity and the porosity variation characteristics were evaluated using X-ray computed tomography (CT). Multiphase flow tests with an in-situ imaging technology revealed three distinct CO 2 saturation distributions (from homogeneous to non-uniform) dependent on compositional complexity. Dense discontinuity networks within clasts provided well-connected pathways for CO 2 flow, potentially helping to reduce overpressure. Two flow tests, one under capillary-dominated conditions and the other in a transition regime between the capillary and viscous limits, indicated that greater injection rates (potential causes of reservoir overpressure) could be significantly reduced without substantially altering the total stored CO 2 mass. Finally, the capillary storage capacity of the reservoir was calculated. Capacity ranged between 0.5 and 4.5%, depending on the initial CO 2 saturation.

Evaluation of an Active Humidification System for Inspired Gas

PubMed Central

Roux, Nicolás G.; Villalba, Darío S.; Gogniat, Emiliano; Feld, Vivivana; Ribero Vairo, Noelia; Sartore, Marisa; Bosso, Mauro; Scapellato, José L.; Intile, Dante; Planells, Fernando; Noval, Diego; Buñirigo, Pablo; Jofré, Ricardo; Díaz Nielsen, Ernesto

2015-01-01

Objectives The effectiveness of the active humidification systems (AHS) in patients already weaned from mechanical ventilation and with an artificial airway has not been very well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an AHS in chronically tracheostomized and spontaneously breathing patients. Methods Measurements were quantified at three levels of temperature (T°) of the AHS: level I, low; level II, middle; and level III, high and at different flow levels (20 to 60 L/minute). Statistical analysis of repeated measurements was performed using analysis of variance and significance was set at a P<0.05. Results While the lowest temperature setting (level I) did not condition gas to the minimum recommended values for any of the flows that were used, the medium temperature setting (level II) only conditioned gas with flows of 20 and 30 L/minute. Finally, at the highest temperature setting (level III), every flow reached the minimum absolute humidity (AH) recommended of 30 mg/L. Conclusion According to our results, to obtain appropiate relative humidity, AH and T° of gas one should have a device that maintains water T° at least at 53℃ for flows between 20 and 30 L/m, or at T° of 61℃ at any flow rate. PMID:25729499

Changes in migration mode of brine and supercritical CO2 in imbibition process under steady flow state of very slow fluid velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogure, Tetsuya; Zhang, Yi; Nishizawa, Osamu; Xue, Ziqiu

2018-05-01

Relative permeability curves and flow mechanisms of CO2 and brine in Berea sandstone were investigated during a two-phase flow imbibition process, where CO2 saturation in the rock decreased from 55 per cent to 9 per cent by stepwise decrease of CO2/brine injection ratios. Total fluid flow velocity was 4.25 × 10-6 m/s, corresponding to the capillary number of order ˜10-8 for CO2 flow. The relative permeability curves showed a slight hysteresis compared to those during the drainage process. Local CO2 saturation and the differential pressure showed temporal fluctuations when the average differential pressure showed constant values or very small trends. The fluctuations in local CO2 saturation correlate with local porosity distributions. The differential pressure between the inlet and outlet ends showed the largest fluctuation when the CO2/brine ratio equals to one. A final brine-only injection resulted in more CO2 trapped within low porosity zones. These results suggest important roles of ganglion dynamics in the low flow rate ranges, where fluid pathways undergo repetitive brine snap-off and coalescence of CO2 ganglia that causes morphological changes in distributions of CO2 pathways.

Economic compensation standard for irrigation processes to safeguard environmental flows in the Yellow River Estuary, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Aiping; Sun, Tao; Yang, Zhifeng

2013-03-01

SummaryAgriculture and ecosystems are increasingly competing for water. We propose an approach to assess the economic compensation standard required to release water from agricultural use to ecosystems while taking into account seasonal variability in river flow. First, we defined agricultural water shortage as the difference in water volume between agricultural demands and actual supply after maintaining environmental flows for ecosystems. Second, we developed a production loss model to establish the relationship between production losses and agricultural water shortages in view of seasonal variation in river discharge. Finally, we estimated the appropriate economic compensation for different irrigation stakeholders based on crop prices and production losses. A case study in the Yellow River Estuary, China, demonstrated that relatively stable economic compensation for irrigation processes can be defined based on the developed model, taking into account seasonal variations in river discharge and different levels of environmental flow. Annual economic compensation is not directly related to annual water shortage because of the temporal variability in river flow rate and environmental flow. Crops that have stable planting areas to guarantee food security should be selected as indicator crops in economic compensation assessments in the important grain production zone. Economic compensation may be implemented by creating funds to update water-saving measures in agricultural facilities.

Investigation of micromixing by acoustically oscillated sharp-edges.

PubMed

Nama, Nitesh; Huang, Po-Hsun; Huang, Tony Jun; Costanzo, Francesco

2016-03-01

Recently, acoustically oscillated sharp-edges have been utilized to achieve rapid and homogeneous mixing in microchannels. Here, we present a numerical model to investigate acoustic mixing inside a sharp-edge-based micromixer in the presence of a background flow. We extend our previously reported numerical model to include the mixing phenomena by using perturbation analysis and the Generalized Lagrangian Mean (GLM) theory in conjunction with the convection-diffusion equation. We divide the flow variables into zeroth-order, first-order, and second-order variables. This results in three sets of equations representing the background flow, acoustic response, and the time-averaged streaming flow, respectively. These equations are then solved successively to obtain the mean Lagrangian velocity which is combined with the convection-diffusion equation to predict the concentration profile. We validate our numerical model via a comparison of the numerical results with the experimentally obtained values of the mixing index for different flow rates. Further, we employ our model to study the effect of the applied input power and the background flow on the mixing performance of the sharp-edge-based micromixer. We also suggest potential design changes to the previously reported sharp-edge-based micromixer to improve its performance. Finally, we investigate the generation of a tunable concentration gradient by a linear arrangement of the sharp-edge structures inside the microchannel.

Design, construction, and optimization of a novel, modular, and scalable incubation chamber for continuous viral inactivation.

PubMed

Orozco, Raquel; Godfrey, Scott; Coffman, Jon; Amarikwa, Linus; Parker, Stephanie; Hernandez, Lindsay; Wachuku, Chinenye; Mai, Ben; Song, Brian; Hoskatti, Shashidhar; Asong, Jinkeng; Shamlou, Parviz; Bardliving, Cameron; Fiadeiro, Marcus

2017-07-01

We designed, built or 3D printed, and screened tubular reactors that minimize axial dispersion to serve as incubation chambers for continuous virus inactivation of biological products. Empirical residence time distribution data were used to derive each tubular design's volume equivalent to a theoretical plate (VETP) values at a various process flow rates. One design, the Jig in a Box (JIB), yielded the lowest VETP, indicating optimal radial mixing and minimal axial dispersion. A minimum residence time (MRT) approach was employed, where the MRT is the minimum time the product spends in the tubular reactor. This incubation time is typically 60 minutes in a batch process. We provide recommendations for combinations of flow rates and device dimensions for operation of the JIB connected in series that will meet a 60-min MRT. The results show that under a wide range of flow rates and corresponding volumes, it takes 75 ± 3 min for 99% of the product to exit the reactor while meeting the 60-min MRT criterion and fulfilling the constraint of keeping a differential pressure drop under 5 psi. Under these conditions, the VETP increases slightly from 3 to 5 mL though the number of theoretical plates stays constant at about 1326 ± 88. We also demonstrated that the final design volume was only 6% ± 1% larger than the ideal plug flow volume. Using such a device would enable continuous viral inactivation in a truly continuous process or in the effluent of a batch chromatography column. Viral inactivation studies would be required to validate such a design. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:954-965, 2017. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Characterization of pulsed flow attenuation on a regulated montane river

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fong, C. S.; Yarnell, S. M.; Fleenor, W. E.; Viers, J. H.

2013-12-01

A major benefit of hydropower is its ability to respond quickly to fluctuating electrical loads. However, the sharp changes in discharge caused by this practice have detrimental environmental effects downstream. This study investigated the effects of hydrograph shape on attenuation of regulated pulsed flow events by first categorizing, then modeling the downstream movement of representative pulses on the upper Tuolumne River below Holm Powerhouse in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. This system was managed by a public utility and produced flow pulses primarily for hydroelectricity generation and/or whitewater recreation. Operations were highly influenced by a system-wide "Water First" policy, which prioritized drinking water supply and quality over other beneficial uses. Pulses were therefore associated with a spectrum of time scales, from predetermined schedules decided far in advance to hydropeaking operations responding to real-time demands. We extracted underlying hydrograph shape patterns using principal component analysis on individual pulsed flow events released from 1988-2012 (n=4439). From principal component loadings, six shape categories were determined: rectangular, front-step, back-step, goalpost, centered tower, and other. The rectangular and stepped shapes were the most frequent, composing 62% and 24% of total events, respectively. The rectangular shape was often produced by 'standard' hydropeaking or recreational releases, while the stepped shapes were often used for water conservation or were recreational flows bordered by periods of electricity generation. The stepped shape increased in occurrence after the "Water First" policy took effect in 1993 and dominated two drier years (2007 and 2009). After categorization by shape, magnitude and durational indices were used to fabricate representative pulsed flow events. Attenuation of these representative pulses was then modeled using a 1D hydraulic model of 42 river km prepared in HEC-RAS. As no operational measures or physical structures existed within the system to counter the adverse effects of pulsed flow events, natural attenuation was the only potential major mitigation agent. However, model results demonstrated a clear durational threshold for representative pulses (~ 3-5 hrs) over which the degree of attenuation of ramping rates and peak discharge approached a limit. These thresholds were unique to the study reach and were dependent upon river morphology, bed characteristics, and flow rates. Increasing baseflows did not necessarily increase attenuation of pulses, most likely due to minimal increases in bed friction forces in this fairly steep and confined channel. Simulations of front and back-step representative pulses showed trade-offs between attenuation of peak magnitudes and steepness of ramping rates. Finally, a range of rising ramping rates were shown to steepen downstream above initial rates due to the study reach's channel morphology. Reshaping pulses to be more ecologically benign at all points downstream was infeasible if the system was required to maintain current electricity production and recreational service levels.

Computational Flow Modeling of Human Upper Airway Breathing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mylavarapu, Goutham

Computational modeling of biological systems have gained a lot of interest in biomedical research, in the recent past. This thesis focuses on the application of computational simulations to study airflow dynamics in human upper respiratory tract. With advancements in medical imaging, patient specific geometries of anatomically accurate respiratory tracts can now be reconstructed from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, with better and accurate details than traditional cadaver cast models. Computational studies using these individualized geometrical models have advantages of non-invasiveness, ease, minimum patient interaction, improved accuracy over experimental and clinical studies. Numerical simulations can provide detailed flow fields including velocities, flow rates, airway wall pressure, shear stresses, turbulence in an airway. Interpretation of these physical quantities will enable to develop efficient treatment procedures, medical devices, targeted drug delivery etc. The hypothesis for this research is that computational modeling can predict the outcomes of a surgical intervention or a treatment plan prior to its application and will guide the physician in providing better treatment to the patients. In the current work, three different computational approaches Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Flow-Structure Interaction (FSI) and Particle Flow simulations were used to investigate flow in airway geometries. CFD approach assumes airway wall as rigid, and relatively easy to simulate, compared to the more challenging FSI approach, where interactions of airway wall deformations with flow are also accounted. The CFD methodology using different turbulence models is validated against experimental measurements in an airway phantom. Two case-studies using CFD, to quantify a pre and post-operative airway and another, to perform virtual surgery to determine the best possible surgery in a constricted airway is demonstrated. The unsteady Large Eddy simulations (LES) and a steady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) approaches in CFD modeling are discussed. The more challenging FSI approach is modeled first in simple two-dimensional anatomical geometry and then extended to simplified three dimensional geometry and finally in three dimensionally accurate geometries. The concepts of virtual surgery and the differences to CFD are discussed. Finally, the influence of various drug delivery parameters on particle deposition efficiency in airway anatomy are investigated through particle-flow simulations in a nasal airway model.

Dynamics of lava flow - Thickness growth characteristics of steady two-dimensional flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, S.; Iversen, J. D.

1984-01-01

The thickness growth characteristics of flowing lava are investigated using a heat balance model and a two-dimensional model for flow of a Bingham plastic fluid down an inclined plane. It is found that yield strength plays a crucial role in the thickening of a lava flow of given flow rate. To illustrate this point, downstream thickness profiles and yield strength distributions were calculated for flows with mass flow rates of 10,000 and 100,000 kg/m-sec. Higher flow rates led to slow cooling rates which resulted in slow rate of increase of yield strength and thus greater flow lengths.

The relation between saliva flow after different stimulations and the perception of flavor and texture attributes in custard desserts.

PubMed

Engelen, Lina; de Wijk, Rene A; Prinz, Jon F; van der Bilt, Andries; Bosman, Frits

2003-01-01

Salivary flow rates were measured at rest and after three types of stimulation; odor, Parafilm chewing, and citric acid. The highest flow rate was elicited by citric acid followed by Parafilm and odor, while the lowest flow rate was unstimulated. In order to investigate whether and how the amount of saliva a subject produces influences the sensory ratings, the four types of salivary flow rates were correlated with sensory ratings of three different types of vanilla custard dessert. No significant correlation could be found between any of the salivary flow rates and the sensory ratings. A subject with a larger saliva flow rate during eating did not rate the foods differently from a subject with less saliva flow. The same pattern was seen for all types of stimulation. This finding could indicate that subjects are used to their respective amounts of saliva to such a degree that the differences in sensory ratings between subjects cannot be explained by the interindividual difference in saliva flow rate.

Forced Convective Heat Transfer of Aqueous Al₂O₃ Nanofluid Through Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger.

PubMed

Haque, A K M Mahmudul; Kim, Sedong; Kim, Junhyo; Noh, Jungpil; Huh, Sunchul; Choi, Byeongkeun; Chung, Hanshik; Jeong, Hyomin

2018-03-01

This study presents the forced convective heat transfer of a nanofluid consisting of distilled water and different weight concentrations (1 wt% and 2 wt%) of Al2O3 nanoparticles flowing in a vertical shell and tube heat exchanger under counter flow and laminar flow regime with certain constant heat flaxes (at 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C). The Al2O3 nanoparticles of about 50 nm diameter are used in the present study. Stability of aqueous Al2O3 nanofluids, TEM, thermal conductivity, temperature differences, heat transfer rate, T-Q diagrams, LMTD and convective heat transfer coefficient are investigated experimentally. Experimental results emphasize the substantial enhancement of heat transfer due to the Al2O3 nanoparticles presence in the nanofluid. Heat transfer rate for distilled water and aqueous nanofluids are calculated after getting an efficient setup which shows 19.25% and 35.82% enhancement of heat transfer rate of 1 wt% and 2 wt% aqueous Al2O3 nanofluids as compared to that of distilled water. Finally, the analysis shows that though there are 27.33% and 59.08% enhancement of 1 wt% Al2O3 and 2 wt% Al2O3 respectively as compared to that of distilled water at 30 °C, convective heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing heat flux of heated fluid in this experimental setup.

Electrochemically-induced reduction of nitrate in aqueous solution

PubMed Central

Rajic, Lj.; Berroa, D.; Gregor, S.; Elbakri, S.; MacNeil, M.; Alshawabkeh, A.N.

2018-01-01

In this study, we evaluated the removal of nitrate from synthetic groundwater by a cathode followed by an anode electrode sequence in the electrochemical flow-through reactor. We also tested the feasibility of the used electrode sequence to minimize the production of ammonia during the nitrate reduction. The performance of monometallic Fe, Cu, Ni and carbon foam cathodes was tested under different current intensities, flow rates/regimes and the presence of Pd and Ag catalyst coating. With the use of monometallic Fe and an increase in current intensity from 60 mA to 120 mA, the nitrate removal rate increased from 7.6% to 25.0%, but values above 120 mA caused a decrease in removal due to excessive gas formation at the electrodes. Among tested materials, monometallic Fe foam cathode showed the highest nitrates removal rate and increased significantly in the presence of Pd catalyst: from 25.0% to 39.8%. Further, the circulation under 3 mL min−1 elevated the nitrate removal by 33% and the final nitrate concentration fell below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg L−1 nitrate–nitrogen (NO3-N). During the treatment, the yield of ammonia production after the cathode was 92±4% while after the anode (Ti/IrO2/Ta2O5), the amount of ammonia significantly declined to 50%. The results proved that flow-through, undivided electrochemical systems can be used to remove nitrate from groundwater with the possibility of simultaneously controlling the generation of ammonia. PMID:29657554

Evaluation and Improvement of Liquid Propellant Rocket Chugging Analysis Techniques. Part 2: a Study of Low Frequency Combustion Instability in Rocket Engine Preburners Using a Heterogeneous Stirred Tank Reactor Model. Final Report M.S. Thesis - Aug. 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartrand, Timothy A.

1988-01-01

During the shutdown of the space shuttle main engine, oxygen flow is shut off from the fuel preburner and helium is used to push the residual oxygen into the combustion chamber. During this process a low frequency combustion instability, or chug, occurs. This chug has resulted in damage to the engine's augmented spark igniter due to backflow of the contents of the preburner combustion chamber into the oxidizer feed system. To determine possible causes and fixes for the chug, the fuel preburner was modeled as a heterogeneous stirred tank combustion chamber, a variable mass flow rate oxidizer feed system, a constant mass flow rate fuel feed system and an exit turbine. Within the combustion chamber gases were assumed perfectly mixed. To account for liquid in the combustion chamber, a uniform droplet distribution was assumed to exist in the chamber, with mean droplet diameter determined from an empirical relation. A computer program was written to integrate the resulting differential equations. Because chamber contents were assumed perfectly mixed, the fuel preburner model erroneously predicted that combustion would not take place during shutdown. The combustion rate model was modified to assume that all liquid oxygen that vaporized instantaneously combusted with fuel. Using this combustion model, the effect of engine parameters on chamber pressure oscillations during the SSME shutdown was calculated.

Dispersion and Mixing in Quasi-two-dimensional Rotating Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wells, M. G.; Clercx, H. J. H.; van Heijst, G. J. F.

A new rotating-tank experiment has been set up to investigate several aspects of dispersion in forced quasi-two-dimensional turbulence. By superimposing a harmonically varying perturbation on the mean rotation rate the mean flow continually interacts with the no-slip boundaries and forms boundary layers with high-amplitude vorticity twice during the forcing period. By choosing the proper amplitude and frequency of the perturbation it is possible to continuously inject small-scale vorticity in the interior of the flow, either in the form of filamentary structures (detached boundary layers) or as small vortices (after the roll-up of detached boundary layers). We present measurements of the passive scalar spectrum which show good agreement with the k -1 spectrum predicted by Batchelor (J. Fluid Mech. 5:113, 1959). Using particle image velocimetry we are able to reconstruct the Lagrangian trajectories of particles. The relative dispersion rates of particle pairs show an initial exponential separation followed by the classical Richardson dispersion, R 2 ∝ t3.0± 0.1. The variance of the absolute particle displacement grows as σ ∝ t1.4, similar to the observations in the previous experiments by Solomon et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 71:3975, 1993) and Hansen et al. (Phys. Rev. E 58:7261, 1998). Finally, and indicating future directions of research, we present results of a simple chemical reaction in forced quasi-2D turbulence and show how the bulk reaction rate is controlled by the mixing and filamentation processes.

High efficiency chlorine removal from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pyrolysis with a gas-liquid fluidized bed reactor.

PubMed

Yuan, G; Chen, D; Yin, L; Wang, Z; Zhao, L; Wang, J Y

2014-06-01

In this research a gas-liquid fluidized bed reactor was developed for removing chlorine (Cl) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to favor its pyrolysis treatment. In order to efficiently remove Cl within a limited time before extensive generation of hydrocarbon products, the gas-liquid fluidized bed reactor was running at 280-320 °C, where hot N2 was used as fluidizing gas to fluidize the molten polymer, letting the molten polymer contact well with N2 to release Cl in form of HCl. Experimental results showed that dechlorination efficiency is mainly temperature dependent and 300 °C is a proper reaction temperature for efficient dechlorination within a limited time duration and for prevention of extensive pyrolysis; under this temperature 99.5% of Cl removal efficiency can be obtained within reaction time around 1 min after melting is completed as the flow rate of N2 gas was set around 0.47-0.85 Nm(3) kg(-1) for the molten PVC. Larger N2 flow rate and additives in PVC would enhance HCl release but did not change the final dechlorination efficiency; and excessive N2 flow rate should be avoided for prevention of polymer entrainment. HCl is emitted from PVC granules or scraps at the mean time they started to melt and the melting stage should be taken into consideration when design the gas-liquid fluidized bed reactor for dechlorination. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Process optimization for microcystin-LR degradation by Response Surface Methodology and mechanism analysis in gas-liquid hybrid discharge system.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Wei, Hanyu; Xin, Qing; Wang, Mingang; Wang, Qi; Wang, Qiang; Cong, Yanqing

2016-12-01

A gas-liquid hybrid discharge system was applied to microcystin-LR (MC-LR) degradation. MC-LR degradation was completed after 1 min under a pulsed high voltage of 16 kV, gas-liquid interface gap of 10 mm and oxygen flow rate of 160 L/h. The Box-Behnken Design was proposed in Response Surface Methodology to evaluate the influence of pulsed high voltage, electrode distance and oxygen flow rate on MC-LR removal efficiency. Multiple regression analysis, focused on multivariable factors, was employed and a reduced cubic model was developed. The ANOVA analysis shows that the model is significant and the model prediction on MC-LR removal was also validated with experimental data. The optimum conditions for the process are obtained at pulsed voltage of 16 kV, gas-liquid interface gap of 10 mm and oxygen flow rate of 120 L/h with ta removal efficiency of MC-LR of 96.6%. The addition of catalysts (TiO 2 or Fe 2+ ) in the gas-liquid hybrid discharge system was found to enhance the removal of MC-LR. The intermediates of MC-LR degradation were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The degradation pathway proposed envisaged the oxidation of hydroxyl radicals and ozone, and attack of high-energy electrons on the unsaturated double bonds of Adda and Mdha, with MC-LR finally decomposing into small molecular products. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting shear thickening behavior of a concentrated injectable suspension of levodopa.

