High-temperature, high-pressure oxygen metering valve

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christianson, Rollin C. (Inventor); Lycou, Peter P. (Inventor); Daniel, James A. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A control valve includes a body defining a central cavity arranged between a fluid inlet and outwardly-diverging first and second fluid outlets respectively disposed in a common transverse plane. A valve member is arranged in the cavity for rotation between first and second operating positions where a transverse fluid passage through the valve member alternatively communicates the fluid inlet with one or the other of the fluid outlets. To minimize fluid turbulence when the valve member is rotated to an alternate operating position, the fluid passage has a convergent entrance for maintaining the passage in permanent communication with the fluid inlet as well as an oblong exit opening with spaced side walls for enabling the exit opening to temporarily span the first and second fluid outlets as the valve member is turned between its respective operating positions.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth [Kingwood, TX; Turner, William Evans [Durham, CT; Burgess, Daniel E [Middletown, CT; Perry, Carl Allison [Middletown, CT

2007-05-22

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth [Kingwood, TX; Turner, William Evans [Durham, CT; Burgess, Daniel E [Middletown, CT; Perry, Carl Allison [Middletown, CT

2008-05-27

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth; Turner, William Evans; Burgess, Daniel E.; Perry, Carl Allison

2012-08-14

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth; Turner, William Evans; Burgess, Daniel E; Perry, Carl Allison

2014-03-04

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth [Kingwood, TX; Turner, William Evans [Durham, CT; Burgess, Daniel E [Middletown, CT; Perry, Carl Allison [Middletown, CT

2011-08-16

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string

DOEpatents

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth; Turner, William Evans; Burgess, Daniel E; Perry, Carl Allison

2015-02-03

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.

High pressure capillary connector

DOEpatents

Renzi, Ronald F.

2005-08-09

A high pressure connector capable of operating at pressures of 40,000 psi or higher is provided. This connector can be employed to position a first fluid-bearing conduit that has a proximal end and a distal end to a second fluid-bearing conduit thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second fluid-bearing conduits. The connector includes (a) an internal fitting assembly having a body cavity with (i) a lower segment that defines a lower segment aperture and (ii) an interiorly threaded upper segment, (b) a first member having a first member aperture that traverses its length wherein the first member aperture is configured to accommodate the first fluid-bearing conduit and wherein the first member is positioned in the lower segment of the internal fitting assembly, and (c) a second member having a second member aperture that traverses its length wherein the second member is positioned in the upper segment of the fitting assembly and wherein a lower surface of the second member is in contact with an upper surface of the first member to assert a compressive force onto the first member and wherein the first member aperture and the second member aperture are coaxial.

Group invariant solution for a pre-existing fracture driven by a power-law fluid in permeable rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fareo, A. G.; Mason, D. P.

2016-06-01

Group invariant analytical and numerical solutions for the evolution of a two-dimensional fracture with nonzero initial length in permeable rock and driven by an incompressible non-Newtonian fluid of power-law rheology are obtained. The effect of fluid leak-off on the evolution of the power-law fluid fracture is investigated.

Fluid lubricated bearing construction

DOEpatents

Dunning, John R.; Boorse, Henry A.; Boeker, Gilbert F.

1976-01-01

1. A fluid lubricated thrust bearing assembly comprising, in combination, a first bearing member having a plain bearing surface, a second bearing member having a bearing surface confronting the bearing surface of said first bearing member and provided with at least one spiral groove extending inwardly from the periphery of said second bearing member, one of said bearing members having an axial fluid-tight well, a source of fluid lubricant adjacent to the periphery of said second bearing member, and means for relatively rotating said bearing members to cause said lubricant to be drawn through said groove and to flow between said bearing surfaces, whereby a sufficient pressure is built up between said bearing surfaces and in said well to tend to separate said bearing surfaces.