PubMed

Allahham, Ayman; Stewart, Peter; Marriott, Jennifer; Mainwaring, David

2005-11-01

Previous clinical studies on a subcutaneous injectable suspension of levodopa showed poor injectability into human tissue. When this formulation was rheologically characterised, a clinical shear thickening interval was observed at increased shear rates. The formulation parameters that contributed to this rheological behavior were systematically evaluated with the aim of removing this flow limitation while maintaining the concentration of 60% levodopa to retain the clinical applicability. The three suspension parameters examined were: levodopa volume fraction, concentration of the HPMC suspending vehicle, and particle size distribution. Shear thickening increased with the drug concentration and the critical shear rate was inversely dependent on the drug concentration. Increasing the vehicle concentration retarded the shear thickening but increased the overall suspension viscosity. There was an increase in shear thickening with increased average particle diameter. Combinations of micronized and non-micronized particles were used to prepare bimodal particle size distributions. The rheology of these bimodal distributions resulted in removal of shear thickening. This allowed the preparation of 60% levodopa formulations that showed a range of flow characteristics spanning near Newtonian flow or shear thinning at initial injectable viscosities of about 0.6 Pa.s and final viscosities in the range of 0.1 Pa.s, alleviating the shear thickening limitation of these levodopa formulations.

Quality-by-design-based ultra high performance liquid chromatography related substances method development by establishing the proficient design space for sumatriptan and naproxen combination.

PubMed

Patel, Prinesh N; Karakam, Vijaya Saradhi; Samanthula, Gananadhamu; Ragampeta, Srinivas

2015-10-01

Quality-by-design-based methods hold greater level of confidence for variations and greater success in method transfer. A quality-by-design-based ultra high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous assay of sumatriptan and naproxen along with their related substances. The first screening was performed by fractional factorial design comprising 44 experiments for reversed-phase stationary phases, pH, and organic modifiers. The results of screening design experiments suggested phenyl hexyl column and acetonitrile were the best combination. The method was further optimized for flow rate, temperature, and gradient time by experimental design of 20 experiments and the knowledge space was generated for effect of variable on response (number of peaks ≥ 1.50 - resolution). Proficient design space was generated from knowledge space by applying Monte Carlo simulation to successfully integrate quantitative robustness metrics during optimization stage itself. The final method provided the robust performance which was verified and validated. Final conditions comprised Waters® Acquity phenyl hexyl column with gradient elution using ammonium acetate (pH 4.12, 0.02 M) buffer and acetonitrile at 0.355 mL/min flow rate and 30°C. The developed method separates all 13 analytes within a 15 min run time with fewer experiments compared to the traditional quality-by-testing approach. ©2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Erratum: Evidence That a Deep Meridional Flow Sets the Sunspot Cycle Period

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hathaway, David H.; Nandy, Dibyendu; Wilson, Robert M.; Reichmann, Edwin J.

2004-01-01

An error was made in entering the data. This changes the results concerning the length of the time lag between the variations in the meridional flow speed and those in the cycle amplitude. The final paragraph on page 667 should read: Finally, we study the relationship between the drift velocities and the amplitudes of the hemisphere/cycles. We compare the drift velocity at the maximum of the cycle to the amplitude of that cycle for that hemisphere. There is a positive (0.5) and significant (95%) correlation between the two. However, an even stronger relationship is found between the drift velocity and the amplitude of the N + 2 cycle. The correlation is stronger (0.7) and more significant (99%), as shown. This relationship is suggestive of a "memory" in the solar cycle, again a property of dynamo models that use meridional circulation. Indeed, the two-cycle lag is precisely the relationship found by Charbonneau & Dikpati. This behavior is, however, more difficult to interpret, and we elaborate on this in the next section. In either case, these correlations only explain part of the variance in cycle amplitude (25% for the current cycle and 50% for the N + 2 cycle). Obviously, other mechanisms, such as variations in the gradient in the rotation rate, also contribute to the cycle amplitude variations. Our investigation of possible connections between drift rates and the amplitudes of the N + 1 and N + 3 cycles gives no significant correlations at these alternative time lags.

Best Practices for Continuous Monitoring of Temperature and Flow in Wadeable Streams (Final Report)

EPA Science Inventory

This final report is a technical "best practices" document describing sensor deployment for and collection of continuous temperature and flow data at ungaged sites in wadeable streams. This document addresses questions related to equipment needs; configuration, placement, and ins...

Dialyzer clearances and mass transfer-area coefficients for small solutes at low dialysate flow rates.

PubMed

Leypoldt, John K; Kamerath, Craig D; Gilson, Janice F; Friederichs, Goetz

2006-01-01

New daily hemodialysis therapies operate at low dialysate flow rates to minimize dialysate volume requirements; however, the dependence of dialyzer clearances and mass transfer-area coefficients for small solutes on dialysate flow rate under these conditions have not been studied extensively. We evaluated in vitro dialyzer clearances for urea and creatinine at dialysate flow rates of 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 ml/min and ultrafiltration flow rates of 0, 1, and 2 l/h, using a dialyzer containing PUREMA membranes (NxStage Medical, Lawrence, MA). Clearances were measured directly across the dialyzer by perfusing bovine blood with added urea and creatinine single pass through the dialyzer at a nominal blood flow rate of 400 ml/min. Limited, additional studies were performed with the use of dialyzers containing PUREMA membranes at a blood flow rate of 200 ml/min and also with the use of other dialyzers containing polysulfone membranes (Optiflux 160NR, FMC-NA, Ogden, UT) and dialyzers containing Synphan membranes (NxStage Medical). For dialyzers containing PUREMA membranes, urea and creatinine clearances increased (p < 0.001) with increasing dialysate and ultrafiltration flow rates but were not different at blood flow rates of 200 and 400 ml/min. Dialysate saturation, defined as dialysate outlet concentration divided by blood water inlet concentration, for urea and creatinine was independent of blood and ultrafiltration flow rate but varied inversely (p < 0.001) with dialysate flow rate. Mass transfer-area coefficients for urea and creatinine were independent of blood and ultrafiltration flow rate but decreased (p < 0.001) with decreasing dialysate flow rate. Calculated mass transfer-area coefficients at low dialysate flow rates for all dialyzers tested were substantially lower than those reported by the manufacturers under conventional conditions. We conclude that dialyzers require specific characterization under relevant conditions if they are used in novel daily hemodialysis therapies at low dialysate flow rate.

Keck Geology Consortium Lava Project: Undergraduate Research Linking Natural and Experimental Basaltic Lava Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karson, J. A.; Hazlett, R. W.; Wysocki, R.; Bromfield, M. E.; Browne, N. C.; Davis, N. C.; Pelland, C. G.; Rowan, W. L.; Warner, K. A.

2014-12-01

Undergraduate students in the Keck Geology Consortium Lava Project participated in a month-long investigation of features of basaltic lava flows from two very different perspectives. The first half of the project focused on field relations in basaltic lava flows from the 1984 Krafla Fires eruption in northern Iceland. Students gained valuable experience in the collection of observations and samples in the field leading to hypotheses for the formation of selected features related to lava flow dynamics. Studies focused on a wide range of features including: morphology and heat loss in lava tubes (pyroducts), growth and collapse of lava ponds and overflow deposits, textural changes of lava falls (flow over steep steps), spaced spatter cones from flows over wet ground, and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility related to flow kinematics. In the second half of the program students designed, helped execute, documented, and analyzed features similar to those they studied in the field with large-scale (50-250 kg) basaltic lava flows created in the Syracuse University Lava Project (http://lavaproject.syr.edu). Data collected included video from multiple perspectives, infrared thermal (FLIR) images, still images, detailed measurements of flow dimensions and rates, and samples for textural and magnetic analyses. Experimental lava flow features provided critical tests of hypotheses generated in the field and a refined understanding of the behavior and final morphology of basaltic lava flows. The linked field and experimental studies formed the basis for year-long independent research projects under the supervision of their faculty mentors, leading to senior theses at the students' respective institutions.

Design of an FPGA-based electronic flow regulator (EFR) for spacecraft propulsion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikandan, J.; Jayaraman, M.; Jayachandran, M.

2011-02-01

This paper describes a scheme for electronically regulating the flow of propellant to the thruster from a high-pressure storage tank used in spacecraft application. Precise flow delivery of propellant to thrusters ensures propulsion system operation at best efficiency by maximizing the propellant and power utilization for the mission. The proposed field programmable gate array (FPGA) based electronic flow regulator (EFR) is used to ensure precise flow of propellant to the thrusters from a high-pressure storage tank used in spacecraft application. This paper presents hardware and software design of electronic flow regulator and implementation of the regulation logic onto an FPGA.Motivation for proposed FPGA-based electronic flow regulation is on the disadvantages of conventional approach of using analog circuits. Digital flow regulation overcomes the analog equivalent as digital circuits are highly flexible, are not much affected due to noise, accurate performance is repeatable, interface is easier to computers, storing facilities are possible and finally failure rate of digital circuits is less. FPGA has certain advantages over ASIC and microprocessor/micro-controller that motivated us to opt for FPGA-based electronic flow regulator. Also the control algorithm being software, it is well modifiable without changing the hardware. This scheme is simple enough to adopt for a wide range of applications, where the flow is to be regulated for efficient operation.The proposed scheme is based on a space-qualified re-configurable field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) and hybrid micro circuit (HMC). A graphical user interface (GUI) based application software is also developed for debugging, monitoring and controlling the electronic flow regulator from PC COM port.

Inspiratory flow rate, not type of incentive spirometry device, influences chest wall motion in healthy individuals.

PubMed

Chang, Angela T; Palmer, Kerry R; McNaught, Jessie; Thomas, Peter J

2010-08-01

This study investigated the effect of flow rates and spirometer type on chest wall motion in healthy individuals. Twenty-one healthy volunteers completed breathing trials to either two times tidal volume (2xV(T)) or inspiratory capacity (IC) at high, low, or natural flow rates, using a volume- or flow-oriented spirometer. The proportions of rib cage movement to tidal volume (%RC/V(T)), chest wall diameters, and perceived level of exertion (RPE) were compared. Low and natural flow rates resulted in significantly lower %RC/V(T) compared to high flow rate trials (p=0.001) at 2xV(T). Low flow trials also resulted in significantly less chest wall motion in the upper anteroposterior direction than high and natural flow rates (p<0.001). At IC, significantly greater movement occurred in the abdominal lateral direction during low flow compared to high and natural flow trials (both p<0.003). RPE was lower for the low flow trials compared to high flow trials at IC and 2xV(T) (p<0.01). In healthy individuals, inspiratory flow (not device type) during incentive spirometry determines the resultant breathing pattern. High flow rates result in greater chest wall motion than low flow rates.

Augmentative effect of pulsatility on the wall shear stress in tube flow.

PubMed

Nakata, M; Tatsumi, E; Tsukiya, T; Taenaka, Y; Nishimura, T; Nishinaka, T; Takano, H; Masuzawa, T; Ohba, K

1999-08-01

Wall shear stress (WSS) has been considered to play an important role in the physiological and metabolic functions of the vascular endothelial cells. We investigated the effects of the pulse rate and the maximum flow rate on the WSS to clarify the influence of pulsatility. Water was perfused in a 1/2 inch transparent straight cylinder with a nonpulsatile centrifugal pump and a pulsatile pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD). In nonpulsatile flow (NF), the flow rate was changed 1 to 6 L/min by 1 L/min increments to obtain standard values of WSS at each flow rate. In pulsatile flow (PF), the pulse rate was controlled at 40, 60, and 80 bpm, and the maximum flow rate was varied from 3.3 to 12.0 L/min while the mean flow rate was kept at 3 L/min. The WSS was estimated from the velocity profile at measuring points using the laser illuminated fluorescence method. In NF, the WSS was 12.0 dyne/cm2 at 3 L/min and 33.0 dyne/cm2 at 6 L/min. In PF, the pulse rate change with the same mean, and the maximum flow rate did not affect WSS. On the other hand, the increase in the maximum flow rate at the constant mean flow rate of 3 L/min augmented the mean WSS from 13.1 to 32.9 dyne/cm2. We concluded that the maximum flow rate exerted a substantial augmentative effect on WSS, and the maximum flow rate was a dominant factor of pulsatility in this effect.

Long-term follow-up after transvenous single coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs.

PubMed

Hildebrandt, N; Schneider, C; Schweigl, T; Schneider, M

2010-01-01

Long-term follow-up studies after interventional therapy of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs are rare. Transvenous PDA embolization with a single detachable coil is a highly effective method in patients with an angiographically determined PDA≤4.0 mm. Twenty-eight dogs with an angiographic PDA≤4.0 mm were included. Prospective follow-up study after PDA coil embolization. The median follow-up time was 792 days (range, 2-3, 248 days). The rate of complete closure demonstrated by Doppler color flow was 54% at day 3 after intervention and the final cumulative rate was 71%. The rate of complete closure was significantly different between small and moderately sized PDA over the study period (P<.0001) and finally was 100 and 50%, respectively. In 16 dogs with complete closure, no recanalization was found. Disappearance of the continuous heart murmur was found in 89% after 3 days, and this increased to a final cumulative rate of 96%. Indexed left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVDd-I) decreased significantly (P<.0001). In the group with moderately sized PDA, a significant difference (P=.0256) was seen in LVDd-I between patients with and without residual shunt after exclusion of patients with persistent severe mitral valve regurgitation. Long-term follow-up after single coil embolization showed complete closure in all small PDA but a residual shunt with mild hemodynamic consequences was present in half of the moderately sized PDA. Copyright © 2010 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Engineering nanoscale surface features to sustain microparticle rolling in flow.

PubMed

Kalasin, Surachate; Santore, Maria M

2015-05-26

Nanoscopic features of channel walls are often engineered to facilitate microfluidic transport, for instance when surface charge enables electro-osmosis or when grooves drive mixing. The dynamic or rolling adhesion of flowing microparticles on a channel wall holds potential to accomplish particle sorting or to selectively transfer reactive species or signals between the wall and flowing particles. Inspired by cell rolling under the direction of adhesion molecules called selectins, we present an engineered platform in which the rolling of flowing microparticles is sustained through the incorporation of entirely synthetic, discrete, nanoscale, attractive features into the nonadhesive (electrostatically repulsive) surface of a flow channel. Focusing on one example or type of nanoscale feature and probing the impact of broad systematic variations in surface feature loading and processing parameters, this study demonstrates how relatively flat, weakly adhesive nanoscale features, positioned with average spacings on the order of tens of nanometers, can produce sustained microparticle rolling. We further demonstrate how the rolling velocity and travel distance depend on flow and surface design. We identify classes of related surfaces that fail to support rolling and present a state space that identifies combinations of surface and processing variables corresponding to transitions between rolling, free particle motion, and arrest. Finally we identify combinations of parameters (surface length scales, particle size, flow rates) where particles can be manipulated with size-selectivity.

Verification assessment of piston boundary conditions for Lagrangian simulation of compressible flow similarity solutions

DOE PAGES

Ramsey, Scott D.; Ivancic, Philip R.; Lilieholm, Jennifer F.

2015-12-10

This work is concerned with the use of similarity solutions of the compressible flow equations as benchmarks or verification test problems for finite-volume compressible flow simulation software. In practice, this effort can be complicated by the infinite spatial/temporal extent of many candidate solutions or “test problems.” Methods can be devised with the intention of ameliorating this inconsistency with the finite nature of computational simulation; the exact strategy will depend on the code and problem archetypes under investigation. For example, self-similar shock wave propagation can be represented in Lagrangian compressible flow simulations as rigid boundary-driven flow, even if no such “piston”more » is present in the counterpart mathematical similarity solution. The purpose of this work is to investigate in detail the methodology of representing self-similar shock wave propagation as a piston-driven flow in the context of various test problems featuring simple closed-form solutions of infinite spatial/temporal extent. The closed-form solutions allow for the derivation of similarly closed-form piston boundary conditions (BCs) for use in Lagrangian compressible flow solvers. Finally, the consequences of utilizing these BCs (as opposed to directly initializing the self-similar solution in a computational spatial grid) are investigated in terms of common code verification analysis metrics (e.g., shock strength/position errors and global convergence rates).« less

FloWave.US: validated, open-source, and flexible software for ultrasound blood flow analysis.

PubMed

Coolbaugh, Crystal L; Bush, Emily C; Caskey, Charles F; Damon, Bruce M; Towse, Theodore F

2016-10-01

Automated software improves the accuracy and reliability of blood velocity, vessel diameter, blood flow, and shear rate ultrasound measurements, but existing software offers limited flexibility to customize and validate analyses. We developed FloWave.US-open-source software to automate ultrasound blood flow analysis-and demonstrated the validity of its blood velocity (aggregate relative error, 4.32%) and vessel diameter (0.31%) measures with a skeletal muscle ultrasound flow phantom. Compared with a commercial, manual analysis software program, FloWave.US produced equivalent in vivo cardiac cycle time-averaged mean (TAMean) velocities at rest and following a 10-s muscle contraction (mean bias <1 pixel for both conditions). Automated analysis of ultrasound blood flow data was 9.8 times faster than the manual method. Finally, a case study of a lower extremity muscle contraction experiment highlighted the ability of FloWave.US to measure small fluctuations in TAMean velocity, vessel diameter, and mean blood flow at specific time points in the cardiac cycle. In summary, the collective features of our newly designed software-accuracy, reliability, reduced processing time, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility-offer advantages over existing proprietary options. Further, public distribution of FloWave.US allows researchers to easily access and customize code to adapt ultrasound blood flow analysis to a variety of vascular physiology applications. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Verification assessment of piston boundary conditions for Lagrangian simulation of compressible flow similarity solutions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramsey, Scott D.; Ivancic, Philip R.; Lilieholm, Jennifer F.

This work is concerned with the use of similarity solutions of the compressible flow equations as benchmarks or verification test problems for finite-volume compressible flow simulation software. In practice, this effort can be complicated by the infinite spatial/temporal extent of many candidate solutions or “test problems.” Methods can be devised with the intention of ameliorating this inconsistency with the finite nature of computational simulation; the exact strategy will depend on the code and problem archetypes under investigation. For example, self-similar shock wave propagation can be represented in Lagrangian compressible flow simulations as rigid boundary-driven flow, even if no such “piston”more » is present in the counterpart mathematical similarity solution. The purpose of this work is to investigate in detail the methodology of representing self-similar shock wave propagation as a piston-driven flow in the context of various test problems featuring simple closed-form solutions of infinite spatial/temporal extent. The closed-form solutions allow for the derivation of similarly closed-form piston boundary conditions (BCs) for use in Lagrangian compressible flow solvers. Finally, the consequences of utilizing these BCs (as opposed to directly initializing the self-similar solution in a computational spatial grid) are investigated in terms of common code verification analysis metrics (e.g., shock strength/position errors and global convergence rates).« less

Shifts in the suitable habitat available for brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) under short-term climate change scenarios.

PubMed

Muñoz-Mas, R; Lopez-Nicolas, A; Martínez-Capel, F; Pulido-Velazquez, M

2016-02-15

The impact of climate change on the habitat suitability for large brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) was studied in a segment of the Cabriel River (Iberian Peninsula). The future flow and water temperature patterns were simulated at a daily time step with M5 models' trees (NSE of 0.78 and 0.97 respectively) for two short-term scenarios (2011-2040) under the representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5). An ensemble of five strongly regularized machine learning techniques (generalized additive models, multilayer perceptron ensembles, random forests, support vector machines and fuzzy rule base systems) was used to model the microhabitat suitability (depth, velocity and substrate) during summertime and to evaluate several flows simulated with River2D©. The simulated flow rate and water temperature were combined with the microhabitat assessment to infer bivariate habitat duration curves (BHDCs) under historical conditions and climate change scenarios using either the weighted usable area (WUA) or the Boolean-based suitable area (SA). The forecasts for both scenarios jointly predicted a significant reduction in the flow rate and an increase in water temperature (mean rate of change of ca. -25% and +4% respectively). The five techniques converged on the modelled suitability and habitat preferences; large brown trout selected relatively high flow velocity, large depth and coarse substrate. However, the model developed with support vector machines presented a significantly trimmed output range (max.: 0.38), and thus its predictions were banned from the WUA-based analyses. The BHDCs based on the WUA and the SA broadly matched, indicating an increase in the number of days with less suitable habitat available (WUA and SA) and/or with higher water temperature (trout will endure impoverished environmental conditions ca. 82% of the days). Finally, our results suggested the potential extirpation of the species from the study site during short time spans. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Advancements in Afterbody Radiative Heating Simulations for Earth Entry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Christopher O.; Panesi, Marco; Brandis, Aaron M.

2016-01-01

Four advancements to the simulation of backshell radiative heating for Earth entry are presented. The first of these is the development of a flow field model that treats electronic levels of the dominant backshell radiator, N, as individual species. This is shown to allow improvements in the modeling of electron-ion recombination and two-temperature modeling, which are shown to increase backshell radiative heating by 10 to 40%. By computing the electronic state populations of N within the flow field solver, instead of through the quasi-steady state approximation in the radiation code, the coupling of radiative transition rates to the species continuity equations for the levels of N, including the impact of non-local absorption, becomes feasible. Implementation of this additional level of coupling between the flow field and radiation codes represents the second advancement presented in this work, which is shown to increase the backshell radiation by another 10 to 50%. The impact of radiative transition rates due to non-local absorption indicates the importance of accurate radiation transport in the relatively complex flow geometry of the backshell. This motivates the third advancement, which is the development of a ray-tracing radiation transport approach to compute the radiative transition rates and divergence of the radiative flux at every point for coupling to the flow field, therefore allowing the accuracy of the commonly applied tangent-slab approximation to be assessed for radiative source terms. For the sphere considered at lunar-return conditions, the tangent-slab approximation is shown to provide a sufficient level of accuracy for the radiative source terms, even for backshell cases. This is in contrast to the agreement between the two approaches for computing the radiative flux to the surface, which differ by up to 40%. The final advancement presented is the development of a nonequilibrium model for NO radiation, which provides significant backshell radiation at velocities below 10 km/s. The developed model reduces the nonequilibrium NO radiation by 50% relative to the previous model.

Using InSAR for Characterizing Pyroclastic Flow Deposits at Augustine Volcano Across Two Eruptive Cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlpin, D. B.; Meyer, F. J.; Lu, Z.; Beget, J. E.