Universality Results for Multi-Layer Hele-Shaw and Porous Media Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daripa, Prabir

2012-11-01

Saffman-Taylor instability is a well known viscosity driven instability of an interface. Motivated by a need to understand the effect of various injection policies currently in practice for chemical enhanced oil recovery, we study linear stability of displacement processes in a Hele-Shaw cell involving injection of an arbitrary number of immiscible fluid phases in succession. This is a problem involving many interfaces. Universal stability results have been obtained for this multi-layer (multi-region) flow in the sense that the results hold with arbitrary number of interfaces. These stability results have been applied to design injection policies that are considerably less unstable than the pure Saffman-Taylor case. In particular, we determine specific values of the viscosity of the fluid layers corresponding to smallest unstable band. Moreover, we discuss universal selection principle of optimal viscous profiles. The talk is based on following papers. Qatar National Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation).

Hydraulically actuated fuel injector including a pilot operated spool valve assembly and hydraulic system using same

DOEpatents

Shafer, Scott F.

2002-01-01

The present invention relates to hydraulic systems including hydraulically actuated fuel injectors that have a pilot operated spool valve assembly. One class of hydraulically actuated fuel injectors includes a solenoid driven pilot valve that controls the initiation of the injection event. However, during cold start conditions, hydraulic fluid, typically engine lubricating oil, is particularly viscous and is often difficult to displace through the relatively small drain path that is defined past the pilot valve member. Because the spool valve typically responds slower than expected during cold start due to the difficulty in displacing the relatively viscous oil, accurate start of injection timing can be difficult to achieve. There also exists a greater difficulty in reaching the higher end of the cold operating speed range. Therefore, the present invention utilizes a fluid evacuation valve to aid in displacement of the relatively viscous oil during cold start conditions.

Analytical liquid test sample filtration apparatus

DOEpatents

Lohnes, B.C.; Turner, T.D.; Klingler, K.M.; Clark, M.L.

1996-01-09

A liquid sample filtration apparatus includes: (a) a module retaining filter elements; (b) a filter clamping and fluid injection apparatus positioned relative to the module to engage a filter element thereon, and includes a pair of first and second opposing engageable members to engage a filter element there between; (c) an inlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; (d) an outlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; (e) a motor to move the module relative to the filter clamping and injection apparatus to register filter elements on the module to the clamping and injection apparatus; and (f) a motor associated with the filter clamping and injection apparatus to move the opposing engageable members into substantial sealing fluid communication relative to a filter element on the module. An apparatus for engaging opposing ends of a filter element includes: (a) a member having a recess configured to engage one end of a filter element, including a first fluid passage communicating with the recess to pass fluid between the recess and externally of the member; and (b) a second member positioned in opposing juxtaposition relative to the other member, and having a projection sized and shaped to matingly fit within the other member recess, the second member projection including a second recess configured to engage the other end of the filter element, the second member including a second fluid passage communicating with the second recess to pass fluid between the second recess and externally of the second member. 8 figs.

Analytical liquid test sample filtration apparatus

DOEpatents

Lohnes, Brent C.; Turner, Terry D.; Klingler, Kerry M.; Clark, Michael L.

1996-01-01

A liquid sample filtration apparatus includes: a) a module retaining filter elements; b) a filter clamping and fluid injection apparatus positioned relative to the module to engage a filter element thereon, and includes a pair of first and second opposing engageable members to sealing engage a filter element therebetween; c) an inlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; d) an outlet tube connected to an opposing engageable member; e) a motor to move the module relative to the filter clamping and injection apparatus to register filter elements on the module to the clamping and injection apparatus; and f) a motor associated with the filter clamping and injection apparatus to move the opposing engageable members into substantial sealing fluid communication relative to a filter element on the module. An apparatus for engaging opposing ends of a filter element includes: a) a member having a recess configured to engage one end of a filter element, including a first fluid passage communicating with the recess to pass fluid between the recess and externally of the member; and b) a second member positioned in opposing juxtaposition relative to the other member, and having a projection sized and shaped to matingly fit within the other member recess, the second member projection including a second recess configured to engage the other end of the filter element, the second member including a second fluid passage communicating with the second recess to pass fluid between the second recess and externally of the second member.

Instability of displacement of Oldroyd-B fluid by air in a Hele-Shaw cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daripa, Prabir

2014-03-01

We study the displacement of an Oldroyd-B fluid in a Hele-Shaw cell when driven by air. In particular, we explicitly obtain an analytical expression for the growth rate of instability which depends on the relaxation and retardation (time) constants, denoted by λ, and λ1 respectively, appearing in the Oldroyd-B constitutive relations. When these two constants are zero, we recover the classical Saffman-Taylor result for a Newtonian liquid displaced by air. Our results show that this displacement process is more unstable than the case when a Newtonian fluid is displaced by air. The analytical results are plotted and compared with numerical results on this unstable displacement process available in the literature. The agreement is found to be excellent. In particular, results show that the non-Newtonian case (i.e., Oldroyd-B) is more unstable than the Newtonian case. Supported by an NPRP Grant # 08-777-1-141 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the author.

Thermal power transfer system using applied potential difference to sustain operating pressure difference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhandari, Pradeep (Inventor); Fujita, Toshio (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A thermal power transfer system using a phase change liquid gas fluid in a closed loop configuration has a heat exchanger member connected to a gas conduit for inputting thermal energy into the fluid. The pressure in the gas conduit is higher than a liquid conduit that is connected to a heat exchanger member for outputting thermal energy. A solid electrolyte member acts as a barrier between the gas conduit and the liquid conduit adjacent to a solid electrolyte member. The solid electrolyte member has the capacity of transmitting ions of a fluid through the electrolyte member. The ions can be recombined with electrons with the assistance of a porous electrode. An electrical field is applied across the solid electrolyte member to force the ions of the fluid from a lower pressure liquid conduit to the higher pressure gas conduit.

Two-fluid flowing equilibria of spherical torus sustained by coaxial helicity injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanki, Takashi; Steinhauer, Loren; Nagata, Masayoshi

2007-11-01

Two-dimensional equilibria in helicity-driven systems using two-fluid model were previously computed, showing the existence of an ultra-low-q spherical torus (ST) configuration with diamagnetism and higher beta. However, this computation assumed purely toroidal ion flow and uniform density. The purpose of the present study is to apply the two-fluid model to the two-dimensional equilibria of helicity-driven ST with non-uniform density and both toroidal and poloidal flows for each species by means of the nearby-fluids procedure, and to explore their properties. We focus our attention on the equilibria relevant to the HIST device, which are characterized by either driven or decaying λ profiles. The equilibrium for the driven λ profile has a diamagnetic toroidal field, high-β (βt = 32%), and centrally broad density. By contrast, the decaying equilibrium has a paramagnetic toroidal field, low-β (βt = 10%), and centrally peaked density with a steep gradient in the outer edge region. In the driven case, the toroidal ion and electron flows are in the same direction, and two-fluid effects are less important since the ExB drift is dominant. In the decaying case, the toroidal ion and electron flows are opposite in the outer edge region, and two-fluid effects are significant locally in the edge due to the ion diamagnetic drift.

Freeform fluidics

DOEpatents

Dehoff, Ryan R; Lind, Randall F; Love, Lonnie L; Peter, William H; Richardson, Bradley S

2015-02-10

A robotic, prosthetic or orthotic member includes a body formed of a solidified metallic powder. At least one working fluid cylinder is formed in the body. A piston is provided in the working fluid cylinder for pressurizing a fluid in the cylinder. At least one working fluid conduit receives the pressurized fluid from the cylinder. The body, working fluid cylinder and working fluid conduit have a unitary construction. A method of making a robotic member is also disclosed.

System and method for damping vibration in a drill string using a magnetorheological damper

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

Wassell, Mark Ellsworth; Burgess, Daniel E; Barbely, Jason R

2012-01-03

A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a magnetorheological fluid valve assembly having a supply of a magnetorheological fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil for inducing a magnetic field thatmore » alters the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to flow between the first and second chambers, thereby increasing the damping provided by the valve. A remnant magnetic field is induced in one or more components of the magnetorheological fluid valve during operation that can be used to provide the magnetic field for operating the valve so as to eliminate the need to energize the coils during operation except temporarily when changing the amount of damping required, thereby eliminating the need for a turbine alternator power the magnetorheological fluid valve. A demagnetization cycle can be used to reduce the remnant magnetic field when necessary.« less

Force measuring valve assemblies, systems including such valve assemblies and related methods

DOEpatents

DeWall, Kevin George [Pocatello, ID; Garcia, Humberto Enrique [Idaho Falls, ID; McKellar, Michael George [Idaho Falls, ID

2012-04-17

Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Heat exchanger and related methods

DOEpatents

Turner, Terry D.; McKellar, Michael G.