2014-12-01

Augustine Island is a small, 8x11 km island in South Central Alaska's lower Cook Inlet. It is approximately 280 km southwest of Anchorage, and occupied entirely by its namesake Augustine Volcano. At Augustine Volcano, SAR data suitable for interferometry is available from 1992 to 2005, from March 2006 to April 2007, and from July 2007 to October 2010. Its last two eruptive episodes, in 1986 and 2006, resulted in substantial pyroclastic flow deposits (PFDs) on the Volcano's north flank. Earlier InSAR analyses of the area, from 1992-1999, identified local subsidence, but no volcano-wide deformation indicative of magma-chamber evacuation. In contrast to previous studies, we use InSAR data to determine a range of geophysical parameters for PFDs emplaced during the Augustine's two most recent eruption cycles. Based on InSAR measurements between 1992 and 2010, we reconstruct the deformation behavior of PFDs emplaced during Augustine's last two eruption cycles. Using a combination of InSAR measurements and modeling, we determine the thickness and long-term deformation of overlaying pyroclastic flow deposits emplaced in 1986 and 2006. Consistent with previous observations of pyroclastic flows, we found that the PFDs on Augustine Island rapidly subsided after emplacement due to an initial compaction of the material. We determined the length of this initial settling period and measured the compaction rate. Subsequent to this initial rapid subsidence, we found that PFD deformation slowed to a more persistent, linear, long-term rate, related to cooling of the deposits. We established that the deposits' contraction rate is linearly related to their thickness and measured the contraction rate. Finally, a study of long term coherence properties of the Augustine PFDs showed remarkable stability of the surface over long time periods. This information provides clues on the structural properties and composition of the emplaced material.

Role of Turbulent Prandtl Number on Heat Flux at Hypersonic Mach Number

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xiao, X.; Edwards, J. R.; Hassan, H. A.

2004-01-01

Present simulation of turbulent flows involving shock wave/boundary layer interaction invariably overestimates heat flux by almost a factor of two. One possible reason for such a performance is a result of the fact that the turbulence models employed make use of Morkovin's hypothesis. This hypothesis is valid for non-hypersonic Mach numbers and moderate rates of heat transfer. At hypersonic Mach numbers, high rates of heat transfer exist in regions where shock wave/boundary layer interactions are important. As a result, one should not expect traditional turbulence models to yield accurate results. The goal of this investigation is to explore the role of a variable Prandtl number formulation in predicting heat flux in flows dominated by strong shock wave/boundary layer interactions. The intended applications involve external flows in the absence of combustion such as those encountered in supersonic inlets. This can be achieved by adding equations for the temperature variance and its dissipation rate. Such equations can be derived from the exact Navier-Stokes equations. Traditionally, modeled equations are based on the low speed energy equation where the pressure gradient term and the term responsible for energy dissipation are ignored. It is clear that such assumptions are not valid for hypersonic flows. The approach used here is based on the procedure used in deriving the k-zeta model, in which the exact equations that governed k, the variance of velocity, and zeta, the variance of vorticity, were derived and modeled. For the variable turbulent Prandtl number, the exact equations that govern the temperature variance and its dissipation rate are derived and modeled term by term. The resulting set of equations are free of damping and wall functions and are coordinate-system independent. Moreover, modeled correlations are tensorially consistent and invariant under Galilean transformation. The final set of equations will be given in the paper.

Evaluation of exhaled nitric oxide in schoolchildren at different exhalation flow rates.

PubMed

Pedroletti, Christophe; Zetterquist, Wilhelm; Nordvall, Lennart; Alving, Kjell

2002-09-01

Nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air is believed to reflect allergic inflammation in the airways. Measured levels of exhaled NO vary with the exhaled flow rate, which therefore must be standardized. The aim of this study was to estimate the optimal exhalation flow rate when measuring NO in exhaled air. We studied 15 asthmatic children (8-18 y) with elevated NO levels and 15 age-matched controls and focused on how the quality of the NO curve profile, the discriminatory power, and the reproducibility were influenced by the exhalation flow rate. We used an on-line system for NO measurements at six different exhalation flow rates in the interval of 11-382 mL/s. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was highly flow-dependent as was expected. Intermediate flow rates yielded a flat and stable NO plateau and were considerably easier to interpret than those obtained at the highest and lowest flow rates. The ratio of FENO between asthmatics and controls was lower at higher flow rates and a considerable overlap in NO values was demonstrated at all flow rates except 50 mL/s. The reproducibility was much lower at more extreme flow rates and was best at 50 mL/s. We conclude that a target exhalation flow rate of approximately 50 mL/s is to be preferred using the single-breath method for on-line NO measurements in schoolchildren.

Investigation of powder injection moulded oblique fin heat sinks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai, Vadri Siva

The present work attempts to study the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of PIM oblique finned microchannel heat sink both numerically and experimentally. Experimental results such as thermal resistance and pressure drop have been well validated with ANSYS FLUENT simulations. Hot spots are observed at the most downstream location of the channel is due to the effect of flow migration. Finally, a novel technique has been proposed to reduce the pressure drop on creating additional channels by removing some material at the middle portion of oblique fins. It is found that the creation of oblique cuts incurred a reduction in both pressure drop and Nuavg up to 31.36 % and 16.66 % respectively at a flow rate of 500 ml/min. Nevertheless, for all the flowrates considered in this analysis. % reduction in pressure drop is almost double as compared with % reduction in Nuavg. Therefore, this analysis is beneflcial in reducing the additional cost incurs due to pressure drop penalty.

Validation of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Code for Supersonic Axisymmetric Base Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tucker, P. Kevin

1993-01-01

The ability to accurately and efficiently calculate the flow structure in the base region of bodies of revolution in supersonic flight is a significant step in CFD code validation for applications ranging from base heating for rockets to drag for protectives. The FDNS code is used to compute such a flow and the results are compared to benchmark quality experimental data. Flowfield calculations are presented for a cylindrical afterbody at M = 2.46 and angle of attack a = O. Grid independent solutions are compared to mean velocity profiles in the separated wake area and downstream of the reattachment point. Additionally, quantities such as turbulent kinetic energy and shear layer growth rates are compared to the data. Finally, the computed base pressures are compared to the measured values. An effort is made to elucidate the role of turbulence models in the flowfield predictions. The level of turbulent eddy viscosity, and its origin, are used to contrast the various turbulence models and compare the results to the experimental data.

Large Eddy Simulations of Electromagnetic Braking Effects on Argon Bubble Transport and Capture in a Steel Continuous Casting Mold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Kai; Vanka, Surya P.; Thomas, Brian G.

2018-02-01

In continuous casting of steel, argon gas is often injected to prevent clogging of the nozzle, but the bubbles affect the flow pattern, and may become entrapped to form defects in the final product. Further, an electromagnetic field is frequently applied to induce a braking effect on the flow field and modify the inclusion transport. In this study, a previously validated GPU-based in-house code CUFLOW is used to investigate the effect of electromagnetic braking on turbulent flow, bubble transport, and capture. Well-resolved large eddy simulations are combined with two-way coupled Lagrangian computations of the bubbles. The drag coefficient on the bubbles is modified to account for the effects of the magnetic field. The distribution of the argon bubbles, capture, and escape rates, are presented and compared with and without the magnetic field. The bubble capture patterns are also compared with results of a previous RANS model as well as with plant measurements.

Large Eddy Simulations of Electromagnetic Braking Effects on Argon Bubble Transport and Capture in a Steel Continuous Casting Mold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Kai; Vanka, Surya P.; Thomas, Brian G.

2018-06-01

In continuous casting of steel, argon gas is often injected to prevent clogging of the nozzle, but the bubbles affect the flow pattern, and may become entrapped to form defects in the final product. Further, an electromagnetic field is frequently applied to induce a braking effect on the flow field and modify the inclusion transport. In this study, a previously validated GPU-based in-house code CUFLOW is used to investigate the effect of electromagnetic braking on turbulent flow, bubble transport, and capture. Well-resolved large eddy simulations are combined with two-way coupled Lagrangian computations of the bubbles. The drag coefficient on the bubbles is modified to account for the effects of the magnetic field. The distribution of the argon bubbles, capture, and escape rates, are presented and compared with and without the magnetic field. The bubble capture patterns are also compared with results of a previous RANS model as well as with plant measurements.

Vortex generation and mixing in three-dimensional supersonic combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggins, D. W.; Vitt, P. H.

1993-01-01

The generation and evolution of the flow vorticity established by instream injector ramps in a high Mach number/high enthalpy scramjet combustor flow-field are described in detail for a number of computational cases. Classical fluid dynamic circulation is presented for these cases in order to clarify the spatial distribution and convection of the vorticity. The ability of the simulations to accurately represent Stokes Law of circulation is discussed and shown. In addition, the conservation of swirl (effectively the moment-of-momentum theorem) is presented for these flows. The impact of both turbulent diffusion and the vortex/ramp non-uniformity on the downstream mixing rate is clearly illustrated. A correlation over the length of the combustor between fuel-air mixing and a parameter called the vortex stirring length is demonstrated. Finally, computational results for a representative ramp injector are compared with experimental data. Influence of the stream vorticity on the effective turbulent Prandtl number used in the simulation is discussed.

Milk Flow Rates from bottle nipples used after hospital discharge.

PubMed

Pados, Britt Frisk; Park, Jinhee; Thoyre, Suzanne M; Estrem, Hayley; Nix, W Brant

To test the milk flow rates and variability in flow rates of bottle nipples used after hospital discharge. Twenty-six nipple types that represented 15 common brands as well as variety in price per nipple and store location sold (e.g., Babies R' Us, Walmart, Dollar Store) were chosen for testing. Ten of each nipple type (n = 260 total) were tested by measuring the amount of infant formula expressed in 1 minute using a breast pump. Mean milk flow rate (mL/min) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. Flow rates of nipples within brand were compared statistically. Milk flow rates varied from 1.68 mL/min for the Avent Natural Newborn Flow to 85.34 mL/min for the Dr. Brown's Standard Y-cut. Variability between nipple types also varied widely, from .03 for the Dr. Brown's Standard Level 3 to .37 for MAM Nipple 1 Slow Flow. The extreme range of milk flow rates found may be significant for medically fragile infants being discharged home who are continuing to develop oral feeding skills. The name of the nipple does not provide clear information about the flow rate to guide parents in decision making. Variability in flow rates within nipples of the same type may complicate oral feeding for the medically fragile infant who may not be able to adapt easily to change in flow rates. Both flow rate and variability should be considered when guiding parents to a nipple choice.

Effect of cholesterol and triglycerides levels on the rheological behavior of human blood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno, Leonardo; Calderas, Fausto; Sanchez-Olivares, Guadalupe; Medina-Torres, Luis; Sanchez-Solis, Antonio; Manero, Octavio

2015-02-01

Important public health problems worldwide such as obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and coronary diseases are quite common. These problems arise from numerous factors, such as hyper-caloric diets, sedentary habits and other epigenetic factors. With respect to Mexico, the population reference values of total cholesterol in plasma are around 200 mg/dL. However, a large proportion has higher levels than this reference value. In this work, we analyze the rheological properties of human blood obtained from 20 donors, as a function of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, upon a protocol previously approved by the health authorities. Samples with high and low cholesterol and triglyceride levels were selected and analyzed by simple-continuous and linear-oscillatory shear flow. Rheometric properties were measured and related to the structure and composition of human blood. In addition, rheometric data were modeled by using several constitutive equations: Bautista-Manero-Puig (BMP) and the multimodal Maxwell equations to predict the flow behavior of human blood. Finally, a comparison was made among various models, namely, the BMP, Carreau and Quemada equations for simple shear rate flow. An important relationship was found between cholesterol, triglycerides and the structure of human blood. Results show that blood with high cholesterol levels (400 mg/dL) has flow properties fully different (higher viscosity and a more pseudo-plastic behavior) than blood with lower levels of cholesterol (tendency to Newtonian behavior or viscosity plateau at low shear rates).

Bubble formation dynamics in a planar co-flow configuration: Influence of geometric and operating characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutiérrez-Montes, Cándido; Bolaños-Jiménez, Rocío; Martínez-Bazán, Carlos; Sevilla, Alejandro

2014-11-01

An experimental and numerical study has been performed to explore the influence of different geometric features and operating conditions on the dynamics of a water-air-water planar co-flow. Specifically, regarding the nozzle used, the inner-to-outer thickness ratio of the air injector, β = Hi/Ho, the water-to-air thickness ratio, h = Hw/Ho, and the shape of the injector tip, have been described. As for the operating conditions, the water exit velocity profile under constant flow rate and constant air feeding pressure has been assessed. The results show that the jetting-bubbling transition is promoted for increasing values of β, decreasing values of h, rounded injector tip, and for uniform water exit velocity profiles. As for the bubble formation frequency, it increases with increasing values of β, decreasing values of h, rounded injector and parabolic-shaped water exit profiles. Furthermore, the bubble formation frequency has been shown to be lower under constant air feeding pressure conditions than at constant gas flow rate conditions. Finally, the effectiveness of a time-variable air feeding stream has been numerically studied, determining the forcing receptivity space in the amplitude-frequency plane. Experimental results corroborate the effectiveness of this control technique. Work supported by Spanish MINECO, Junta de Andalucía, European Funds and UJA under Projects DPI2011-28356-C03-02, DPI2011-28356-C03-03, P11-TEP7495 and UJA2013/08/05.

Computer simulation of reservoir depletion and oil flow from the Macondo well following the Deepwater Horizon blowout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsieh, Paul

2010-01-01

This report describes the application of a computer model to simulate reservoir depletion and oil flow from the Macondo well following the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Reservoir and fluid data used for model development are based on (1) information released in BP's investigation report of the incident, (2) information provided by BP personnel during meetings in Houston, Texas, and (3) calibration by history matching to shut-in pressures measured in the capping stack during the Well Integrity Test. The model is able to closely match the measured shut-in pressures. In the simulation of the 86-day period from the blowout to shut in, the simulated reservoir pressure at the well face declines from the initial reservoir pressure of 11,850 pounds per square inch (psi) to 9,400 psi. After shut in, the simulated reservoir pressure recovers to a final value of 10,300 psi. The pressure does not recover back to the initial pressure owing to reservoir depletion caused by 86 days of oil discharge. The simulated oil flow rate declines from 63,600 stock tank barrels per day just after the Deepwater Horizon blowout to 52,600 stock tank barrels per day just prior to shut in. The simulated total volume of oil discharged is 4.92 million stock tank barrels. The overall uncertainty in the simulated flow rates and total volume of oil discharged is estimated to be + or - 10 percent.

An investigation of deformation and fluid flow at subduction zones using newly developed instrumentation and finite element modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labonte, Alison Louise

Detecting seafloor deformation events in the offshore convergent margin environment is of particular importance considering the significant seismic hazard at subduction zones. Efforts to gain insight into the earthquake cycle have been made at the Cascadia and Costa Rica subduction margins through recent expansions of onshore GPS and seismic networks. While these studies have given scientists the ability to quantify and locate slip events in the seismogenic zone, there is little technology available for adequately measuring offshore aseismic slip. This dissertation introduces an improved flow meter for detecting seismic and aseismic deformation in submarine environments. The value of such hydrologic measurements for quantifying the geodetics at offshore margins is verified through a finite element modeling (FEM) study in which the character of deformation in the shallow subduction zone is determined from previously recorded hydrologic events at the Costa Rica Pacific margin. Accurately sensing aseismic events is one key to determining the stress state in subduction zones as these slow-slip events act to load or unload the seismogenic zone during the interseismic period. One method for detecting seismic and aseismic strain events is to monitor the hydrogeologic response to strain events using fluid flow meters. Previous instrumentation, the Chemical Aqueous Transport (CAT) meter which measures flow rates through the sediment-water interface, can detect transient events at very low flowrates, down to 0.0001 m/yr. The CAT meter performs well in low flow rate environments and can capture gradual changes in flow rate, as might be expected during ultra slow slip events. However, it cannot accurately quantify high flow rates through fractures and conduits, nor does it have the temporal resolution and accuracy required for detecting transient flow events associated with rapid deformation. The Optical Tracer Injection System (OTIS) developed for this purpose is an electronic flow meter that can measure flow rates of 0.1 to >500 m/yr at a temporal resolution of 30 minutes to 0.5 minutes, respectively. Test deployments of the OTIS at cold seeps in the transpressional Monterey Bay demonstrated the OTIS functionality over this range of flow environments. Although no deformation events were detected during these test deployments, the OTIS's temporally accurate measurements at the vigorously flowing Monterey Bay cold seep rendered valuable insight into the plumbing of the seep system. In addition to the capability to detect transient flow events, a primary functional requirement of the OTIS was the ability to communicate and transfer data for long-term real-time monitoring deployments. Real-time data transfer from the OTIS to the desktop was successful during a test deployment of the Nootka Observatory, an acoustically-linked moored-buoy system. A small array of CAT meters was also deployed at the Nootka transform-Cascadia subduction zone triple junction. Four anomalous flow rate events were observed across all four meters during the yearlong deployment. Although the records have low temporal accuracy, a preliminary explanation for the regional changes in flow rate is made through comparison between flow rate records and seismic records. The flow events are thought to be a result of a tectonic deformation event, possibly with an aseismic component. Further constraints are not feasible given the unknown structure of faulting near the triple junction. In a final proof of concept study, I find that use these hydrologic instruments, which capture unique aseismic flow rate patterns, is a valuable method for extracting information about deformation events on the decollement in the offshore subduction zone margin. Transient flow events observed in the frontal prism during a 1999--2000 deployment of CAT meters on the Costa Rica Pacific margin suggest episodic slow-slip deformation events may be occurring in the shallow subduction zone. The FEM study to infer the character of the hypothetical deformation event driving flow transients verify that indeed, a shallow slow-slip event can reproduce the unique flow rate patterns observed. Along (trench) strike variability in the rupture initiation location, and bidirectional propagation, is one way to explain the opposite sign of flow rate transients observed at different along-strike distances. The larger question stimulated by this dissertation project, is: What are the controls on fault mechanics in offshore subduction zone environments? It appears the shallow subduction zone plate interface doesn't behave solely in response to frictional properties of the sediment lining the decollement. Shallow episodic slip at the Costa Rica Pacific margin and further north off Nicaragua, where a slow earthquake broke through the shallow 'stable-sliding' zone and resulted in a tsunami, are potentially conceived through the normally faulted incoming basement topography. Scientists should seek to map out the controls of faulting mechanics, whatever they may be, at all temporal and spatial scales in order to understand these dynamic subduction zone systems. The quest to understanding these controls, in part, requires the characterization of aseismic and seismic strain occurring over time and space. The techniques presented in this dissertation advance scientists' capability for quantifying such strains. With the new instrumentation presented here, long-term real-time observatory networks on the seafloor, and modeling for characterization of deformation events, the pieces of the subduction zone earthquake cycle puzzle may start to come together.

Investigation of Sustained Detonation Devices: the Pulse Detonation Engine-Crossover System and the Rotating Detonation Engine System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driscoll, Robert B.

An experimental study is conducted on a Pulse Detonation Engine-Crossover System to investigate the feasibility of repeated, shock-initiated combustion and characterize the initiation performance. A PDE-crossover system can decrease deflagration-to-detonation transition length while employing a single spark source to initiate a multi-PDE system. Visualization of a transferred shock wave propagating through a clear channel reveals a complex shock train behind the leading shock. Shock wave Mach number and decay rate remains constant for varying crossover tube geometries and operational frequencies. A temperature gradient forms within the crossover tube due to forward flow of high temperature ionized gas into the crossover tube from the driver PDE and backward flow of ionized gas into the crossover tube from the driven PDE, which can cause intermittent auto-ignition of the driver PDE. Initiation performance in the driven PDE is strongly dependent on initial driven PDE skin temperature in the shock wave reflection region. An array of detonation tubes connected with crossover tubes is developed using optimized parameters and successful operation utilizing shock-initiated combustion through shock wave reflection is achieved and sustained. Finally, an air-breathing, PDE-Crossover System is developed to characterize the feasibility of shock-initiated combustion within an air-breathing pulse detonation engine. The initiation effectiveness of shock-initiated combustion is compared to spark discharge and detonation injection through a pre-detonator. In all cases, shock-initiated combustion produces improved initiation performance over spark discharge and comparable detonation transition run-up lengths relative to pre-detonator initiation. A computational study characterizes the mixing processes and injection flow field within a rotating detonation engine. Injection parameters including reactant flow rate, reactant injection area, placement of the fuel injection, and fuel injection distribution are varied to assess the impact on mixing. Decreasing reactant injection areas improves fuel penetration into the cross-flowing air stream, enhances turbulent diffusion of the fuel within the annulus, and increases local equivalence ratio and fluid mixedness. Staggering fuel injection holes produces a decrease in mixing when compared to collinear fuel injection. Finally, emulating nozzle integration by increasing annulus back-pressure increases local equivalence ratio in the injection region due to increased convection residence time.

Pulse infusion thrombolysis (PIT) for large intracoronary thrombus: preventive effect against the 'no flow' phenomenon in revascularization therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Saito, T; Hokimoto, S; Ishibashi, F; Noda, K; Oshima, S

2001-02-01

Because large thrombus is a limitation for revascularization in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the present study evaluated the effectiveness of pulse infusion thrombolysis (PIT) in patients with an AMI with a large (>15 mm) coronary thrombus, focusing on the occurrence of the 'no flow' phenomenon. The retrospective study compared patients treated before (1988-95; Group A, n=74) and after (1996-99; Group B, n=40) the use of PIT, using the following parameters: lesion success (<50% stenosis during 30-min observation), procedural success (lesion success plus TIMI grade 3 flow), procedural no flow (TIMI grade 0 flow during the procedure with 'back and forth movement' of contrast dye after lesion success), persistent no flow (consistent no flow without any flow improvement at the final visualization despite intensive treatment), reocclusion rate and in-hospital death. Group B was significantly better than Group A in procedural success (90% vs 66%; p=0.005), procedural 'no flow' (51% vs 15%; p<0.001), and persistent 'no flow' (34% vs 10%; p<0.05). Subgroup comparison was performed among the following groups: Direct-BA group (n=44): treated with mechanical angioplasty alone; ICT-BA group (n=40): treated with prior intracoronary thrombolysis and angioplasty; and PIT-BA group (n=30): treated with PIT and angioplasty. There were no differences in thrombus length and lesion success among these 3 groups. Procedural success was best achieved in PIT-BA: 97% vs 52% for Direct-BA (p=0.003) and 68% for ICT-BA (p=0.009). Procedural 'no flow' was least in PIT-BA: 50% vs 3.3% for Direct-BA (p=0.003) and 25% vs 3.3% for ICT-BA (p=0.042). Persistent 'no flow' was less frequent in PIT-BA than Direct-BA: 32% vs 3.3% (p=0.009). However, the difference between ICT-BA and Direct-BA was insignificant: 13% vs 3.3% (p=0.53). There were no differences in reocclusion rate and in-hospital death among the 3 subgroups. And there were no differences between Direct-BA and ICT-BA in any parameters. PIT was effective in preventing 'no flow' in the mechanical revasculalization for AMI especially those cases with a large thrombus.