2015-12-22

Heat exchangers include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and forming a portion of a transition chamber. A heating member may form another portion of the transition chamber. The heating member includes a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening larger than the first opening. Methods of conveying a fluid include supplying a first fluid into a transition chamber of a heat exchanger, supplying a second fluid into the transition chamber, and altering a state of a portion of the first fluid with the second fluid. Methods of sublimating solid particles include conveying a first fluid comprising a material in a solid state into a transition chamber, heating the material to a gaseous state by directing a second fluid through a heating member and mixing the first fluid and the second fluid.

Magnetic Control of Solutal Buoyancy Driven Convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramachandran, N.; Leslie, F. W.

2003-01-01

Volumetric forces resulting from local density variations and gravitational acceleration cause buoyancy induced convective motion in melts and solutions. Solutal buoyancy is a result of concentration differences in an otherwise isothermal fluid. If the fluid also exhibits variations in magnetic susceptibility with concentration then convection control by external magnetic fields can be hypothesized. Magnetic control of thermal buoyancy induced convection in ferrofluids (dispersions of ferromagnetic particles in a carrier fluid) and paramagnetic fluids have been demonstrated. Here we show the nature of magnetic control of solutal buoyancy driven convection of a paramagnetic fluid, an aqueous solution of Manganese Chloride hydrate. We predict the critical magnetic field required for balancing gravitational solutal buoyancy driven convection and validate it through a simple experiment. We demonstrate that gravity driven flow can be completely reversed by a magnetic field but the exact cancellation of the flow is not possible. This is because the phenomenon is unstable. The technique can be applied to crystal growth processes in order to reduce convection and to heat exchanger devices for enhancing convection. The method can also be applied to impose a desired g-level in reduced gravity applications.

Fluid leakage detector for vacuum applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Bich Ngoc (Inventor); Farkas, Tibor (Inventor); Kim, Brian Byungkyu (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A leak detection system for use with a fluid conducting system in a vacuum environment, such as space, is described. The system preferably includes a mesh-like member substantially disposed about the fluid conducting system, and at least one sensor disposed within the mesh-like member. The sensor is capable of detecting a decrease in temperature of the mesh-like member when a leak condition causes the fluid of the fluid conducting system to freeze when exposed to the vacuum environment. Additionally, a signal processor in preferably in communication with the sensor. The sensor transmits an electrical signal to the signal processor such that the signal processor is capable of indicating the location of the fluid leak in the fluid conducting system.

Linear induction pump

DOEpatents

Meisner, John W.; Moore, Robert M.; Bienvenue, Louis L.

1985-03-19

Electromagnetic linear induction pump for liquid metal which includes a unitary pump duct. The duct comprises two substantially flat parallel spaced-apart wall members, one being located above the other and two parallel opposing side members interconnecting the wall members. Located within the duct are a plurality of web members interconnecting the wall members and extending parallel to the side members whereby the wall members, side members and web members define a plurality of fluid passageways, each of the fluid passageways having substantially the same cross-sectional flow area. Attached to an outer surface of each side member is an electrically conductive end bar for the passage of an induced current therethrough. A multi-phase, electrical stator is located adjacent each of the wall members. The duct, stators, and end bars are enclosed in a housing which is provided with an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with opposite ends of the fluid passageways in the pump duct. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet includes a transition means which provides for a transition from a round cross-sectional flow path to a substantially rectangular cross-sectional flow path defined by the pump duct.

Yield Hardening of Electrorheological Fluids in Channel Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helal, Ahmed; Qian, Bian; McKinley, Gareth H.; Hosoi, A. E.