Flame dynamics in a micro-channeled combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Taaha; Markides, Christos N.; Balachandran, Ramanarayanan

2015-01-01

The increasing use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) has generated a significant interest in combustion-based power generation technologies, as a replacement of traditional electrochemical batteries which are plagued by low energy densities, short operational lives and low power-to-size and power-to-weight ratios. Moreover, the versatility of integrated combustion-based systems provides added scope for combined heat and power generation. This paper describes a study into the dynamics of premixed flames in a micro-channeled combustor. The details of the design and the geometry of the combustor are presented in the work by Kariuki and Balachandran [1]. This work showed that there were different modes of operation (periodic, a-periodic and stable), and that in the periodic mode the flame accelerated towards the injection manifold after entering the channels. The current study investigates these flames further. We will show that the flame enters the channel and propagates towards the injection manifold as a planar flame for a short distance, after which the flame shape and propagation is found to be chaotic in the middle section of the channel. Finally, the flame quenches when it reaches the injector slots. The glow plug position in the exhaust side ignites another flame, and the process repeats. It is found that an increase in air flow rate results in a considerable increase in the length (and associated time) over which the planar flame travels once it has entered a micro-channel, and a significant decrease in the time between its conversion into a chaotic flame and its extinction. It is well known from the literature that inside small channels the flame propagation is strongly influenced by the flow conditions and thermal management. An increase of the combustor block temperature at high flow rates has little effect on the flame lengths and times, whereas at low flow rates the time over which the planar flame front can be observed decreases and the time of existence of the chaotic flame increases. The frequency of re-ignition of successive flames decreases at higher flow rates and increases at higher temperatures. The data and results from this study will not only help the development of new micro-power generation devices, but they will also serve as a validation case for combustion models capable of predicting flame behavior in the presence of strong thermal and flow boundary layers, a situation common to many industrial applications.

Unstimulated salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity of saliva in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Fenoll-Palomares, C; Muñoz Montagud, J V; Sanchiz, V; Herreros, B; Hernández, V; Mínguez, M; Benages, A

2004-11-01

To assess the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity of healthy volunteers, and their relationships with age, gender, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and to establish the lower-end value of normal salivary flow (oligosialia). A prospective study was conducted in 159 healthy volunteers (age > 18 years, absence of medical conditions that could decrease salivary flow). Unstimulated whole saliva was collected during ten minutes, and salivary flow rate (ml/min), pH, and bicarbonate concentration (mmol/l) were measured using a Radiometer ABL 520. The 5 percentile of salivary flow rate and bicarbonate concentration was considered the lower limit of normality. Median salivary flow rate was 0.48 ml/min (range: 0.1-2 ml/min). Age younger than 44 years was associated with higher flow rates (OR 2.10). Compared with women, men presented a higher flow rate (OR 3.19) and buffer capacity (OR 2.81). Bicarbonate concentration correlated with salivary flow rate. The lower-end values of normal flow rate and bicarbonate concentration were 0.15 ml/min and 1.800 mmol/l, respectively. The presence of obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption did not influence salivary parameters. In healthy volunteers, salivary flow rate depends on age and gender, and correlates with buffer capacity. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol use do not influence salivary secretion.

Semiempirical method of determining flow coefficients for pitot rake mass flow rate measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trefny, C. J.

1985-01-01

Flow coefficients applicable to area-weighted pitot rake mass flow rate measurements are presented for fully developed, turbulent flow in an annulus. A turbulent velocity profile is generated semiempirically for a given annulus hub-to-tip radius ratio and integrated numerically to determine the ideal mass flow rate. The calculated velocities at each probe location are then summed, and the flow rate as indicated by the rake is obtained. The flow coefficient to be used with the particular rake geometry is subsequently obtained by dividing the ideal flow rate by the rake-indicated flow rate. Flow coefficients ranged from 0.903 for one probe placed at a radius dividing two equal areas to 0.984 for a 10-probe area-weighted rake. Flow coefficients were not a strong function of annulus hub-to-tip radius ratio for rakes with three or more probes. The semiempirical method used to generate the turbulent velocity profiles is described in detail.

Development of digital flow control system for multi-channel variable-rate sprayers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Precision modulation of nozzle flow rates is a critical step for variable-rate spray applications in orchards and ornamental nurseries. An automatic flow rate control system activated with microprocessors and pulse width modulation (PWM) controlled solenoid valves was developed to control flow rates...

Flow analysis of metals in a municipal solid waste management system.

PubMed

Jung, C H; Matsuto, T; Tanaka, N

2006-01-01

This study aimed to identify the metal flow in a municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. Outputs of a resource recovery facility, refuse derived fuel (RDF) production facility, carbonization facility, plastics liquefaction facility, composting facility, and bio-gasification facility were analyzed for metal content and leaching concentration. In terms of metal content, bulky and incombustible waste had the highest values. Char from a carbonization facility, which treats household waste, had a higher metal content than MSW incinerator bottom ash. A leaching test revealed that Cd and Pb in char and Pb in RDF production residue exceeded the Japanese regulatory criteria for landfilling, so special attention should be paid to final disposal of these substances. By multiplying metal content and the generation rate of outputs, the metal content of input waste to each facility was estimated. For most metals except Cr, the total contribution ratio of paper/textile/plastics, bulky waste, and incombustible waste was over 80%. Approximately 30% of Cr originated from plastic packaging. Finally, several MSW management scenarios showed that most metals are transferred to landfills and the leaching potential of metals to the environment is quite small.

Flow analysis of metals in a municipal solid waste management system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jung, C.H.; Matsuto, T.; Tanaka, N.

2006-07-01

This study aimed to identify the metal flow in a municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. Outputs of a resource recovery facility, refuse derived fuel (RDF) production facility, carbonization facility, plastics liquefaction facility, composting facility, and bio-gasification facility were analyzed for metal content and leaching concentration. In terms of metal content, bulky and incombustible waste had the highest values. Char from a carbonization facility, which treats household waste, had a higher metal content than MSW incinerator bottom ash. A leaching test revealed that Cd and Pb in char and Pb in RDF production residue exceeded the Japanese regulatory criteria formore » landfilling, so special attention should be paid to final disposal of these substances. By multiplying metal content and the generation rate of outputs, the metal content of input waste to each facility was estimated. For most metals except Cr, the total contribution ratio of paper/textile/plastics, bulky waste, and incombustible waste was over 80%. Approximately 30% of Cr originated from plastic packaging. Finally, several MSW management scenarios showed that most metals are transferred to landfills and the leaching potential of metals to the environment is quite small.« less

Flow and fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 at different tensile strain rates and triaxialities

PubMed Central

Chen, Xuanzhen; Peng, Shan; Yao, Song; Chen, Chao; Xu, Ping

2017-01-01

This study aims to investigate the flow and fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 (AA6082-T6) at different strain rates and triaxialities. Two groups of Charpy impact tests were carried out to further investigate its dynamic impact fracture property. A series of tensile tests and numerical simulations based on finite element analysis (FEA) were performed. Experimental data on smooth specimens under various strain rates ranging from 0.0001~3400 s-1 shows that AA6082-T6 is rather insensitive to strain rates in general. However, clear rate sensitivity was observed in the range of 0.001~1 s-1 while such a characteristic is counteracted by the adiabatic heating of specimens under high strain rates. A Johnson-Cook constitutive model was proposed based on tensile tests at different strain rates. In this study, the average stress triaxiality and equivalent plastic strain at facture obtained from numerical simulations were used for the calibration of J-C fracture model. Both of the J-C constitutive model and fracture model were employed in numerical simulations and the results was compared with experimental results. The calibrated J-C fracture model exhibits higher accuracy than the J-C fracture model obtained by the common method in predicting the fracture behavior of AA6082-T6. Finally, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of fractured specimens with different initial stress triaxialities were analyzed. The magnified fractographs indicate that high initial stress triaxiality likely results in dimple fracture. PMID:28759617

On the formation of adiabatic shear bands in titanium alloy Ti17 under severe loading conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boubaker, H. Ben; Ayed, Y.; Mareau, C.; Germain, G.

2018-05-01

For metallic materials, fabrication processes (e.g. machining and forging) may involve important strain rates and high temperatures. For such severe loading conditions, the development of damage is often associated with the formation of Adiabatic Shear Bands (ASB). In this work, the impact of loading conditions (strain rate, temperature) on the formation of ASB in a beta rich titanium alloy (Ti17) is investigated. In this perspective, uniaxial compression tests have been conducted on cylindrical samples with a Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical simulator at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 800°C and strain rates ranging from 0.1 to 50 s-1 with axial strains of approximately 50 %. According to the experimental results, the flow curves exhibit hardening from 25°C to 550°C and softening from 600°C to 800°C. When looking at the evolution of flow stress, the strain rate sensitivity is found to increase significantly with increasing temperatures. Also, adiabatic shear bands are preferably observed for high strain rates and low temperatures. The formation of ASB thus seems to be quite dependent on the evolution of the strain rate sensitivity of Ti17. Finally, metallographic observations have been carried out to better understand the process leading to the formation of ASB. Such observations demonstrate that the average width of ASB increases with increasing temperatures and decreasing strain rates. However, such observations do not allow for identifying whether some specific microstructural transformations (e.g recrystallization or phase transformation) could explain the formation of ASB or not.

Milk flow rates from bottle nipples used after hospital discharge

PubMed Central

Pados, Britt Frisk; Park, Jinhee; Thoyre, Suzanne M.; Estrem, Hayley; Nix, W. Brant

2016-01-01

Purpose To test the milk flow rates and variability in flow rates of bottle nipples used after hospital discharge. Study Design and Methods Twenty-six nipple types that represented 15 common brands as well as variety in price per nipple and store location sold (e.g., Babies R’ Us, Walmart, Dollar Store) were chosen for testing. Ten of each nipple type (n=260 total) were tested by measuring the amount of infant formula expressed in one minute using a breast pump. Mean milk flow rate (mL/min) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. Flow rates of nipples within brand were compared statistically. Results Milk flow rates varied from 1.68 mL/min for the Avent Natural Newborn Flow to 85.34 mL/min for the Dr. Brown’s Standard Y-cut. Variability between nipple types also varied widely, from .03 for the Dr. Brown’s Standard Level 3 to .37 for MAM Nipple 1 Slow Flow. Clinical Implications The extreme range of milk flow rates found may be significant for medically fragile infants being discharged home who are continuing to develop oral feeding skills. The name of the nipple does not provide clear information about the flow rate to guide parents in decision-making. Variability in flow rates within nipples of the same type may complicate oral feeding for the medically fragile infant who may not be able to adapt easily to change in flow rates. Both flow rate and variability should be considered when guiding parents to a nipple choice. PMID:27008466

Shear-induced laning transition in a confined colloidal film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerloff, Sascha; Vezirov, Tarlan A.; Klapp, Sabine H. L.

2017-06-01

Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we investigate a dense system of charged colloids exposed to shear flow in a confined (slit-pore) geometry. The equilibrium system at zero flow consists of three well-pronounced layers with a squarelike crystalline in-plane structure. We demonstrate that, for sufficiently large shear rates, the middle layer separates into two sublayers where the particles organize into moving lanes with opposite velocities. The formation of this "microlaned" state results in a destruction of the applied shear profile; it also has a strong impact on the structure of the system, and on its rheology as measured by the elements of the stress tensor. At higher shear rates, we observe a disordered state and finally a recrystallization reminiscent of the behavior of bilayer films. We also discuss the system size dependence and the robustness of the microlaned state against variations of the slit-pore width. In fact, for a pore width allowing for four layers, we observe a similar shear-induced state in which the system splits into two domains with opposite velocities.

Investigation of isochronal annealing on the optical properties of HWCVD amorphous silicon nitride deposited at low temperatures and low gas flow rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, T. F. G.; Jacobs, S.; Cummings, F. R.; Oliphant, C. J.; Malgas, G. F.; Arendse, C. J.

2015-06-01

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiNx:H) is used as anti-reflection coatings in commercial solar cells. A final firing step in the production of micro-crystalline silicon solar cells allows hydrogen effusion from the a-SiNx:H into the solar cell, and contributes to bulk passivation of the grain boundaries. In this study a-SiNx:H deposited in a hot-wire chemical vapour deposition (HWCVD) chamber with reduced gas flow rates and filament temperature compared to traditional deposition regimes, were annealed isochronally. The UV-visible reflection spectra of the annealed material were subjected to the Bruggeman Effective Medium Approximation (BEMA) treatment, in which a theoretical amorphous semiconductor was combined with particle inclusions due to the structural complexities of the material. The extraction of the optical functions and ensuing Wemple-DeDomenici analysis of the wavelength-dependent refractive index allowed for the correlation of the macroscopic optical properties with the changes in the local atomic bonding configuration, involving silicon, nitrogen and hydrogen.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allendorf, M.D.; Arsenlis, A.; Bastasz, R.

Titanium nitride (TiN) films deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques are of interest for a wide range of commercial applications. In this report, the authors describe a mechanism that predicts Tin film growth rates from TiCl{sub 4}/NH{sub 3} mixtures as a function of process parameters, including inlet reactant concentrations, substrate temperatures, reactor pressures, and total gas flow rates. Model predictions were verified by comparison with the results of TiN deposition experiments in the literature and with measurements made in a new stagnation-flow reactor developed for the purpose of testing deposition mechanisms such as this. In addition, they describe abmore » initio calculations that predict thermodynamic properties for titanium-containing compounds. The results of calculations using Moeller-Plesset perturbation theory, density functional theory, and coupled cluster theory are encouraging and suggest that these methods can be used to estimate thermodynamic data that are essential for the development of CVD models involving transition-metal compounds. Finally, measurements of the adsorption and desorption kinetics of NH{sub 3} on TiN films using temperature-programmed desorption are described and their relevance to TiN CVD and mechanism development are discussed.« less

Flow resistance and suspended load in sand-bed rivers: Simplified stratification model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wright, S.; Parker, G.

2004-01-01

New methods are presented for the prediction of the flow depth, grain-size specific near-bed concentration, and bed-material suspended sediment transport rate in sand-bed rivers. The salient improvements delineated here all relate to the need to modify existing formulations in order to encompass the full range of sand-bed rivers, and in particular large, low-slope sand-bed rivers. They can be summarized as follows: (1) the inclusion of density stratification effects in a simplified manner, which have been shown in the companion paper to be particularly relevant for large, low-slope, sand-bed rivers; (2) a new predictor for near-bed entrainment rate into suspension which extends a previous relation to the range of large, low-slope sand-bed rivers; and (3) a new predictor for form drag which again extends a previous relation to include large, low-slope sand-bed rivers. Finally, every attempt has been made to cast the relations in the simplest form possible, including the development of software, so that practicing engineers may easily use the methods. ?? ASCE.

Effect of increasing dialysate flow rate on diffusive mass transfer of urea, phosphate and β2-microglobulin during clinical haemodialysis

PubMed Central

Bhimani, Jai P.; Ouseph, Rosemary; Ward, Richard A.

2010-01-01

Background. Diffusive clearance depends on blood and dialysate flow rates and the overall mass transfer area coefficient (KoA) of the dialyzer. Although KoA should be constant for a given dialyzer, urea KoA has been reported to vary with dialysate flow rate possibly because of improvements in flow distribution. This study examined the dependence of KoA for urea, phosphate and β2-microglobulin on dialysate flow rate in dialyzers containing undulating fibers to promote flow distribution and two different fiber packing densities. Methods. Twelve stable haemodialysis patients underwent dialysis with four different dialyzers, each used with a blood flow rate of 400 mL/min and dialysate flow rates of 350, 500 and 800 mL/min. Clearances of urea, phosphate and β2-microglobulin were measured and KoA values calculated. Results. Clearances of urea and phosphate, but not β2-microglobulin, increased significantly with increasing dialysate flow rate. However, increasing dialysate flow rate had no significant effect on KoA or Ko for any of the three solutes examined, although Ko for urea and phosphate increased significantly as the average flow velocity in the dialysate compartment increased. Conclusions. For dialyzers with features that promote good dialysate flow distribution, increasing dialysate flow rate beyond 600 mL/min at a blood flow rate of 400 mL/min is likely to have only a modest impact on dialyzer performance, limited to the theoretical increase predicted for a constant KoA. PMID:20543211

A method for the direct numerical simulation of hypersonic boundary-layer instability with finite-rate chemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marxen, Olaf, E-mail: olaf.marxen@vki.ac.be; Aeronautics and Aerospace Department, von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Chaussée de Waterloo, 72, 1640 Rhode-St-Genèse; Magin, Thierry E.

2013-12-15

A new numerical method is presented here that allows to consider chemically reacting gases during the direct numerical simulation of a hypersonic fluid flow. The method comprises the direct coupling of a solver for the fluid mechanical model and a library providing the physio-chemical model. The numerical method for the fluid mechanical model integrates the compressible Navier–Stokes equations using an explicit time advancement scheme and high-order finite differences. This Navier–Stokes code can be applied to the investigation of laminar-turbulent transition and boundary-layer instability. The numerical method for the physio-chemical model provides thermodynamic and transport properties for different gases as wellmore » as chemical production rates, while here we exclusively consider a five species air mixture. The new method is verified for a number of test cases at Mach 10, including the one-dimensional high-temperature flow downstream of a normal shock, a hypersonic chemical reacting boundary layer in local thermodynamic equilibrium and a hypersonic reacting boundary layer with finite-rate chemistry. We are able to confirm that the diffusion flux plays an important role for a high-temperature boundary layer in local thermodynamic equilibrium. Moreover, we demonstrate that the flow for a case previously considered as a benchmark for the investigation of non-equilibrium chemistry can be regarded as frozen. Finally, the new method is applied to investigate the effect of finite-rate chemistry on boundary layer instability by considering the downstream evolution of a small-amplitude wave and comparing results with those obtained for a frozen gas as well as a gas in local thermodynamic equilibrium.« less

Drought and detritivores determine leaf litter decomposition in calcareous streams of the Ebro catchment (Spain).

PubMed

Monroy, Silvia; Menéndez, Margarita; Basaguren, Ana; Pérez, Javier; Elosegi, Arturo; Pozo, Jesús

2016-12-15

Drought, an important environmental factor affecting the functioning of stream ecosystems, is likely to become more prevalent in the Mediterranean region as a consequence of climate change and enhanced water demand. Drought can have profound impacts on leaf litter decomposition, a key ecosystem process in headwater streams, but there is still limited information on its effects at the regional scale. We measured leaf litter decomposition across a gradient of aridity in the Ebro River basin. We deployed coarse- and fine-mesh bags with alder and oak leaves in 11 Mediterranean calcareous streams spanning a range of over 400km, and determined changes in discharge, water quality, leaf-associated macroinvertebrates, leaf quality and decomposition rates. The study streams were subject to different degrees of drought, specific discharge (Ls -1 km -2 ) ranging from 0.62 to 9.99. One of the streams dried out during the experiment, another one reached residual flow, whereas the rest registered uninterrupted flow but with different degrees of flow variability. Decomposition rates differed among sites, being lowest in the 2 most water-stressed sites, but showed no general correlation with specific discharge. Microbial decomposition rates were not correlated with final nutrient content of litter nor to fungal biomass. Total decomposition rate of alder was positively correlated to the density and biomass of shredders; that of oak was not. Shredder density in alder bags showed a positive relationship with specific discharge during the decomposition experiment. Overall, the results point to a complex pattern of litter decomposition at the regional scale, as drought affects decomposition directly by emersion of bags and indirectly by affecting the functional composition and density of detritivores. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The imperative for controlled mechanical stresses in unraveling cellular mechanisms of mechanotransduction

PubMed Central

Anderson, Eric J; Falls, Thomas D; Sorkin, Adam M; Tate, Melissa L Knothe

2006-01-01

Background In vitro mechanotransduction studies are designed to elucidate cell behavior in response to a well-defined mechanical signal that is imparted to cultured cells, e.g. through fluid flow. Typically, flow rates are calculated based on a parallel plate flow assumption, to achieve a targeted cellular shear stress. This study evaluates the performance of specific flow/perfusion chambers in imparting the targeted stress at the cellular level. Methods To evaluate how well actual flow chambers meet their target stresses (set for 1 and 10 dyn/cm2 for this study) at a cellular level, computational models were developed to calculate flow velocity components and imparted shear stresses for a given pressure gradient. Computational predictions were validated with micro-particle image velocimetry (μPIV) experiments. Results Based on these computational and experimental studies, as few as 66% of cells seeded along the midplane of commonly implemented flow/perfusion chambers are subjected to stresses within ±10% of the target stress. In addition, flow velocities and shear stresses imparted through fluid drag vary as a function of location within each chamber. Hence, not only a limited number of cells are exposed to target stress levels within each chamber, but also neighboring cells may experience different flow regimes. Finally, flow regimes are highly dependent on flow chamber geometry, resulting in significant variation in magnitudes and spatial distributions of stress between chambers. Conclusion The results of this study challenge the basic premise of in vitro mechanotransduction studies, i.e. that a controlled flow regime is applied to impart a defined mechanical stimulus to cells. These results also underscore the fact that data from studies in which different chambers are utilized can not be compared, even if the target stress regimes are comparable. PMID:16672051

Non-axisymmetric annular curtain stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Zahir U.; Khayat, Roger E.; Maissa, Philippe; Mathis, Christian

2013-08-01

A stability analysis of non-axisymmetric annular curtain is carried out for an axially moving viscous jet subject in surrounding viscous gas media. The effect of inertia, surface tension, gas-to-liquid density ratio, inner-to-outer radius ratio, and gas-to-liquid viscosity ratio on the stability of the jet is studied. In general, the axisymmetric disturbance is found to be the dominant mode. However, for small wavenumber, the non-axisymmetric mode is the most unstable mode and the one likely observed in reality. Inertia and the viscosity ratio for non-axisymmetric disturbances show a similar stability influence as observed for axisymmetric disturbances. The maximum growth rate in non-axisymmetric flow, interestingly, appears at very small wavenumber for all inertia levels. The dominant wavenumber increases (decreases) with inertia for non-axisymmetric (axisymmetric) flow. Gas-to-liquid density ratio, curvature effect, and surface tension, however, exhibit an opposite influence on growth rate compared to axisymmetric disturbances. Surface tension tends to stabilize the flow with reductions of the unstable wavenumber range and the maximum growth rate as well as the dominant wavenumber. The dominant wavenumber remains independent of viscosity ratio indicating the viscosity ratio increases the breakup length of the sheet with very little influence on the size of the drops. The range of unstable wavenumbers is affected only by curvature in axisymmetric flow, whereas all the stability parameters control the range of unstable wavenumbers in non-axisymmetric flow. Inertia and gas density increase the unstable wavenumber range, whereas the radius ratio, surface tension, and the viscosity ratio decrease the unstable wavenumber range. Neutral curves are plotted to separate the stable and unstable domains. Critical radius ratio decreases linearly and nonlinearly with the wavenumber for axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric disturbances, respectively. At smaller Weber numbers, a wider unstable domain is predicted for non-axisymmetric modes. For both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes, the disturbance frequency is found to be the same and equal to the negative of axial wavenumber. Finally, comparison between theory and existing experiment leads to good qualitative agreement. A more accurate comparison is not possible given the difference in flow conditions.

Evaluation of an Infiltration Model with Microchannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Serrana, M.; Gulliver, J. S.; Nieber, J. L.

2015-12-01

This research goal is to develop and demonstrate the means by which roadside drainage ditches and filter strips can be assigned the appropriate volume reduction credits by infiltration. These vegetated surfaces convey stormwater, infiltrate runoff, and filter and/or settle solids, and are often placed along roads and other impermeable surfaces. Infiltration rates are typically calculated by assuming that water flows as sheet flow over the slope. However, for most intensities water flow occurs in narrow and shallow micro-channels and concentrates in depressions. This channelization reduces the fraction of the soil surface covered with the water coming from the road. The non-uniform distribution of water along a hillslope directly affects infiltration. First, laboratory and field experiments have been conducted to characterize the spatial pattern of flow for stormwater runoff entering onto the surface of a sloped surface in a drainage ditch. In the laboratory experiments different micro-topographies were tested over bare sandy loam soil: a smooth surface, and three and five parallel rills. All the surfaces experienced erosion; the initially smooth surface developed a system of channels over time that increased runoff generation. On average, the initially smooth surfaces infiltrated 10% more volume than the initially rilled surfaces. The field experiments were performed in the side slope of established roadside drainage ditches. Three rates of runoff from a road surface into the swale slope were tested, representing runoff from 1, 2, and 10-year storm events. The average percentage of input runoff water infiltrated in the 32 experiments was 67%, with a 21% standard deviation. Multiple measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity were conducted to account for its spatial variability. Second, a rate-based coupled infiltration and overland model has been designed that calculates stormwater infiltration efficiency of swales. The Green-Ampt-Mein-Larson assumptions were implemented to calculate infiltration along with a kinematic wave model for overland flow that accounts for short-circuiting of flow. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on the parameters implemented in the model has been performed. Finally, the field experiments results have been used to quantify the validity of the coupled model.

Accretion onto a charged Kiselev black hole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, G.; Ditta, A.

2018-04-01

Accretion of matter onto a compact is one of the interesting astrophysical processes. Here, we study the accretion of matter onto a charged Kiselev black hole. The problem of static and spherically symmetric accretion of a polytropic fluid is explored for the analytic solution of equations of motion. We have investigated the necessary conditions for existence of the critical flow points and the mass accretion rate. Finally, we discuss the polytropic gas accretion in detail. It has been found that in the accretion process the quintessence and charge parameters play a dominant role.

High Temperature Falling Particle Receiver (2012 - 2016) - Final DOE Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ho, Clifford K.

The objective of this work was to advance falling particle receiver designs for concentrating solar power applications that will enable higher temperatures (>700 °C) and greater power-cycle efficiencies (≥50% thermal-to-electric). Modeling, design, and testing of components in Phases 1 and 2 led to the successful on-sun demonstration in Phase 3 of the world’s first continuously recirculating high-temperature 1 MW t falling particle receiver that achieved >700 °C particle outlet temperatures at mass flow rates ranging from 1 – 7 kg/s.

Freedrop Testing and CFD Simulation of Ice Models from a Cavity into Supersonic Flow

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

constructed of stereo lithography (SLA) plastic filled with assorted metal washers for ballast. This allowed the mass and moment of inertia to be finely...set to 0.005 in, with a growth rate of 1.2, extruded out to 0.5 in from the surface of the sphere. The final, multiblock grid input into the OVERFLOW...size article made of balsa wood . While these values illustrate the mass scaling relationship of heavy Mach scaling, with the exception of the 1 Psia case

Simple Electrolyzer Model Development for High-Temperature Electrolysis System Analysis Using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

JaeHwa Koh; DuckJoo Yoon; Chang H. Oh

2010-07-01

An electrolyzer model for the analysis of a hydrogen-production system using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) has been developed, and the effects for principal parameters have been estimated by sensitivity studies based on the developed model. The main parameters considered are current density, area specific resistance, temperature, pressure, and molar fraction and flow rates in the inlet and outlet. Finally, a simple model for a high-temperature hydrogen-production system using the solid oxide electrolysis cell integrated with very high temperature reactors is estimated.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Almasbahi, M.S.

In a world of generalized floating exchange rates, it is not enough to solve the problem of exchange rate policy by determining whether to peg or float the currency under consideration. It is also necessary to choose to what major currency to peg. The main purpose of this study is to investigate and determine empirically the optimum currency peg for the Saudi riyal. To accomplish this goal, a simple conventional trade model, that includes variables found in many other studies of import and export demand, was used. In addition, an exchange rate term was added as a separate independent variablemore » in the import and export demand equations in order to assess the effect of exchange rate on the trade flows. The criteria for the optimal currency peg in this study were based on two factors. First, the error statistics for projected imports and exports using alternative exchange rate regimes. Second, variances of projected imports, exports and trade balance using alternative exchange rate regimes. The exchange rate has a significant impact on the Saudia Arabian trade flows which implies that changes in the riyals value affect the Saudi trade deficit. Moreover, the exchange rate has a more powerful effect on its aggregate imports than on the world demand for its exports. There is also a strong support for the hypothesis that the exchange rate affects the value of the Saudi bilateral trade with its five major trade partners. On the aggregate level, the SDR peg seems to be the best currency peg for the Saudi riyal since it provides the best prediction errors and the lowest variance for the trade balance. Finally, on the disaggregate level, the US dollar provides the best performance and yields the best results among all the six currency pegs considered in this study.« less

Evaluation of the effectiveness of peer pressure to change disposition decisions and patient throughput by emergency physician.

PubMed

Wu, Kuan-Han; Cheng, Fu-Jen; Li, Chao-Jui; Cheng, Hsien-Hung; Lee, Wen-Huei; Lee, Chi-Wei

2013-03-01

The aim of this study was to develop a strategy for imposing peer pressure on emergency physicians to discharge patients and to evaluate patient throughput before and after intervention. A before-and-after study was conducted in a medical center with more than 120 000 annual emergency department (ED) visits. All nontraumatic adult patients who presented to the ED between 7:30 and 11:30 am Wednesday to Sunday were reviewed. We created a "team norm" imposed peer-pressure effect by announcing the patient discharge rate of each emergency physician through monthly e-mail reminders. Emergency department length of stay (LOS) and 8-hour (the end of shift) and final disposition of patients before (June 1, 2011-September 30, 2011) and after (October 1, 2011-January 30, 2012) intervention were compared. Patients enrolled before and after intervention totaled 3305 and 2945. No differences existed for age, sex, or average number of patient visits per shift. The 8-hour discharge rate increased significantly for all patients (53.5% vs 48.2%, P < .001), particularly for triage level III patients (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.38) after intervention and without corresponding differences in the final disposition (P = .165) or admission rate (33.7% vs 31.6%, P = .079). Patients with a final discharge disposition had a shorter LOS (median, 140.4 min vs 158.3 min; P < .001) after intervention. The intervention strategy used peer pressure to enhance patient flow and throughput. More patients were discharged at the end of shifts, particularly triage level III patients. The ED LOS for patients whose final disposition was discharge decreased significantly. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study of gas-liquid flow in model porous media for heterogeneous catalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francois, Marie; Bodiguel, Hugues; Guillot, Pierre; Laboratory of the Future Team

2015-11-01

Heterogeneous catalysis of chemical reactions involving a gas and a liquid phase is usually achieved in fixed bed reactors. Four hydrodynamic regimes have been observed. They depend on the total flow rate and the ratio between liquid and gas flow rate. Flow properties in these regimes influence transfer rates. Rather few attempts to access local characterization have been proposed yet, though these seem to be necessary to better describe the physical mechanisms involved. In this work, we propose to mimic slices of reactor by using two-dimensional porous media. We have developed a two-dimensional system that is transparent to allow the direct observation of the flow and the phase distribution. While varying the total flow rate and the gas/liquid flow rate ratio, we observe two hydrodynamic regimes: at low flow rate, the gaseous phase is continuous (trickle flow), while it is discontinuous at higher flow rate (pulsed flow). Thanks to some image analysis techniques, we are able to quantify the local apparent liquid saturation in the system. Its fluctuations in time are characteristic of the transition between the two regimes: at low liquid flow rates, they are negligible since the liquid/gas interface is fixed, whereas at higher flow rates we observe an alternation between liquid and gas. This transition between trickle to pulsed flow is in relative good agreement with the existing state of art. However, we report in the pulsed regime important flow heterogeneities at the scale of a few pores. These heterogeneities are likely to have a strong influence on mass transfers. We acknowledge the support of Solvay.

Percutaneous Venous Thrombectomy Using the Arrow-Trerotola Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device (PTD) with Temporary Caval Filtration: In Vitro Investigations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wildberger, Joachim Ernst, E-mail: wildberg@rad.rwth-aachen.de; Haage, Patrick; Bovelander, Jan

2005-04-15

Purpose. To evaluate the size and quantity of downstream emboli after thrombectomy using the Arrow-Trerotola Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device (PTD) with or without temporary filtration for extensive iliofemoral and iliocaval thrombi in an in vitro flow model. Methods. Iliocaval thrombi were simulated by clotted bovine blood in a flow model (semilucent silicone tubings, diameter 12-16 mm). Five experimental set-ups were performed 10 times each; thrombus particles and distribution were measured in the effluent. First, after retrograde insertion, mechanical thrombectomy was performed using the PTD alone. Then a modified self-expanding tulip-shaped temporary vena cava stent filter was inserted additionally at the beginningmore » of each declotting procedure and removed immediately after the intervention without any manipulation within or at the filter itself. In a third step, the filter was filled with thrombus only. Here, two experiments were performed: Careful closure within the flow circuit without any additional fragmentation procedure and running the PTD within the filter lumen, respectively. In the final set-up, mechanical thrombectomy was performed within the thrombus-filled tubing as well as in the filter lumen. The latter was closed at the end of the procedure and both devices were removed from the flow circuit. Results. Running the PTD in the flow circuit without filter protection led to a fragmentation of 67.9% ({+-}7.14%) of the clot into particles {<=}500 {mu}m; restoration of flow was established in all cases. Additional placement of the filter safely allowed maceration of 82.9% ({+-}5.59%) of the thrombus. Controlled closure of the thrombus-filled filter within the flow circuit without additional mechanical treatment broke up 75.2% ({+-}10.49%), while additional mechanical thrombectomy by running the PTD within the occluded filter led to dissolution of 90.4% ({+-}3.99%) of the initial clot. In the final set-up, an overall fragmentation rate of 99.6% ({+-}0.44%) was achieved. Conclusions. The combined use of the Arrow-Trerotola PTD and a temporary vena cava stent filter proved to be effective for even large clot removal in this experimental set-up.« less

Predicting the Rate of River Bank Erosion Caused by Large Wood Log

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, N.; Rutherfurd, I.; Ghisalberti, M.

2016-12-01

When a single tree falls into a river channel, flow is deflected and accelerated between the tree roots and the bank face, increasing shear stress and scouring the bank. The scallop shaped erosion increases the diversity of the channel morphology, but also causes concern for adjacent landholders. Concern about increased bank erosion is one of the main reasons for large wood to still be removed from channels in SE Australia. Further, the hydraulic effect of many logs in the channel can reduce overall bank erosion rates. Although both phenomena have been described before, this research develops a hydraulic model that estimates their magnitude, and tests and calibrates this model with flume and field measurements, with logs with various configurations and sizes. Specifically, the model estimates the change in excess shear stress on the bank associated . The model addresses the effect of the log angle, distance from bank, and log size and flow condition by solving the mass continuity and energy conservation between the cross section at the approaching flow and contracted flow. Then, we evaluate our model against flume experiment preformed with semi-realistic log models to represent logs in different sizes and decay stages by comparing the measured and simulated velocity increase in the gap between the log and the bank. The log angle, distance from bank, and flow condition are systemically varied for each log model during the experiment. Final, the calibrated model is compared with the field data collected in anabranching channels of Murray River in SE Australia where there are abundant instream logs and regulated and consistent high flow for irrigation. Preliminary results suggest that a log can significantly increase the shear stress on the bank, especially when it positions perpendicular to the flow. The shear stress increases with the log angle in a rising curve (The log angle is the angle between log trunk and flow direction. 0o means log is parallel to flow with canopy pointing downstream). However, the shear stress shows insignificant changes as the log is being moved close to the bank.

The Development of an 8-inch by 8-inch Slotted Tunnel for Mach Numbers up to 1.28

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Little, B. H., Jr.; Cubbage, James J., Jr.

1961-01-01

An 8-inch by 8-inch transonic tunnel model with test section slotted on two opposite walls was constructed in which particular emphasis -was given to the development of slot geometry, slot-flow reentry section, and short-diffuser configurations for good test-region flow and minimum total-pressure losses. Center-line static pressures through the test section, wall static pressures through the other parts of the tunnel, and total-pressure distributions at the inlet and exit stations of the diffuser were measured- With a slot length equal to two tunnel heights and 1/14 open-area-ratio slotted walls) a test region one tunnel height in length was obtained in which the deviation from the mean Mach number was less than +/- 0.01 up to Mach number 1.15. With 1/7 open-area-ratio slotted walls, a test region 0.84 tunnel heights in length with deviation less than +/- O.01 was obtained up to Mach number 1.26. Increasing the tunnel diffuser angle from 6.4 to 10 deg. increased pressure loss through the tunnel at Mach number 1.20 from 15 percent to 20 percent of the total pressure. The use of other diffusers with equivalent angles of 10 deg. but contoured so that the initial diffusion angle was less than 10 deg. and the final angle was 200 reduced the losses to as low as 16 percent. A method for changing the test-section Mach number rapidly by controlling the flow through a bypass line from the tunnel settling chamber to the slot-flow plenum chamber of the test section was very effective. The test-section Mach number was reduced approximately 5 percent in 1/8 second by bleeding into the test section a flow of air equal to 2 percent of the mainstream flow and 30 percent in 1/4 second with bleed flow equal to 10 percent of the mainstream flow. The rate of reduction was largely determined by the opening rate of the bleed-flow-control valve.

NO sub X Deposited in the Stratosphere by the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pergament, H. S.; Thorpe, R. D.; Hwang, B.

1975-01-01

The possible effects of the interaction of the plumes from the two solid rocket motors (SRM) from the space shuttles and mixing of the rocket exhaust products and ambient air in the base recirculation region on the total nitrous oxide deposition rate in the stratosphere were investigated. It was shown that these phenomena will not influence the total NOx deposition rate. It was also shown that uncertainties in the particle size of Al2O3, size distributions and particle/gas drag and heat transfer coefficients will not have a significant effect on the predicted NOx deposition rate. The final results show that the total mass flow of NOx leaving the plume at 30 km altitude is 4000 g./sec with a possible error factor of 3. For a vehicle velocity of 1140 meter/sec this yields an NOx deposition rate of about 3.5 g./meter. The corresponding HCl deposition rate at this altitude is about a factor of 500 greater than this value.

An investigation of the basic physics of irrigation in urology and the role of automated pump irrigation in cystoscopy.

PubMed

Chang, Dwayne; Manecksha, Rustom P; Syrrakos, Konstantinos; Lawrentschuk, Nathan

2012-01-01

To investigate the effects of height, external pressure, and bladder fullness on the flow rate in continuous, non-continuous cystoscopy and the automated irrigation fluid pumping system (AIFPS). Each experiment had two 2-litre 0.9% saline bags connected to a continuous, non-continuous cystoscope or AIFPS via irrigation tubing. Other equipment included height-adjustable drip poles, uroflowmetry devices, and model bladders. In Experiment 1, saline bags were elevated to measure the increment in flow rate. In Experiment 2, saline bags were placed under external pressures to evaluate the effect on flow rate. In Experiment 3, flow rate changes in response to variable bladder fullness were measured. Elevating saline bags caused an increase in flow rates, however the increment slowed down beyond a height of 80 cm. Increase in external pressure on saline bags elevated flow rates, but inconsistently. A fuller bladder led to a decrease in flow rates. In all experiments, the AIFPS posted consistent flow rates. Traditional irrigation systems were susceptible to changes in height of irrigation solution, external pressure application, and bladder fullness thus creating inconsistent flow rates. The AIFPS produced consistent flow rates and was not affected by any of the factors investigated in the study.

Packet Scheduling Mechanism to Improve Quality of Short Flows and Low-Rate Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokota, Kenji; Asaka, Takuya; Takahashi, Tatsuro

In recent years elephant flows are increasing by expansion of peer-to-peer (P2P) applications on the Internet. As a result, bandwidth is occupied by specific users triggering unfair resource allocation. The main packet-scheduling mechanism currently employed is first-in first-out (FIFO) where the available bandwidth of short flows is limited by elephant flows. Least attained service (LAS), which decides transfer priority of packets by the total amount of transferred data in all flows, was proposed to solve this problem. However, routers with LAS limit flows with large amount of transferred data even if they are low-rate. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of low-rate flows with long holding times such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications. This paper proposes rate-based priority control (RBPC), which calculates the flow rate and control the priority by using it. Our proposed method can transfer short flows and low-rate flows in advance. Moreover, its fair performance is shown through simulations.

A Comparative Study of Dorsal Buccal Mucosa Graft Substitution Urethroplasty by Dorsal Urethrotomy Approach versus Ventral Sagittal Urethrotomy Approach.

PubMed

Pahwa, Mrinal; Gupta, Sanjeev; Pahwa, Mayank; Jain, Brig D K; Gupta, Manu

2013-01-01

Objectives. To compare the outcome of dorsal buccal mucosal graft (BMG) substitution urethroplasty by dorsal urethrotomy approach with ventral urethrotomy approach in management of stricture urethra. Methods and Materials. A total of 40 patients who underwent dorsal BMG substitution urethroplasty were randomized into two groups. 20 patients underwent dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty as described by Barbagli, and the other 20 patients underwent dorsal BMG urethroplasty by ventral urethrotomy as described by Asopa. Operative time, success rate, satisfaction rate, and complications were compared between the two groups. Mean follow-up was 12 months (6-24 months). Results. Ventral urethrotomy group had considerably lesser operative time although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients in dorsal group had mean maximum flow rate of 19.6 mL/min and mean residual urine of 27 mL, whereas ventral group had a mean maximum flow rate of 18.8 and residual urine of 32 mL. Eighteen out of twenty patients voided well in each group, and postoperative imaging study in these patients showed a good lumen with no evidence of leak or extravasation. Conclusion. Though ventral sagittal urethrotomy preserves the blood supply of urethra and intraoperative time was less than dorsal urethrotomy technique, there was no statistically significant difference in final outcome using either technique.

A Comparative Study of Dorsal Buccal Mucosa Graft Substitution Urethroplasty by Dorsal Urethrotomy Approach versus Ventral Sagittal Urethrotomy Approach

PubMed Central

Pahwa, Mrinal; Gupta, Sanjeev; Pahwa, Mayank; Jain, Brig D. K.; Gupta, Manu

2013-01-01

Objectives. To compare the outcome of dorsal buccal mucosal graft (BMG) substitution urethroplasty by dorsal urethrotomy approach with ventral urethrotomy approach in management of stricture urethra. Methods and Materials. A total of 40 patients who underwent dorsal BMG substitution urethroplasty were randomized into two groups. 20 patients underwent dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty as described by Barbagli, and the other 20 patients underwent dorsal BMG urethroplasty by ventral urethrotomy as described by Asopa. Operative time, success rate, satisfaction rate, and complications were compared between the two groups. Mean follow-up was 12 months (6–24 months). Results. Ventral urethrotomy group had considerably lesser operative time although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients in dorsal group had mean maximum flow rate of 19.6 mL/min and mean residual urine of 27 mL, whereas ventral group had a mean maximum flow rate of 18.8 and residual urine of 32 mL. Eighteen out of twenty patients voided well in each group, and postoperative imaging study in these patients showed a good lumen with no evidence of leak or extravasation. Conclusion. Though ventral sagittal urethrotomy preserves the blood supply of urethra and intraoperative time was less than dorsal urethrotomy technique, there was no statistically significant difference in final outcome using either technique. PMID:24194754

Optimization of tribological performance of SiC embedded composite coating via Taguchi analysis approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleque, M. A.; Bello, K. A.; Adebisi, A. A.; Akma, N.

2017-03-01

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch is one of the most recently used heat source for surface modification of engineering parts, giving similar results to the more expensive high power laser technique. In this study, ceramic-based embedded composite coating has been produced by precoated silicon carbide (SiC) powders on the AISI 4340 low alloy steel substrate using TIG welding torch process. A design of experiment based on Taguchi approach has been adopted to optimize the TIG cladding process parameters. The L9 orthogonal array and the signal-to-noise was used to study the effect of TIG welding parameters such as arc current, travelling speed, welding voltage and argon flow rate on tribological response behaviour (wear rate, surface roughness and wear track width). The objective of the study was to identify optimal design parameter that significantly minimizes each of the surface quality characteristics. The analysis of the experimental results revealed that the argon flow rate was found to be the most influential factor contributing to the minimum wear and surface roughness of the modified coating surface. On the other hand, the key factor in reducing wear scar is the welding voltage. Finally, a convenient and economical Taguchi approach used in this study was efficient to find out optimal factor settings for obtaining minimum wear rate, wear scar and surface roughness responses in TIG-coated surfaces.