2016-06-01

Electrorheological fluids offer potential for developing rapidly actuated hydraulic devices where shear forces or pressure-driven flow are present. In this study, the Bingham yield stress of electrorheological fluids with different particle volume fractions is investigated experimentally in wall-driven and pressure-driven flow modes using measurements in a parallel-plate rheometer and a microfluidic channel, respectively. A modified Krieger-Dougherty model can be used to describe the effects of the particle volume fraction on the yield stress and is in good agreement with the viscometric data. However, significant yield hardening in pressure-driven channel flow is observed and attributed to an increase and eventual saturation of the particle volume fraction in the channel. A phenomenological physical model linking the densification and consequent microstructure to the ratio of the particle aggregation time scale compared to the convective time scale is presented and used to predict the enhancement in yield stress in channel flow, enabling us to reconcile discrepancies in the literature between wall-driven and pressure-driven flows.

Free Surface Flows and Extensional Rheology of Polymer Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinic, Jelena; Jimenez, Leidy Nallely; Biagioli, Madeleine; Estrada, Alexandro; Sharma, Vivek

Free-surface flows - jetting, spraying, atomization during fuel injection, roller-coating, gravure printing, several microfluidic drop/particle formation techniques, and screen-printing - all involve the formation of axisymmetric fluid elements that spontaneously break into droplets by a surface-tension-driven instability. The growth of the capillary-driven instability and pinch-off dynamics are dictated by a complex interplay of inertial, viscous and capillary stresses for simple fluids. Additional contributions by elasticity, extensibility and extensional viscosity play a role for complex fluids. We show that visualization and analysis of capillary-driven thinning and pinch-off dynamics of the columnar neck in an asymmetric liquid bridge created by dripping-onto-substrate (DoS) can be used for characterizing the extensional rheology of complex fluids. Using a wide variety of complex fluids, we show the measurement of the extensional relaxation time, extensional viscosity, power-law index and shear viscosity. Lastly, we elucidate how polymer composition, flexibility, and molecular weight determine the thinning and pinch-off dynamics of polymeric complex fluids.

Elasticity-Driven Backflow of Fluid-Driven Cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Ching-Yao; Dressaire, Emilie; Ramon, Guy; Huppert, Herbert; Stone, Howard A.

2016-11-01

Fluid-driven cracks are generated by the injection of pressurized fluid into an elastic medium. Once the injection pressure is released, the crack closes up due to elasticity and the fluid in the crack drains out of the crack through an outlet, which we refer to as backflow. We experimentally study the effects of crack size, elasticity of the matrix, and fluid viscosity on the backflow dynamics. During backflow, the volume of liquid remaining in the crack as a function of time exhibits a transition from a fast decay at early times to a power law behavior at late times. Our results at late times can be explained by scaling arguments balancing elastic and viscous stresses in the crack. This work may relate to the environmental issue of flowback in hydraulic fracturing. This work is supported by National Science Foundation via Grant CBET-1509347 and partially supported by Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University.

Driven waves in a two-fluid plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberge, W. G.; Ciolek, Glenn E.

2007-12-01

We study the physics of wave propagation in a weakly ionized plasma, as it applies to the formation of multifluid, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) shock waves. We model the plasma as separate charged and neutral fluids which are coupled by ion-neutral friction. At times much less than the ion-neutral drag time, the fluids are decoupled and so evolve independently. At later times, the evolution is determined by the large inertial mismatch between the charged and neutral particles. The neutral flow continues to evolve independently; the charged flow is driven by and slaved to the neutral flow by friction. We calculate this driven flow analytically by considering the special but realistic case where the charged fluid obeys linearized equations of motion. We carry out an extensive analysis of linear, driven, MHD waves. The physics of driven MHD waves is embodied in certain Green functions which describe wave propagation on short time-scales, ambipolar diffusion on long time-scales and transitional behaviour at intermediate times. By way of illustration, we give an approximate solution for the formation of a multifluid shock during the collision of two identical interstellar clouds. The collision produces forward and reverse J shocks in the neutral fluid and a transient in the charged fluid. The latter rapidly evolves into a pair of magnetic precursors on the J shocks, wherein the ions undergo force-free motion and the magnetic field grows monotonically with time. The flow appears to be self-similar at the time when linear analysis ceases to be valid.