Structure and dynamics of shear bands in amorphous–crystalline nanolaminates

DOE PAGES

Guo, Wei; Gan, Bin; Molina-Aldareguia, Jon M.; ...

2015-08-03

In this paper, the velocities of shear bands in amorphous CuZr/crystalline Cu nanolaminates were quantified as a function of strain rate and crystalline volume fraction. A rate-dependent transition in flow response was found in a 100 nm CuZr/10 nm Cu nanolaminates. When increasing the Cu layer thickness from 10 nm to 100 nm, the instantaneous velocity of the shear band in these nanolaminates decreases from 11.2 μm/s to <~500 nm/s. Finally, atom probe tomography and transmission election microcopy observation revealed that in post-deformed pillars both grain rotation in the crystalline portion and non-diffusive crystallization in the amorphous layer affect themore » viscosity of shear bands.« less

Etude hydromecanique d'une fracture en cisaillement sous contrainte normale constante

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamontagne, Eric

This research study deals with the effects of shear direction and injection flow rate on the flow directional anisotropy for a given normal stress. It presents experimental works on hydromechanical shear behaviour of a fracture under constant normal stress conditions that permits the characterisation of the intrinsic hydraulic transmissivity in relation with the directional anisotropy of the roughness morphology on the fracture surfaces. Tests were performed on mortar replicas of a natural fracture so that the fracture roughness and void space geometry were kept the same for each test. The experimental work program was performed through direct shear tests on the fracture replicas in four shear directions under four constant normal stress levels. The application of the normal stress was followed by several injections of fluid under constant flow rate. Then, for each defined shear displacement, several injections of fluid were done at different flow rate but under constant flow rate. The test results show that: (1) for the whole shear tests, the global intrinsic transmissivity is included within an enveloping zone of about one order of size. The transmissivity curves within the enveloping zone has a particularity to increase about two orders of size in the first millimetre of shear displacement and subsequently stabilised rapidly; (2) the highest dilatancy do not correspond necessarily with the highest intrinsic transmissivity so that, the behaviour of the global intrinsic transmissivity is not directly proportional to the fracture dilatancy during shear; (3) after the peak shear stress, the divergence is more marked between the global intrinsic transmissivity curves at various flow rate; (4) after peak shear strength and the beginning of asperity degradation, the gradual passage to residual friction shear behaviour causes a directional flow anisotropy and a reorientation of the flow chenalisation direction sub perpendicularly to the shear direction; (5) the anisotropy is not to develop equally between the two sense in the perpendicular direction to shear direction. In order to characterise the dynamics of the flow pattern in the fracture, a statistical analysis of the surfaces morphology of the fracture and the casting of void space geometry were performed before and after shear. A statistical analysis of asperity heights, on the global scale of the fracture surfaces, permits to characterise the fracture morphology and put in evidence a large morphological structure on which are superposed smaller asperities of variable dimensions. This large dimension structure generate a higher level landing occupying more than half of the fracture area. The study of the surfaces morphology of the fracture, performed with the geostatistical mean asperity heights variogram by direction before shearing, show the presence of two entangled morphologic structure families (28 and 15 mm). This same study done after shearing shows that the asperity degradation seems associated with the reduction of the global intrinsic transmissivity of the fracture. Finally, the void spaces morphology evaluated by casting techniques, during the shear tests, has permitted to verify the contacts evolution with the increasing shear displacement and visualised flow chenalisation during fracture shearing.

The growth of homogeneous semiconductor crystals in a centrifuge by the stabilizing influence of the Coriolis force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, G.; Neumann, G.; Weber, W.

1992-04-01

Both experimental and numerical results on crystal growth and fluid flow studies carried out in a centrifuge are reported. It is shown that the formation of doping striations can be avoided in the vertical Bridgman and the horizontal zone melting growth of Te-doped InSb if the centrifugal acceleration is increased beyond a critical value depending on the thermal boundary conditions. Furthermore, the maximum rate for the growth of inclusion free GaSb crystals grown by the travelling heater method (THM) is increased by a factor of 10 if this method is carried out at an acceleration of 20 times earth gravity. Model experiments in the Bridgman configuration using a test cell with liquid Ga and a larger series of thermocouples are conducted by varying the thermal boundary conditions and the rotation rate of the centrifuge. A three-dimensional time dependent numerical simulation of the fluid flow under the experimental conditions was carried out using a finite difference numerical scheme. It follows clearly that the Coriolis force acting on the melt in the rotating centrifuge system significantly influences the buoyancy-driven convection with respect to the flow patterns as well as the stability. The Coriolis force causes two very different flow states (I and II), depending on whether the rotation sense of the flow is in the same or in the opposite direction to that of the centrifuge. Type I is very similar to that normally observed on earth. Type II is only observed on the centrifuge and has a very large stability range of steady convection which can be used to grow striation-free crystals. All results give excellent agreement between model experiments and numerical calculations, which finally leads to a fully satisfying explanation of the crystal growth results on our centrifuge.

Flow and shear behavior in the edge and scrape-off layer of L-mode plasmas in National Spherical Torus Experiment

DOE PAGES

Sechrest, Y.; Munsat, T.; D’Ippolito, D. A.; ...

2011-01-01

Fluctuations in the edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) of L-mode plasmas in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) as observed by the gas puff imaging (GPI) diagnostic are studied. Calculation of local, time resolved velocity maps using the Hybrid Optical Flow and Pattern Matching Velocimetry (HOP-V) code enables analysis of turbulent flow and shear behavior. Periodic reversals in the direction of the poloidal flow near the separatrix are observed. Also, poloidal velocities and their radial shearing rate are found to be well correlated with the fraction of D α light contained in the SOL, which acts as a measure ofmore » turbulent bursts. The spectra of GPI intensity and poloidal velocity both have a strong feature near 3 kHz, which appears to correspond with turbulent bursts. This mode exhibits a poloidal structure with poloidal wavenumber of 7.7 m -1 for GPI intensity and 3.4 m -1 for poloidal velocity, and the poloidal velocity fluctuations near 3 kHz remain coherent over length scales in excess of the turbulent scales. Furthermore, recent SOL Turbulence (SOLT) simulations find a parameter regime that exhibits periodic bursty transport and shares many qualitative similarities with the experimental data. Strong correlations between the shearing rate and the turbulent bursts are observed for time periods of ~ 2 ms, but the relationship is complicated by several factors. Finally, measurements of the radial profiles of the Reynolds shear stresses are reported. These radial profiles exhibit many similarities for several shots, and a region with positive radial gradient is seen to be coincident with local flow shear.« less

Final report on the Controlled Cold Helium Spill Test in the LHC tunnel at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dufay-Chanat, L.; Bremer, J.; Casas-Cubillos, J.; Chorowski, M.; Grabowski, M.; Jedrusyna, A.; Lindell, G.; Nonis, M.; Koettig, T.; Vauthier, N.; van Weelderen, R.; Winkler, T.

2015-12-01

The 27 km circumference LHC underground tunnel is a space in which the helium cooled LHC magnets are installed. The vacuum enclosures of the superconducting magnets are protected by over-pressure safety relief devices that open whenever cold helium escapes either from the magnet cold enclosure or from the helium supply headers, into this vacuum enclosure. A 3-m long no stay zone around these devices is defined based on scale model studies, protecting the personnel against cold burns or asphyxia caused by such a helium release event. Recently, several simulation studies have been carried out modelling the propagation of the helium/air mixture, resulting from the opening of such a safety device, along the tunnel. The released helium flows vary in the range between 1 kg/s and 0.1 kg/s. To validate these different simulation studies, real life mock-up tests have been performed inside the LHC tunnel, releasing helium flow rates of 1 kg/s, 0.3 kg/s and 0.1 kg/s. For each test, up to 1000 liters of liquid helium were released under standard operational tunnel conditions. The data recorded include oxygen concentration, temperature and flow speed measurements, and video footage used to assess qualitatively the visibility. These measurements have been made in the up- and downstream directions, with respect to the air ventilation flow, of the spill point. This paper presents the experimental set-up under which these release tests were made, the effects of these releases on the atmospheric tunnel condition as a function of the release flow rate. We discuss the modification to the personnel access conditions to the LHC tunnel that are presently implemented as a result of these tests.

Development of a Physiologically Based Computational Kidney Model to Describe the Renal Excretion of Hydrophilic Agents in Rats

PubMed Central

Niederalt, Christoph; Wendl, Thomas; Kuepfer, Lars; Claassen, Karina; Loosen, Roland; Willmann, Stefan; Lippert, Joerg; Schultze-Mosgau, Marcus; Winkler, Julia; Burghaus, Rolf; Bräutigam, Matthias; Pietsch, Hubertus; Lengsfeld, Philipp

2013-01-01

A physiologically based kidney model was developed to analyze the renal excretion and kidney exposure of hydrophilic agents, in particular contrast media, in rats. In order to study the influence of osmolality and viscosity changes, the model mechanistically represents urine concentration by water reabsorption in different segments of kidney tubules and viscosity dependent tubular fluid flow. The model was established using experimental data on the physiological steady state without administration of any contrast media or drugs. These data included the sodium and urea concentration gradient along the cortico-medullary axis, water reabsorption, urine flow, and sodium as well as urea urine concentrations for a normal hydration state. The model was evaluated by predicting the effects of mannitol and contrast media administration and comparing to experimental data on cortico-medullary concentration gradients, urine flow, urine viscosity, hydrostatic tubular pressures and single nephron glomerular filtration rate. Finally the model was used to analyze and compare typical examples of ionic and non-ionic monomeric as well as non-ionic dimeric contrast media with respect to their osmolality and viscosity. With the computational kidney model, urine flow depended mainly on osmolality, while osmolality and viscosity were important determinants for tubular hydrostatic pressure and kidney exposure. The low diuretic effect of dimeric contrast media in combination with their high intrinsic viscosity resulted in a high viscosity within the tubular fluid. In comparison to monomeric contrast media, this led to a higher increase in tubular pressure, to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and tubular flow and to an increase in kidney exposure. The presented kidney model can be implemented into whole body physiologically based pharmacokinetic models and extended in order to simulate the renal excretion of lipophilic drugs which may also undergo active secretion and reabsorption. PMID:23355822

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Xiaobing; Zheng, O'Neill; Niu, Fuxin

Most commercial ground source heat pump systems (GSHP) in the United States are in a distributed configuration. These systems circulate water or an anti-freeze solution through multiple heat pump units via a central pumping system, which usually uses variable speed pump(s). Variable speed pumps have potential to significantly reduce pumping energy use; however, the energy savings in reality could be far away from its potential due to improper pumping system design and controls. In this paper, a simplified hydronic pumping system was simulated with the dynamic Modelica models to evaluate three different pumping control strategies. This includes two conventional controlmore » strategies, which are to maintain a constant differential pressure across either the supply and return mains, or at the most hydraulically remote heat pump; and an innovative control strategy, which adjusts system flow rate based on the demand of each heat pump. The simulation results indicate that a significant overflow occurs at part load conditions when the variable speed pump is controlled to main a constant differential pressure across the supply and return mains of the piping system. On the other hand, an underflow occurs at part load conditions when the variable speed pump is controlled to maintain a constant differential pressure across the furthest heat pump. The flow-demand-based control can provide needed flow rate to each heat pump at any given time, and with less pumping energy use than the two conventional controls. Finally, a typical distributed GSHP system was studied to evaluate the energy saving potential of applying the flow-demand-based pumping control strategy. This case study shows that the annual pumping energy consumption can be reduced by 62% using the flow-demand-based control compared with that using the conventional pressure-based control to maintain a constant differential pressure a cross the supply and return mains.« less

Effects of radial diffuser hydraulic design on a double-suction centrifugal pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, H. C.; Zhang, Y. X.; Xu, C.; Zhang, J. Y.; Li, Z. L.

2016-05-01

In order to study effects of radial diffuser on hydraulic performance of crude oil pump, the steady CFD numerical method is applied and one large double-suction oil pump running in long-distance pipeline is considered. The research focuses on analysing the influence of its diffuser vane profile on hydraulic performance of oil pump. The four different types of cylindrical vane have been designed by in-house codes mainly including double arcs (DA), triple arcs (TA), equiangular spiral line (ES) and linear variable angle spiral line (LVS). During design process diffuser vane angles at inlet and outlet are tentatively given within a certain range and then the wrapping angle of the four types of diffuser vanes can be calculated automatically. Under the given inlet and outlet angles, the linear variable angle spiral line profile has the biggest wrapping angle and profile length which is good to delay channel diffusion but bring more friction hydraulic loss. Finally the vane camber line is thickened at the certain uniform thickness distribution and the 3D diffuser models are generated. The whole flow passage of oil pump with different types of diffusers under various flow rate conditions are numerically simulated based on RNG k-ɛ turbulent model and SIMPLEC algorithm. The numerical results show that different types of diffusers can bring about great difference on the hydraulic performance of oil pump, of which the ES profile diffuser with its proper setting angle shows the best hydraulic performance and its inner flow field is improved obviously. Compared with the head data from model sample, all designed diffusers can make a certain improvement on head characteristic. At the large flow rate conditions the hydraulic efficiency increases obviously and the best efficiency point shift to the large flow rate range. The ES profile diffuser embodies the better advantages on pump performance which can be explained theoretically that the diffuser actually acts as a diffusion device and is good to transform the dynamic energy to pressure energy. Then through the hydraulic loss analysis of each pump component for all diffusers, it shows that the impeller takes up the biggest part of the whole loss about 8.19% averagely, the radial diffuser about 3.70% and the volute about 1.65%. The hydraulic loss of impeller is dominant at the large flow rate while the radial diffuser is at the small flow rate. Among all diffusers, the ES profile diffuser generates the least loss and combined to the distribution of velocity vector and turbulent kinetic energy for two kinds of diffusers it also shows that ES profile is fit to apply in radial diffuser. This research can offer a significant reference for the radial diffuser hydraulic design of such centrifugal pumps.

Relationship between salivary immunoglobulin a, lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates and lifestyle factors in Japanese children: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Ide, Momo; Saruta, Juri; To, Masahiro; Yamamoto, Yuko; Sugimoto, Masahiro; Fuchida, Shinya; Yokoyama, Mina; Kimoto, Shigenari; Tsukinoki, Keiichi

2016-10-01

The antimicrobial substances in saliva contribute to the maintenance of both oral health and overall health of the body. Therefore, the associations among immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates in the saliva of children, and their relationships with the physical attributes and lifestyle factors of children, were examined. Saliva was collected from 90 children who visited the Kanagawa Dental University Hospital Pediatric Dentistry, and questionnaires were completed by guardians. IgA, lactoferrin and lysozyme concentrations were measured in the saliva samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The IgA flow rate in saliva increased as age, height and weight increased. A correlation was found between lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates. When the antimicrobial substance flow rates in the saliva were divided into two groups of 22 children each based on the highest and lowest quartiles, children with either a low or high IgA flow rate also had a high or low lactoferrin flow rate, respectively. The same pattern was observed for lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates. There is a high probability that the IgA flow rate in the saliva of children reflects and corresponds to the developmental status of immune function as the child ages and increases in height and weight. The flow rates of lactoferrin and lysozyme were correlated in children. In addition, regarding lifestyle factors, the duration of sleep and lactoferrin flow rate were also related.

Identifying the Oscillatory Mechanism of the Glucose Oxidase-Catalase Coupled Enzyme System.

PubMed

Muzika, František; Jurašek, Radovan; Schreiberová, Lenka; Radojković, Vuk; Schreiber, Igor

2017-10-12

We provide experimental evidence of periodic and aperiodic oscillations in an enzymatic system of glucose oxidase-catalase in a continuous-flow stirred reactor coupled by a membrane with a continuous-flow reservoir supplied with hydrogen peroxide. To describe such dynamics, we formulate a detailed mechanism based on partial results in the literature. Finally, we introduce a novel method for estimation of unknown kinetic parameters. The method is based on matching experimental data at an oscillatory instability with stoichiometric constraints of the mechanism formulated by applying the stability theory of reaction networks. This approach has been used to estimate rate coefficients in the catalase part of the mechanism. Remarkably, model simulations show good agreement with the observed oscillatory dynamics, including apparently chaotic intermittent behavior. Our method can be applied to any reaction system with an experimentally observable dynamical instability.

Research on Darrieus-type hydraulic turbine for extra-low head hydropower utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, A.; Watanabe, S.; Okuma, K.

2012-11-01

A Darrieus-type turbine has been investigated for extra-low head hydropower utilization. In the present paper, authors'research on Darrieus-type hydraulic turbine is briefly reviewed. The working principle of Darrieus turbine is explained with advantage of its simple structure, at first. Then the fluid-dynamic difference between rotating and linear motions of a blade in a uniform flow is clarified with guiding principle of high performance design of Darrieus turbine. Cavitation problem is also described. Next, effects of duct-casing, consisting of an intake, runner section and draft tube, are discussed and a simplified structure of Darrieus turbine is shown by installing the inlet nozzle. Finally, in the practical use, an adjustment of inlet nozzle section by lowering the inlet nozzle height is proposed when flow rate is varied temporally and seasonally.

High Reynolds number turbulence model of rotating shear flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, S.; Ariga, I.; Koyama, H. S.

1983-09-01

A Reynolds stress closure model for rotating turbulent shear flows is developed. Special attention is paid to keeping the model constants independent of rotation. First, general forms of the model of a Reynolds stress equation and a dissipation rate equation are derived, the only restrictions of which are high Reynolds number and incompressibility. The model equations are then applied to two-dimensional equilibrium boundary layers and the effects of Coriolis acceleration on turbulence structures are discussed. Comparisons with the experimental data and with previous results in other external force fields show that there exists a very close analogy between centrifugal, buoyancy and Coriolis force fields. Finally, the model is applied to predict the two-dimensional boundary layers on rotating plane walls. Comparisons with existing data confirmed its capability of predicting mean and turbulent quantities without employing any empirical relations in rotating fields.

Particle kinetic simulation of high altitude hypervelocity flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyd, Iain; Haas, Brian L.

1994-01-01

Rarefied flows about hypersonic vehicles entering the upper atmosphere or through nozzles expanding into a near vacuum may only be simulated accurately with a direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Under this grant, researchers enhanced the models employed in the DSMC method and performed simulations in support of existing NASA projects or missions. DSMC models were developed and validated for simulating rotational, vibrational, and chemical relaxation in high-temperature flows, including effects of quantized anharmonic oscillators and temperature-dependent relaxation rates. State-of-the-art advancements were made in simulating coupled vibration-dissociation recombination for post-shock flows. Models were also developed to compute vehicle surface temperatures directly in the code rather than requiring isothermal estimates. These codes were instrumental in simulating aerobraking of NASA's Magellan spacecraft during orbital maneuvers to assess heat transfer and aerodynamic properties of the delicate satellite. NASA also depended upon simulations of entry of the Galileo probe into the atmosphere of Jupiter to provide drag and flow field information essential for accurate interpretation of an onboard experiment. Finally, the codes have been used extensively to simulate expanding nozzle flows in low-power thrusters in support of propulsion activities at NASA-Lewis. Detailed comparisons between continuum calculations and DSMC results helped to quantify the limitations of continuum CFD codes in rarefied applications.

High frequency electromagnetism, heat transfer and fluid flow coupling in ANSYS multiphysics.

PubMed

Sabliov, Cristina M; Salvi, Deepti A; Boldor, Dorin

2007-01-01

The goal of this study was to numerically predict the temperature of a liquid product heated in a continuous-flow focused microwave system by coupling high frequency electromagnetism, heat transfer, and fluid flow in ANSYS Multiphysics. The developed model was used to determine the temperature change in water processed in a 915 MHz microwave unit, under steady-state conditions. The influence of the flow rates on the temperature distribution in the liquid was assessed. Results showed that the average temperature of water increased from 25 degrees C to 34 degrees C at 2 l/min, and to 42 degrees C at 1 l/min. The highest temperature regions were found in the liquid near the center of the tube, followed by progressively lower temperature regions as the radial distance from the center increased, and finally followed by a slightly higher temperature region near the tube's wall corresponding to the energy distribution given by the Mathieu function. The energy distribution resulted in a similar temperature pattern, with the highest temperatures close to the center of the tube and lower at the walls. The presented ANSYS Multiphysics model can be easily improved to account for complex boundary conditions, phase change, temperature dependent properties, and non-Newtonian flows, which makes for an objective of future studies.

An experimental evaluation of the effect of homogenization quality as a preconditioning on oil-water two-phase volume fraction measurement accuracy using gamma-ray attenuation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharifzadeh, M.; Hashemabadi, S. H.; Afarideh, H.; Khalafi, H.

2018-02-01

The problem of how to accurately measure multiphase flow in the oil/gas industry remains as an important issue since the early 80 s. Meanwhile, oil-water two-phase flow rate measurement has been regarded as an important issue. Gamma-ray attenuation is one of the most commonly used methods for phase fraction measurement which is entirely dependent on the flow regime variations. The peripheral strategy applied for removing the regime dependency problem, is using a homogenization system as a preconditioning tool, as this research work demonstrates. Here, at first, TPFHL as a two-phase flow homogenizer loop has been introduced and verified by a quantitative assessment. In the wake of this procedure, SEMPF as a static-equivalent multiphase flow with an additional capability for preparing a uniform mixture has been explained. The proposed idea in this system was verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the different water-gas oil two-phase volume fractions fed to the homogenizer loop and injected into the static-equivalent system. A comparison between performance of these two systems by using gamma-ray attenuation technique, showed not only an extra ability to prepare a homogenized mixture but a remarkably increased measurement accuracy for the static-equivalent system.

Modeling the energetic and exergetic self-sustainability of societies with different structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sciubba, E.

1995-06-01

The paper examines global energy and exergy flows in various models of organized human societies: from primitive tribal organizations to teocratic/aristocratic societies, to the present industrial (and post-industrial) society, to possible future highly robotized or central control social organizations. The analysis focuses on the very general chain of technological processes connected to the extraction, conversion, distribution and final use of the real energetic content of natural resources (i.e., their exergy): the biological food chain is also considered, albeit in a very simplified and humankind sense. It is argued that, to sustain this chain of processes, it is necessary to usemore » a substantial portion of the final-use energy flow, and to employ a large portion of the total work force sustained by this end-use energy. It is shown that if these quantities can be related to the total exergy flow rate (from the source) and to the total available work force, then this functional relationship takes different forms in different types of society. The procedure is very general: each type of societal organization is reduced to a simple model for which energy and exergy flow diagrams are calculated, under certain well-defined assumptions, which restrain both the exchanges among the functional groups which constitute the model, and the exchanges with the environment. The results can be quantified using some assumptions/projections about energy consumption levels for different stages of technological development which are available in the literature; the procedure is applied to some models of primitive and pre-industrial societies, to the present industrial/post-industrial society, and to a hypothetical model of a future, high-technology society.« less

Three-dimensional computational model of a blood oxygenator reconstructed from micro-CT scans.

PubMed

D'Onofrio, C; van Loon, R; Rolland, S; Johnston, R; North, L; Brown, S; Phillips, R; Sienz, J

2017-09-01

Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures are one of the most common operations and blood oxygenators are the centre piece for the heart-lung machines. Blood oxygenators have been tested as entire devices but intricate details on the flow field inside the oxygenators remain unknown. In this study, a novel method is presented to analyse the flow field inside oxygenators based on micro Computed Tomography (μCT) scans. Two Hollow Fibre Membrane (HFM) oxygenator prototypes were scanned and three-dimensional full scale models that capture the device-specific fibre distributions are set up for computational fluid dynamics analysis. The blood flow through the oxygenator is modelled as a non-Newtonian fluid. The results were compared against the flow solution through an ideal fibre distribution and show the importance of a uniform distribution of fibres and that the oxygenators analysed are not susceptible to flow directionality as mass flow versus area remain the same. However the pressure drop across the oxygenator is dependent on flow rate and direction. By comparing residence time of blood against the time frame to fully saturate blood with oxygen we highlight the potential of this method as design optimisation tool. In conclusion, image-based reconstruction is found to be a feasible route to assess oxygenator performance through flow modelling. It offers the possibility to review a product as manufactured rather than as designed, which is a valuable insight as a precursor to the approval processes. Finally, the flow analysis presented may be extended, at computational cost, to include species transport in further studies. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Gas flow meter and method for measuring gas flow rate

DOEpatents

Robertson, Eric P.

2006-08-01

A gas flow rate meter includes an upstream line and two chambers having substantially equal, fixed volumes. An adjustable valve may direct the gas flow through the upstream line to either of the two chambers. A pressure monitoring device may be configured to prompt valve adjustments, directing the gas flow to an alternate chamber each time a pre-set pressure in the upstream line is reached. A method of measuring the gas flow rate measures the time required for the pressure in the upstream line to reach the pre-set pressure. The volume of the chamber and upstream line are known and fixed, thus the time required for the increase in pressure may be used to determine the flow rate of the gas. Another method of measuring the gas flow rate uses two pressure measurements of a fixed volume, taken at different times, to determine the flow rate of the gas.

An Optical Flow-Based Full Reference Video Quality Assessment Algorithm.

PubMed

K, Manasa; Channappayya, Sumohana S

2016-06-01

We present a simple yet effective optical flow-based full-reference video quality assessment (FR-VQA) algorithm for assessing the perceptual quality of natural videos. Our algorithm is based on the premise that local optical flow statistics are affected by distortions and the deviation from pristine flow statistics is proportional to the amount of distortion. We characterize the local flow statistics using the mean, the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation (CV), and the minimum eigenvalue ( λ min ) of the local flow patches. Temporal distortion is estimated as the change in the CV of the distorted flow with respect to the reference flow, and the correlation between λ min of the reference and of the distorted patches. We rely on the robust multi-scale structural similarity index for spatial quality estimation. The computed temporal and spatial distortions, thus, are then pooled using a perceptually motivated heuristic to generate a spatio-temporal quality score. The proposed method is shown to be competitive with the state-of-the-art when evaluated on the LIVE SD database, the EPFL Polimi SD database, and the LIVE Mobile HD database. The distortions considered in these databases include those due to compression, packet-loss, wireless channel errors, and rate-adaptation. Our algorithm is flexible enough to allow for any robust FR spatial distortion metric for spatial distortion estimation. In addition, the proposed method is not only parameter-free but also independent of the choice of the optical flow algorithm. Finally, we show that the replacement of the optical flow vectors in our proposed method with the much coarser block motion vectors also results in an acceptable FR-VQA algorithm. Our algorithm is called the flow similarity index.

Analysis of uncertainties and convergence of the statistical quantities in turbulent wall-bounded flows by means of a physically based criterion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrade, João Rodrigo; Martins, Ramon Silva; Thompson, Roney Leon; Mompean, Gilmar; da Silveira Neto, Aristeu

2018-04-01

The present paper provides an analysis of the statistical uncertainties associated with direct numerical simulation (DNS) results and experimental data for turbulent channel and pipe flows, showing a new physically based quantification of these errors, to improve the determination of the statistical deviations between DNSs and experiments. The analysis is carried out using a recently proposed criterion by Thompson et al. ["A methodology to evaluate statistical errors in DNS data of plane channel flows," Comput. Fluids 130, 1-7 (2016)] for fully turbulent plane channel flows, where the mean velocity error is estimated by considering the Reynolds stress tensor, and using the balance of the mean force equation. It also presents how the residual error evolves in time for a DNS of a plane channel flow, and the influence of the Reynolds number on its convergence rate. The root mean square of the residual error is shown in order to capture a single quantitative value of the error associated with the dimensionless averaging time. The evolution in time of the error norm is compared with the final error provided by DNS data of similar Reynolds numbers available in the literature. A direct consequence of this approach is that it was possible to compare different numerical results and experimental data, providing an improved understanding of the convergence of the statistical quantities in turbulent wall-bounded flows.

Experimental investigation of liquid-liquid system drop size distribution in Taylor-Couette flow and its application in the CFD simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farzad, Reza; Puttinger, Stefan; Pirker, Stefan; Schneiderbauer, Simon

Liquid-liquid systems are widely used in the several industries such as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical and petroleum. Drop size distribution (DSD) plays a key role as it strongly affects the overall mass and heat transfer in the liquid-liquid systems. To understand the underlying mechanisms single drop breakup experiments have been done by several researchers in the Taylor-Couette flow; however, most of those studies concentrate on the laminar flow regime and therefore, there is no sufficient amount of data in the case of in turbulent flows. The well-defined pattern of the Taylor-Couette flow enables the possibility to investigate DSD as a function of the local fluid dynamic properties, such as shear rate, which is in contrast to more complex devices such as stirred tank reactors. This paper deals with the experimental investigation of liquid-liquid DSD in Taylor-Couette flow. From high speed camera images we found a simple correlation for the Sauter mean diameter as a function of the local shear employing image processing. It is shown that this correlation holds for different oil-in-water emulsions. Finally, this empirical correlation for the DSD is used as an input data for a CFD simulation to compute the local breakup of individual droplets in a stirred tank reactor.

Evaluation of the effect of reactant gases mass flow rates on power density in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahveci, E. E.; Taymaz, I.

2018-03-01

In this study it was experimentally investigated the effect of mass flow rates of reactant gases which is one of the most important operational parameters of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell on power density. The channel type is serpentine and single PEM fuel cell has an active area of 25 cm2. Design-Expert 8.0 (trial version) was used with four variables to investigate the effect of variables on the response using. Cell temperature, hydrogen mass flow rate, oxygen mass flow rate and humidification temperature were selected as independent variables. In addition, the power density was used as response to determine the combined effects of these variables. It was kept constant cell and humidification temperatures while changing mass flow rates of reactant gases. From the results an increase occurred in power density with increasing the hydrogen flow rates. But oxygen flow rate does not have a significant effect on power density within determined mass flow rates.

First-trimester screening for trisomies 18 and 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome by detailed early anomaly scan.

PubMed

Wagner, P; Sonek, J; Hoopmann, M; Abele, H; Kagan, K O

2016-10-01

To examine the performance of first-trimester ultrasound screening for trisomies 18 and 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome based on fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT), additional fetal ultrasound markers including anatomy of the nasal bone (NB), blood flow across the tricuspid valve (TV) and through the ductus venosus (DV) and a detailed fetal anomaly scan at 11-13 weeks' gestation. This was a retrospective case-matched study involving pregnant women at 11-13 weeks' gestation. The study population consisted of fetuses with trisomy 18, trisomy 13, triploidy or Turner syndrome. For each fetus with an abnormal karyotype, 50 randomly selected euploid fetuses were added to the study population. In all cases, the crown-rump length and NT were measured. In addition NB, TV flow and DV flow were examined. The summed risk for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 was computed based on: first, maternal age (MA); second, MA and fetal NT; third, MA, NT and one of the markers NB, TV flow or DV flow; fourth, MA, NT and all these markers combined; fifth, MA, NT and fetal anomalies; and, finally, MA, NT, all markers and fetal anomalies. The study population consisted of 4550 euploid and 91 aneuploid fetuses. Median NT was 1.8 mm in euploid fetuses and 4.8, 6.8, 1.8 and 10.0 mm in fetuses with trisomy 18, trisomy 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome, respectively. The NB, TV flow and DV flow were abnormal in 48 (1.1%), 34 (0.7%) and 99 (2.2%) euploid fetuses, respectively, and in 42 (46.2%), 31 (34.1%) and 62 (68.1%) aneuploid fetuses, respectively. At least one defect was found in 60 (1.3%) euploid and in 76 (83.5%) aneuploid fetuses. For a false-positive rate of 3%, the detection rate for screening based on MA and fetal NT was 75.8%. It increased to 84.6-86.8% when including one of the additional ultrasound markers and it was 90.1% when all three markers were included. When screening was based on MA, fetal NT and a detailed anomaly scan, the detection rate was 94.5% and increased to 95.6% with the addition of NB, TV flow and DV flow. A detailed anomaly scan at 11-13 weeks' gestation can identify about 95% of fetuses with trisomy 18, trisomy 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Investigation of the influence of groundwater advection on energy extraction rates for sustainable borehole heat exchanger operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schelenz, Sophie; Dietrich, Peter; Vienken, Thomas

2016-04-01

A sustainable thermal exploitation of the shallow subsurface requires a precise understanding of all relevant heat transport processes. Currently, planning practice of shallow geothermal systems (especially for systems < 30 kW) focuses on conductive heat transport as the main energy source while the impact of groundwater flow as the driver for advective heat transport is neglected or strongly simplified. The presented study proves that those simplifications of complex geological and hydrogeological subsurface characteristics are insufficient for a precise evaluation of site-specific energy extraction rates. Based on synthetic model scenarios with varying subsurface conditions (groundwater flow velocity and aquifer thickness) the impact of advection on induced long term temperature changes in 5 and 10 m distance of the borehole heat exchanger is presented. Extending known investigations, this study enhances the evaluation of shallow geothermal energy extraction rates by considering conductive and advective heat transport under varying aquifer thicknesses. Further, it evaluates the impact of advection on installation lengths of the borehole heat exchanger to optimize the initial financial investment. Finally, an evaluation approach is presented that classifies relevant heat transport processes according to their Péclet number to enable a first quantitative assessment of the subsurface energy regime and recommend further investigation and planning procedures.

Artificial neural network modeling of a deflector in a grooved channel as well as optimization of its effective parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdollahi, Azita; Shams, Mehrzad; Abdollahi, Anita

2018-01-01

One of methods available to increase the rate of heat transfer in channels with parallel plates is making grooves in them. But, the fundamental problem of this method is the formation of stagnation zone in the grooves and as a result formation a zone with low energy transfer. In this paper, the effect of placing curved deflectors (geometries with elliptical forms) in channel on thermal and hydraulic characteristic of the fluid flow- with the aim of directing of the flow into the grooves and as a result increasing the rate of heat transfer in this zone- are investigated and heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop are calculated for different values of Reynolds number and geometrical parameters of the deflector (its small and large radiuses). The results show that the presence of the deflector in the channel significantly increases the heat transfer rate compare to the channel without deflector. Of course, it should be noted that this work also increases the pressure drop. So, finally in order to determine configurations of the deflector causing minimum pressure drop, maximum Nusselt number or a balance between them, optimization algorithm consisting of artificial neural network and multi-objective genetic algorithm was utilized to calculate the optimal values of these parameters.

Estimation of inlet flow rates for image-based aneurysm CFD models: where and how to begin?

PubMed

Valen-Sendstad, Kristian; Piccinelli, Marina; KrishnankuttyRema, Resmi; Steinman, David A

2015-06-01

Patient-specific flow rates are rarely available for image-based computational fluid dynamics models. Instead, flow rates are often assumed to scale according to the diameters of the arteries of interest. Our goal was to determine how choice of inlet location and scaling law affect such model-based estimation of inflow rates. We focused on 37 internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm cases from the Aneurisk cohort. An average ICA flow rate of 245 mL min(-1) was assumed from the literature, and then rescaled for each case according to its inlet diameter squared (assuming a fixed velocity) or cubed (assuming a fixed wall shear stress). Scaling was based on diameters measured at various consistent anatomical locations along the models. Choice of location introduced a modest 17% average uncertainty in model-based flow rate, but within individual cases estimated flow rates could vary by >100 mL min(-1). A square law was found to be more consistent with physiological flow rates than a cube law. Although impact of parent artery truncation on downstream flow patterns is well studied, our study highlights a more insidious and potentially equal impact of truncation site and scaling law on the uncertainty of assumed inlet flow rates and thus, potentially, downstream flow patterns.

Studies on the prevalence of reduced salivary flow rate in relation to general health and dental caries, and effect of iron supplementation.

PubMed

Flink, Håkan

2007-01-01

Reduced salivary flow is a condition that affects oral health. Its prevalence is unknown in young and middle-aged adults and there is no known treatment that permanently increases the salivary flow rate. Reduced salivary flow is related to dental caries, the most common oral disease. Reduced salivary flow is often found in individuals with insufficient food intake and thereby insufficient nutrition to the salivary glands. One nutrition related factor that has been proposed to effect salivary flow rate is iron deficiency. The aims of the thesis were to investigate i) the prevalence of reduced salivary flow rate in different age groups of adults, ii) the relationship between reduced salivary flow rate, general health and dental caries, iii) the influence of time of measurement on reduced salivary flow rate, and iv) if reduced salivary flow rates could be increased by iron supplementation. In Study I saliva was collected from 1427 individuals aged 20-69 years. A questionnaire was answered regarding subjective oral dryness, general diseases, use of drugs, BMI (Body Mass Index) and use of tobacco. In Study II saliva was collected from 48 patients with active caries and 48 caries-inactive patients. A blood sample was analysed for serum ferritin. In Study III the unstimulated salivary flow rate was tested at 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. in 108 individuals, age 15-46 years. The participants were allocated to one of three groups (very low < 0.1 mL/min, low 0.1-0.2 mL/min and normal > 0.2 mL/min) based on the the unstimulated salivary flow rate at 7:30 a.m. Different aspects of the perception of oral dryness were rated using Visual Analogue Scales. In Study IV a double-blind, randomized controlled trial was carried out on 50 individuals with a low unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and low serum ferritin. Half the individuals received 60 mg of iron orally twice a day for 3 months, while the other half received placebo. In Study I it was found that the prevalence of very low (< 0.1 mL/min) and low (0.10-0.19 mL/min) unstimulated salivary flow rate were similar for different age groups up to 50 years, ranging between 10.9-17.8% and 17.3-22.7%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression revealed that above age 50, female gender, 'having fewer than 20 teeth', and taking xerogenic drugs significantly increased the risk of very low unstimulated salivary flow rate. In Study II 32 individuals (67%) in the caries active group had low unstimulated salivary flow rate compared with 13 individuals (27%) in the caries inactive group. There was no difference in serum ferritin levels between the two groups. Study III showed for all groups a statistically significant increase in unstimulated salivary flow rate at 11:30 a.m. compared with 7:30 a.m., all of similar magnitude (0.08-0.09 mL/min). In the group with very low salivary flow rate, 70% at 11:30 a.m. exceeded the 0.1 mL/min limit. There were significant difference in perception of oral dryness between the normal group and both the low and the very low groups. In Study IV no statistically significant difference was found between the groups after treatment for the unstimulated flow rate and in the subjective assessments of oral dryness. The prevalence of reduced salivary flow rates is consistent and prevalent in younger and middle-aged adults (< 50 years). Very low salivary flow rates are related to high Body Mass Index (BMI) and diagnosed diseases in younger adults, but to medication in older adults. Reduced salivary flow rate in young adult women is related to caries. The time of measurement of salivary flow rates influences diagnosis of hyposalivation. Iron supplementation does not enhance salivary flow.

A comprehensive equivalent circuit model of all-vanadium redox flow battery for power system analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Zhao, Jiyun; Wang, Peng; Skyllas-Kazacos, Maria; Xiong, Binyu; Badrinarayanan, Rajagopalan

2015-09-01

Electrical equivalent circuit models demonstrate excellent adaptability and simplicity in predicting the electrical dynamic response of the all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) system. However, only a few publications that focus on this topic are available. The paper presents a comprehensive equivalent circuit model of VRB for system level analysis. The least square method is used to identify both steady-state and dynamic characteristics of VRB. The inherent features of the flow battery such as shunt current, ion diffusion and pumping energy consumption are also considered. The proposed model consists of an open-circuit voltage source, two parasitic shunt bypass circuits, a 1st order resistor-capacitor network and a hydraulic circuit model. Validated with experimental data, the proposed model demonstrates excellent accuracy. The mean-error of terminal voltage and pump consumption are 0.09 V and 0.49 W respectively. Based on the proposed model, self-discharge and system efficiency are studied. An optimal flow rate which maximizes the system efficiency is identified. Finally, the dynamic responses of the proposed VRB model under step current profiles are presented. Variables such as SOC and stack terminal voltage can be provided.

Correlating Lagrangian structures with forcing in two-dimensional flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouellette, Nicholas; Hogg, Charlie; Liao, Yang

2015-11-01

Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) are the dominant transport barriers in unsteady, aperiodic flows, and their role in organizing mixing and transport has been well documented. However, nearly all that is known about LCSs has been gleaned from passive observations: they are computed in a post-processing step after a flow has been observed, and used to understand why the mixing and transport proceeded as it did. Here, we instead take a first step toward controlling the presence or locations of LCSs by studying the relationship between LCSs and external forcing in an experimental quasi-two-dimensional weakly turbulent flow. We find that the likelihood of finding a repelling LCS at a given location is positively correlated with the mean strain rate injected at that point and negatively correlated with the mean speed, and that it is not correlated with the vorticity. We also find that mean time between successive LCSs appearing at a fixed location is related to the structure of the forcing field. Finally, we demonstrate a surprising difference in our results between LCSs computed forward and backwards in time, with forward-time (repelling) LCSs showing much more correlation with the forcing than backwards-time (attracting) LCSs.

The NASA Subsonic Jet Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Dataset

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridges, James; Wernet, Mark P.

2011-01-01

Many tasks in fluids engineering require prediction of turbulence of jet flows. The present document documents the single-point statistics of velocity, mean and variance, of cold and hot jet flows. The jet velocities ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 times the ambient speed of sound, and temperatures ranged from unheated to static temperature ratio 2.7. Further, the report assesses the accuracies of the data, e.g., establish uncertainties for the data. This paper covers the following five tasks: (1) Document acquisition and processing procedures used to create the particle image velocimetry (PIV) datasets. (2) Compare PIV data with hotwire and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) data published in the open literature. (3) Compare different datasets acquired at the same flow conditions in multiple tests to establish uncertainties. (4) Create a consensus dataset for a range of hot jet flows, including uncertainty bands. (5) Analyze this consensus dataset for self-consistency and compare jet characteristics to those of the open literature. The final objective was fulfilled by using the potential core length and the spread rate of the half-velocity radius to collapse of the mean and turbulent velocity fields over the first 20 jet diameters.

An efficient, self-orienting, vertical-array, sand trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilton, Michael; Nickling, Bill; Wakes, Sarah; Sherman, Douglas; Konlechner, Teresa; Jermy, Mark; Geoghegan, Patrick

2017-04-01

There remains a need for an efficient, low-cost, portable, passive sand trap, which can provide estimates of vertical sand flux over topography and within vegetation and which self-orients into the wind. We present a design for a stacked vertical trap that has been modelled (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) and evaluated in the field and in the wind tunnel. The 'swinging' trap orients to within 10° of the flow in the wind tunnel at 8 m s-1, and more rapidly in the field, where natural variability in wind direction accelerates orientation. The CFD analysis indicates flow is steered into the trap during incident wind flow. The trap has a low profile and there is only a small decrease in mass flow rate for multiple traps, poles and rows of poles. The efficiency of the trap was evaluated against an isokinetic sampler and found to be greater than 95%. The centre pole is a key element of the design, minimally decreasing trap efficiency. Finally, field comparisons with the trap of Sherman et al. (2014) yielded comparable estimates of vertical sand flux. The trap described in this paper provides accurate estimates of sand transport in a wide range of field conditions.

Active control of nanolitre droplet contents with convective concentration gradients across permeable walls.

PubMed

Zeitoun, Ramsey I; Goudie, Marcus J; Zwier, Jacob; Mahawilli, David; Burns, Mark A

2011-12-07

Nanolitre droplets in microfluidic devices can be used to perform thousands of independent chemical and biological experiments while minimizing reagents, cost and time. However, the absence of simple and versatile methods capable of controlling the contents of these nanolitre chemical systems limits their scientific potential. To address this, we have developed a method that is simple to fabricate and can continuously control nanolitre chemical systems by integrating a time-resolved convective flow signal across a permeable membrane wall. With this method, we can independently control the volume and concentration of nanolitre-sized drops without ever directly contacting the fluid. Transport occurring in these systems was also analyzed and thoroughly characterized. We achieved volumetric fluid introduction and removal rates ranging from 0.23 to 4.0 pL s(-1). Furthermore, we expanded this method to perform chemical processes. We precipitated silver chloride using a flow signal of sodium chloride and silver nitrate droplets. From there, we were able to separate sodium chloride reactants with a water flow signal, and dissolve silver chloride solids with an ammonia hydroxide flow signal. Finally, we demonstrate the potential to deliver large molecules and perform physical processes like crystallization and particle packing.