Control device for prosthetic urinary sphincter cuff

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinicke, Robert H. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

A device for controlling flow of fluid to and from a resilient inflatable cuff implanted about the urethra to control flow of urine therethrough. The device comprises a flexible bulb reservoir and a control unit that includes a manually operated valve that opens automatically when the bulb is squeezed to force fluid into the cuff for closing the urethra. The control unit also includes a movable valve seat member having a relatively large area exposed to pressure of fluid in a chamber that is connected to the cuff and which moves to a position in which the valve member is unseated by an abutment when fluid pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined value to thereby relieve excess fluid pressure in the cuff. The arrangement is such that the valve element is held closed against the seat member by the full differential in fluid pressures acting on both sides of the valve element until the seat member is moved away from the valve element to thus insure positive closing of the valve element until the seat member is moved out of engagement with the valve element by excess pressure differential.

Ceramic distribution members for solid state electrolyte cells and method of producing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Douglas J. (Inventor); Galica, Leo M. (Inventor); Losey, Robert W. (Inventor); Suitor, Jerry W. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes. The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.

Method of producing ceramic distribution members for solid state electrolyte cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Douglas J. (Inventor); Galica, Leo M. (Inventor); Losey, Robert W. (Inventor); Suitor, Jerry W. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes, The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.

Electrokinetic effects on motion of submicron particles in microchannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Yohei; Hishida, Koichi

2006-11-01

Two-fluid mixing utilizing electrokinetically driven flow in a micro-channel is investigated by micron-resolution particle image velocimetry and an image processing technique. Submicron particles are transported and mixed with deionized water by electrophoresis. The particle electrophoretic velocity that is proportional to an applied electric field is measured in a closed cell, which is used to calculate the electroosmotic flow velocity. At a constant electric field, addition of pressure-driven flow to electrokinetically driven flow in a T-shaped micro-channel enhances two-fluid mixing because the momentum flux is increased. On the other hand, on application of an alternative sinusoidal electric field, the velocity difference between pressure-driven and electroosmotic flows has a significant effect on increasing the length of interface formed between two fluids. It is concluded from the present experiments that the transport and mixing process in the micro-channel will be enhanced by accurate flow-rate control of both pressure-driven and electroosmotic flows.

Phase field model of fluid-driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed-fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions

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

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

Propagation of fluid-driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low-permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Heremore » we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation for modeling fluid-driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. Thus, the excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid-driven fracture.« less

Phase field model of fluid-driven fracture in elastic media: Immersed-fracture formulation and validation with analytical solutions

DOE PAGES

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

2017-04-20

Propagation of fluid-driven fractures plays an important role in natural and engineering processes, including transport of magma in the lithosphere, geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and oil and gas recovery from low-permeability formations, among many others. The simulation of fracture propagation poses a computational challenge as a result of the complex physics of fracture and the need to capture disparate length scales. Phase field models represent fractures as a diffuse interface and enjoy the advantage that fracture nucleation, propagation, branching, or twisting can be simulated without ad hoc computational strategies like remeshing or local enrichment of the solution space. Heremore » we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation for modeling fluid-driven fracturing in elastic media at small strains. The approach fully couples the fluid flow in the fracture (described via the Reynolds lubrication approximation) and the deformation of the surrounding medium. The flow is solved on a lower dimensionality mesh immersed in the elastic medium. This approach leads to accurate coupling of both physics. We assessed the performance of the model extensively by comparing results for the evolution of fracture length, aperture, and fracture fluid pressure against analytical solutions under different fracture propagation regimes. Thus, the excellent performance of the numerical model in all regimes builds confidence in the applicability of phase field approaches to simulate fluid-driven fracture.« less

Axisymmetric flows from fluid injection into a confined porous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Bo; Zheng, Zhong; Celia, Michael A.; Stone, Howard A.