Time-dependent and outflow boundary conditions for Dissipative Particle Dynamics

PubMed Central

Lei, Huan; Fedosov, Dmitry A.; Karniadakis, George Em

2011-01-01

We propose a simple method to impose both no-slip boundary conditions at fluid-wall interfaces and at outflow boundaries in fully developed regions for Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) fluid systems. The procedure to enforce the no-slip condition is based on a velocity-dependent shear force, which is a generalized force to represent the presence of the solid-wall particles and to maintain locally thermodynamic consistency. We show that this method can be implemented in both steady and time-dependent fluid systems and compare the DPD results with the continuum limit (Navier-Stokes) results. We also develop a force-adaptive method to impose the outflow boundary conditions for fully developed flow with unspecified outflow velocity profile or pressure value. We study flows over the backward-facing step and in idealized arterial bifurcations using a combination of the two new boundary methods with different flow rates. Finally, we explore the applicability of the outflow method in time-dependent flow systems. The outflow boundary method works well for systems with Womersley number of O(1), i.e., when the pressure and flowrate at the outflow are approximately in-phase. PMID:21499548

Design and numerical simulation on an auto-cumulative flowmeter in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Beibei; Kong, Lingfu; Kong, Deming; Kong, Weihang; Li, Lei; Liu, Xingbin; Chen, Jiliang

2017-11-01

In order to accurately measure the flow rate under the low yield horizontal well conditions, an auto-cumulative flowmeter (ACF) was proposed. Using the proposed flowmeter, the oil flow rate in horizontal oil-water two-phase segregated flow can be finely extracted. The computational fluid dynamics software Fluent was used to simulate the fluid of the ACF in oil-water two-phase flow. In order to calibrate the simulation measurement of the ACF, a novel oil flow rate measurement method was further proposed. The models of the ACF were simulated to obtain and calibrate the oil flow rate under different total flow rates and oil cuts. Using the finite-element method, the structure of the seven conductance probes in the ACF was simulated. The response values for the probes of the ACF under the conditions of oil-water segregated flow were obtained. The experiments for oil-water segregated flow under different heights of the oil accumulation in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow were carried out to calibrate the ACF. The validity of the oil flow rate measurement in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow was verified by simulation and experimental results.

Design and numerical simulation on an auto-cumulative flowmeter in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow.

PubMed

Xie, Beibei; Kong, Lingfu; Kong, Deming; Kong, Weihang; Li, Lei; Liu, Xingbin; Chen, Jiliang

2017-11-01

In order to accurately measure the flow rate under the low yield horizontal well conditions, an auto-cumulative flowmeter (ACF) was proposed. Using the proposed flowmeter, the oil flow rate in horizontal oil-water two-phase segregated flow can be finely extracted. The computational fluid dynamics software Fluent was used to simulate the fluid of the ACF in oil-water two-phase flow. In order to calibrate the simulation measurement of the ACF, a novel oil flow rate measurement method was further proposed. The models of the ACF were simulated to obtain and calibrate the oil flow rate under different total flow rates and oil cuts. Using the finite-element method, the structure of the seven conductance probes in the ACF was simulated. The response values for the probes of the ACF under the conditions of oil-water segregated flow were obtained. The experiments for oil-water segregated flow under different heights of the oil accumulation in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow were carried out to calibrate the ACF. The validity of the oil flow rate measurement in horizontal oil-water two-phase flow was verified by simulation and experimental results.

Picoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using Narrow-bore Chemically Etched Emitters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marginean, Ioan; Tang, Keqi; Smith, Richard D.

2014-01-01

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) at flow rates below ~10 nL/min has been only sporadically explored due to difficulty in reproducibly fabricating emitters that can operate at lower flow rates. Here we demonstrate narrow orifice chemically etched emitters for stable electrospray at flow rates as low as 400 pL/min. Depending on the analyte concentration, we observe two types of MS signal response as a function of flow rate. At low concentrations, an optimum flow rate is observed slightly above 1 nL/min, while the signal decreases monotonically with decreasing flow rates at higher concentrations. In spite of lower MS signal, themore » ion utilization efficiency increases exponentially with decreasing flow rate in all cases. No unimolecular response was observed within this flow rate range during the analysis of an equimolar mixture of peptides, indicating that ionization efficiency is an analyte-dependent characteristic in given experimental conditions. While little to no gain in signal-to-noise was achieved at ultralow flow rates for concentration-limited analyses, experiments consuming the same amount of analyte suggest that mass-limited analyses will benefit strongly from the use of low flow rates and avoiding unnecessary sample dilution. By operating under optimal conditions, consumption of just 500 zmol of sample yielded signal-to-noise ratios ~10 for some peptides. These findings have important implications for the analysis of trace biological samples.« less

Reactive-transport modelling of gypsum dissolution in a coastal karst aquifer in Puglia, southern Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campana, Claudia; Fidelibus, Maria Dolores

2015-11-01

The gypsum coastal aquifer of Lesina Marina (Puglia, southern Italy) has been affected by sinkhole formation in recent decades. Previous studies based on geomorphologic and hydrogeological data ascribed the onset of collapse phenomena to the erosion of material that fills palaeo-cavities (suffosion sinkholes). The change in the hydrodynamic conditions of groundwater induced by the excavation of a canal within the evaporite formation nearly 100 years ago was identified as the major factor in triggering the erosion, while the contribution of gypsum dissolution was considered negligible. A combined reactive-transport/density-dependent flow model was applied to the gypsum aquifer to evaluate whether gypsum dissolution rate is a dominant or insignificant factor in recent sinkhole formation under current hydrodynamic conditions. The conceptual model was first defined with a set of assumptions based on field and laboratory data along a two-dimensional transect of the aquifer, and then a density-dependent, tide-influenced flow model was set up and solved using the numerical code SEAWAT. Finally, the resulting transient flow field was used by the reactive multicomponent transport model PHT3D to estimate the gypsum dissolution rate. The validation tests show that the model accurately represents the real system, and the multi-disciplinary approach provides consistent information about the causes and evolution time of dissolution processes. The modelled porosity development rate is too low to represent a significant contribution to the recent sinkhole formation in the Lesina Marina area, although it justifies cavity formation and cavity position over geological time.

Characterization of Plastic Flow Pertinent to the Evolution of Bulk Residual Stress in Powder-Metallurgy, Nickel-Base Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semiatin, S. L.; Fagin, P. N.; Goetz, R. L.; Furrer, D. U.; Dutton, R. E.

2015-09-01

The plastic-flow behavior which controls the formation of bulk residual stresses during final heat treatment of powder-metallurgy (PM), nickel-base superalloys was quantified using conventional (isothermal) stress-relaxation (SR) tests and a novel approach which simulates concurrent temperature and strain transients during cooling following solution treatment. The concurrent cooling/straining test involves characterization of the thermal compliance of the test sample. In turn, this information is used to program the ram-displacement- vs-time profile to impose a constant plastic strain rate during cooling. To demonstrate the efficacy of the new approach, SR tests (in both tension and compression) and concurrent cooling/tension-straining experiments were performed on two PM superalloys, LSHR and IN-100. The isothermal SR experiments were conducted at a series of temperatures between 1144 K and 1436 K (871 °C and 1163 °C) on samples that had been supersolvus solution treated and cooled slowly or rapidly to produce starting microstructures comprising coarse gamma grains and coarse or fine secondary gamma-prime precipitates, respectively. The concurrent cooling/straining tests comprised supersolvus solution treatment and various combinations of subsequent cooling rate and plastic strain rate. Comparison of flow-stress data from the SR and concurrent cooling/straining tests showed some similarities and some differences which were explained in the context of the size of the gamma-prime precipitates and the evolution of dislocation substructure. The magnitude of the effect of concurrent deformation during cooling on gamma-prime precipitation was also quantified experimentally and theoretically.

Rotor cascade shape optimization with unsteady passing wakes using implicit dual time stepping method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Eun Seok

2000-10-01

An improved aerodynamics performance of a turbine cascade shape can be achieved by an understanding of the flow-field associated with the stator-rotor interaction. In this research, an axial gas turbine airfoil cascade shape is optimized for improved aerodynamic performance by using an unsteady Navier-Stokes solver and a parallel genetic algorithm. The objective of the research is twofold: (1) to develop a computational fluid dynamics code having faster convergence rate and unsteady flow simulation capabilities, and (2) to optimize a turbine airfoil cascade shape with unsteady passing wakes for improved aerodynamic performance. The computer code solves the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. It is based on the explicit, finite difference, Runge-Kutta time marching scheme and the Diagonalized Alternating Direction Implicit (DADI) scheme, with the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic and k-epsilon turbulence modeling. Improvements in the code focused on the cascade shape design capability, convergence acceleration and unsteady formulation. First, the inverse shape design method was implemented in the code to provide the design capability, where a surface transpiration concept was employed as an inverse technique to modify the geometry satisfying the user specified pressure distribution on the airfoil surface. Second, an approximation storage multigrid method was implemented as an acceleration technique. Third, the preconditioning method was adopted to speed up the convergence rate in solving the low Mach number flows. Finally, the implicit dual time stepping method was incorporated in order to simulate the unsteady flow-fields. For the unsteady code validation, the Stokes's 2nd problem and the Poiseuille flow were chosen and compared with the computed results and analytic solutions. To test the code's ability to capture the natural unsteady flow phenomena, vortex shedding past a cylinder and the shock oscillation over a bicircular airfoil were simulated and compared with experiments and other research results. The rotor cascade shape optimization with unsteady passing wakes was performed to obtain an improved aerodynamic performance using the unsteady Navier-Stokes solver. Two objective functions were defined as minimization of total pressure loss and maximization of lift, while the mass flow rate was fixed. A parallel genetic algorithm was used as an optimizer and the penalty method was introduced. Each individual's objective function was computed simultaneously by using a 32 processor distributed memory computer. One optimization took about four days.

Influence of Reduced Mass Flow Rate and Chamber Backpressure on Swirl Injector Fluid Mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenny, R Jeremy; Hulka, James R.

2008-01-01

Industry interest in variable-thrust liquid rocket engines places a demand on engine injector technology to operate over a wide range of liquid mass flow rates and chamber backpressures. One injection technology of current interest for variable thrust applications is an injector design with swirled fluids. Current swirl injector design methodologies do not take into account how swirl injector design parameters respond to elevated chamber backpressures at less than design mass flow rates. The current work was created to improve state-of-the-art swirl injector design methods in this area. The specific objective was to study the effects of elevated chamber backpressure and off-design mass flow rates on swirl injector fluid mechanics. Using a backpressure chamber with optical access, water was flowed through a swirl injector at various combinations of chamber backpressure and mass flow rates. The film thickness profile down the swirl injector nozzle section was measured through a transparent nozzle section of the injector. High speed video showed measurable increases in the film thickness profile with application of chamber backpressure and mass flow rates less than design. At prescribed combinations of chamber backpressure and injected mass flow rate, a discrete change in the film thickness profile was observed. Measured injector discharge coefficient values showed different trends with increasing chamber backpressure at low mass flow rates as opposed to near-design mass flow rates. Downstream spray angles showed classic changes in morphology as the mass flow rate was decreased below the design value. Increasing chamber backpressure decreased the spray angle at any injection mass flow rate. Experimental measurements and discussion of these results are reported in this paper.

The minimum or natural rate of flow and droplet size ejected by Taylor cone-jets: physical symmetries and scaling laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gañán-Calvo, A. M.; Rebollo-Muñoz, N.; Montanero, J. M.

2013-03-01

We aim to establish the scaling laws for both the minimum rate of flow attainable in the steady cone-jet mode of electrospray, and the size of the resulting droplets in that limit. Use is made of a small body of literature on Taylor cone-jets reporting precise measurements of the transported electric current and droplet size as a function of the liquid properties and flow rate. The projection of the data onto an appropriate non-dimensional parameter space maps a region bounded by the minimum rate of flow attainable in the steady state. To explain these experimental results, we propose a theoretical model based on the generalized concept of physical symmetry, stemming from the system time invariance (steadiness). A group of symmetries rising at the cone-to-jet geometrical transition determines the scaling for the minimum flow rate and related variables. If the flow rate is decreased below that minimum value, those symmetries break down, which leads to dripping. We find that the system exhibits two instability mechanisms depending on the nature of the forces arising against the flow: one dominated by viscosity and the other by the liquid polarity. In the former case, full charge relaxation is guaranteed down to the minimum flow rate, while in the latter the instability condition becomes equivalent to the symmetry breakdown by charge relaxation or separation. When cone-jets are formed without artificially imposing a flow rate, a microjet is issued quasi-steadily. The flow rate naturally ejected this way coincides with the minimum flow rate studied here. This natural flow rate determines the minimum droplet size that can be steadily produced by any electrohydrodynamic means for a given set of liquid properties.

Prediction of Metabolite Concentrations, Rate Constants and Post-Translational Regulation Using Maximum Entropy-Based Simulations with Application to Central Metabolism of Neurospora crassa

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cannon, William; Zucker, Jeremy; Baxter, Douglas

We report the application of a recently proposed approach for modeling biological systems using a maximum entropy production rate principle in lieu of having in vivo rate constants. The method is applied in four steps: (1) a new ODE-based optimization approach based on Marcelin’s 1910 mass action equation is used to obtain the maximum entropy distribution, (2) the predicted metabolite concentrations are compared to those generally expected from experiment using a loss function from which post-translational regulation of enzymes is inferred, (3) the system is re-optimized with the inferred regulation from which rate constants are determined from the metabolite concentrationsmore » and reaction fluxes, and finally (4) a full ODE-based, mass action simulation with rate parameters and allosteric regulation is obtained. From the last step, the power characteristics and resistance of each reaction can be determined. The method is applied to the central metabolism of Neurospora crassa and the flow of material through the three competing pathways of upper glycolysis, the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway are evaluated as a function of the NADP/NADPH ratio. It is predicted that regulation of phosphofructokinase (PFK) and flow through the pentose phosphate pathway are essential for preventing an extreme level of fructose 1, 6-bisphophate accumulation. Such an extreme level of fructose 1,6-bisphophate would otherwise result in a glassy cytoplasm with limited diffusion, dramatically decreasing the entropy and energy production rate and, consequently, biological competitiveness.« less

Effects of atmospheric pressure conditions on flow rate of an elastomeric infusion pump.

PubMed

Wang, Jong; Moeller, Anna; Ding, Yuanpang Samuel

2012-04-01

The effects of pressure conditions, both hyperbaric and hypobaric, on the flow rate of an elastomeric infusion pump were investigated. The altered pressure conditions were tested with the restrictor outlet at two different conditions: (1) at the same pressure condition as the Infusor elastomeric balloon and (2) with the outlet exposed to ambient conditions. Five different pressure conditions were tested. These included ambient pressure (98-101 kilopascals [kPa]) and test pressures controlled to be 10 or 20 kPa below or 75 or 150 kPa above the ambient pressure. A theoretical calculation based on the principles of fluid mechanics was also used to predict the pump's flow rate at various ambient conditions. The conditions in which the Infusor elastomeric pump and restrictor outlet were at the same pressure gave rise to average flow rates within the ±10% tolerance of the calculated target flow rate of 11 mL/hr. The flow rate of the Infusor pump decreased when the pressure conditions changed from hypobaric to ambient. The flow rate increased when the pressure conditions changed from hyperbaric to ambient. The flow rate of the Infusor elastomeric pump was not affected when the balloon reservoir and restrictor outlet were at the same pressure. The flow rate varied from 58.54% to 377.04% of the labeled flow rate when the pressure applied to the reservoir varied from 20 kPa below to 150 kPa above the pressure applied to the restrictor outlet, respectively. The maximum difference between observed flow rates and those calculated by applying fluid mechanics was 4.9%.

Recurrence rate and magma effusion rate for the latest volcanism on Arsia Mons, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, Jacob A.; Wilson, James A.; Connor, Charles B.; Bleacher, Jacob E.; Kiyosugi, Koji

2017-01-01

Magmatism and volcanism have evolved the Martian lithosphere, surface, and climate throughout the history of Mars. Constraining the rates of magma generation and timing of volcanism on the surface clarifies the ways in which magma and volcanic activity have shaped these Martian systems. The ages of lava flows on other planets are often estimated using impact crater counts, assuming that the number and size-distribution of impact craters per unit area reflect the time the lava flow has been on the surface and exposed to potential impacts. Here we show that impact crater age model uncertainty is reduced by adding stratigraphic information observed at locations where neighboring lavas abut each other, and demonstrate the significance of this reduction in age uncertainty for understanding the history of a volcanic field comprising 29 vents in the 110-km-diameter caldera of Arsia Mons, Mars. Each vent within this caldera produced lava flows several to tens of kilometers in length; these vents are likely among the youngest on Mars, since no impact craters in their lava flows are larger than 1 km in diameter. First, we modeled the age of each vent with impact crater counts performed on their corresponding lava flows and found very large age uncertainties for the ages of individual vents, often spanning the estimated age for the entire volcanic field. The age model derived from impact crater counts alone is broad and unimodal, with estimated peak activity in the field around 130 Ma. Next we applied our volcano event age model (VEAM), which uses a directed graph of stratigraphic relationships and random sampling of the impact crater age determinations to create alternative age models. Monte Carlo simulation was used to create 10,000 possible vent age sets. The recurrence rate of volcanism is calculated for each possible age set, and these rates are combined to calculate the median recurrence rate of all simulations. Applying this approach to the 29 volcanic vents, volcanism likely began around 200-300 Ma then first peaked around 150 Ma, with an average production rate of 0.4 vents per Myr. The recurrence rate estimated including stratigraphic data is distinctly bimodal, with a second, lower peak in activity around 100 Ma. Volcanism then waned until the final vents were produced 10-90 Ma. Based on this model, volume flux is also bimodal, reached a peak rate of 1-8 km3 Myr-1 by 150 Ma and remained above half this rate until about 90 Ma, after which the volume flux diminished greatly. The onset of effusive volcanism from 200-150 Ma might be due to a transition of volcanic style away from explosive volcanism that emplaced tephra on the western flank of Arsia Mons, while the waning of volcanism after the 150 Ma peak might represent a larger-scale diminishing of volcanic activity at Arsia Mons related to the emplacement of flank apron lavas.

Recurrence Rate and Magma Effusion Rate for the Latest Volcanism on Arsia Mons, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, Jacob A.; Wilson, James A.; Connor, Charles B.; Bleacher, Jacob E.; Kiyosugi, Koji

2016-01-01

Magmatism and volcanism have evolved the Martian lithosphere, surface, and climate throughout the history of Mars. Constraining the rates of magma generation and timing of volcanism on the surface clarifies the ways in which magma and volcanic activity have shaped these Martian systems. The ages of lava flows on other planets are often estimated using impact crater counts, assuming that the number and size-distribution of impact craters per unit area reflect the time the lava flow has been on the surface and exposed to potential impacts. Here we show that impact crater age model uncertainty is reduced by adding stratigraphic information observed at locations where neighboring lavas abut each other, and demonstrate the significance of this reduction in age uncertainty for understanding the history of a volcanic field comprising 29 vents in the 110-kilometer-diameter caldera of Arsia Mons, Mars. Each vent within this caldera produced lava flows several to tens of kilometers in length; these vents are likely among the youngest on Mars, since no impact craters in their lava flows are larger than 1 kilometer in diameter. First, we modeled the age of each vent with impact crater counts performed on their corresponding lava flows and found very large age uncertainties for the ages of individual vents, often spanning the estimated age for the entire volcanic field. The age model derived from impact crater counts alone is broad and unimodal, with estimated peak activity in the field around 130Ma (megaannum, 1 million years). Next we applied our volcano event age model (VEAM), which uses a directed graph of stratigraphic relationships and random sampling of the impact crater age determinations to create alternative age models. Monte Carlo simulation was used to create 10,000 possible vent age sets. The recurrence rate of volcanism is calculated for each possible age set, and these rates are combined to calculate the median recurrence rate of all simulations. Applying this approach to the 29 volcanic vents, volcanism likely began around 200-300Ma then first peaked around 150Ma, with an average production rate of 0.4 vents per Myr (million years). The recurrence rate estimated including stratigraphic data is distinctly bimodal, with a second, lower peak in activity around 100Ma. Volcanism then waned until the final vents were produced 10-90Ma. Based on this model, volume flux is also bimodal, reached a peak rate of 1-8 cubic kilometers per million years by 150Ma and remained above half this rate until about 90Ma, after which the volume flux diminished greatly. The onset of effusive volcanism from 200-150Ma might be due to a transition of volcanic style away from explosive volcanism that emplaced tephra on the western flank of Arsia Mons, while the waning of volcanism after the 150Ma peak might represent a larger-scale diminishing of volcanic activity at Arsia Mons related to the emplacement of flank apron lavas.

An experimental description of the flow in a centrifugal compressor from alternate stall to surge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moënne-Loccoz, V.; Trébinjac, I.; Benichou, E.; Goguey, S.; Paoletti, B.; Laucher, P.

2017-08-01

The present paper gives the experimental results obtained in a centrifugal compressor stage designed and built by SAFRAN Helicopter Engines. The compressor is composed of inlet guide vanes, a backswept splittered unshrouded impeller, a splittered vaned radial diffuser and axial outlet guide vanes. Previous numerical simulations revealed a particular S-shape pressure rise characteristic at partial rotation speed and predicted an alternate flow pattern in the vaned radial diffuser at low mass flow rate. This alternate flow pattern involves two adjacent vane passages. One passage exhibits very low momentum and a low pressure recovery, whereas the adjacent passage has very high momentum in the passage inlet and diffuses efficiently. Experimental measurements confirm the S-shape of the pressure rise characteristic even if the stability limit experimentally occurs at higher mass flow than numerically predicted. At low mass flow the alternate stall pattern is confirmed thanks to the data obtained by high-frequency pressure sensors. As the compressor is throttled the path to instability has been registered and a first scenario of the surge inception is given. The compressor first experiences a steady alternate stall in the diffuser. As the mass flow decreases, the alternate stall amplifies and triggers the mild surge in the vaned diffuser. An unsteady behavior results from the interaction of the alternate stall and the mild surge. Finally, when the pressure gradient becomes too strong, the alternate stall blows away and the compressor enters into deep surge.