2016-02-01

We study the axisymmetric flows generated from fluid injection into a horizontal confined porous medium that is originally saturated with another fluid of different density and viscosity. Neglecting the effects of surface tension and fluid mixing, we use the lubrication approximation to obtain a nonlinear advection-diffusion equation that describes the time evolution of the sharp fluid-fluid interface. The flow behaviors are controlled by two dimensionless groups: M, the viscosity ratio of displaced fluid relative to injected fluid, and Γ, which measures the relative importance of buoyancy and fluid injection. For this axisymmetric geometry, the similarity solution involving R2/T (where R is the dimensionless radial coordinate and T is the dimensionless time) is an exact solution to the nonlinear governing equation for all times. Four analytical expressions are identified as asymptotic approximations (two of which are new solutions): (i) injection-driven flow with the injected fluid being more viscous than the displaced fluid (Γ ≪ 1 and M < 1) where we identify a self-similar solution that indicates a parabolic interface shape; (ii) injection-driven flow with injected and displaced fluids of equal viscosity (Γ ≪ 1 and M = 1), where we find a self-similar solution that predicts a distinct parabolic interface shape; (iii) injection-driven flow with a less viscous injected fluid (Γ ≪ 1 and M > 1) for which there is a rarefaction wave solution, assuming that the Saffman-Taylor instability does not occur at the reservoir scale; and (iv) buoyancy-driven flow (Γ ≫ 1) for which there is a well-known self-similar solution corresponding to gravity currents in an unconfined porous medium [S. Lyle et al. "Axisymmetric gravity currents in a porous medium," J. Fluid Mech. 543, 293-302 (2005)]. The various axisymmetric flows are summarized in a Γ-M regime diagram with five distinct dynamic behaviors including the four asymptotic regimes and an intermediate regime. The implications of the regime diagram are discussed using practical engineering projects of geological CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and underground waste disposal.

Multi-stage evolution of xenotime-(Y) from Písek pegmatites, Czech Republic: an electron probe micro-analysis and Raman spectroscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švecová, E.; Čopjaková, R.; Losos, Z.; Škoda, R.; Nasdala, L.; Cícha, J.

2016-12-01

The chemical variability, degree of radiation damage, and alteration of xenotime from the Písek granitic pegmatites (Czech Republic) were investigated by micro-chemical analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Dominant large xenotime-(Y) grains enriched in U, Th and Zr crystallized from a melt almost simultaneously with zircon, monazite and tourmaline. Xenotime is well to poorly crystalline depending on its U and Th contents. It shows complex secondary textures cutting magmatic growth zones as a result of its interaction with F,Ca,alkali-rich fluids during the hydrothermal stage of the pegmatite evolution. The magmatic xenotime underwent intense secondary alteration, from rims inwards, resulting in the formation of inclusion-rich well crystalline xenotime domains of near end-member composition. Two types of recrystallization were distinguished in relation to the type of inclusions: i) xenotime with coffinite-thorite, cheralite and monazite inclusions and ii) xenotime with zirconcheralite and zircon inclusions. Additionally, inner poorly crystalline U,Th-rich xenotime domains were locally altered, hydrated, depleted in P, Y, HREE, U, Si and radiogenic Pb, and enriched in fluid-borne cations (mainly Ca, F, Th, Zr, Fe). Interaction of radiation-damaged xenotime with hydrothermal fluids resulted in the disturbance of the U-Th-Pb system. Alteration of radiation-damaged xenotime was followed by intensive recrystallization indicating the presence of fluids >200 °C. Subsequently other types of xenotime formed as a consequence of fluid-driven alteration of magmatic monazite, and Y,REE,Ti,Nb-oxides or crystallized from hydrothermal fluids along cracks in magmatic monazite and xenotime.

RESPONDENT-DRIVEN SAMPLING AS MARKOV CHAIN MONTE CARLO

PubMed Central

GOEL, SHARAD; SALGANIK, MATTHEW J.

2013-01-01

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a recently introduced, and now widely used, technique for estimating disease prevalence in hidden populations. RDS data are collected through a snowball mechanism, in which current sample members recruit future sample members. In this paper we present respondent-driven sampling as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) importance sampling, and we examine the effects of community structure and the recruitment procedure on the variance of RDS estimates. Past work has assumed that the variance of RDS estimates is primarily affected by segregation between healthy and infected individuals. We examine an illustrative model to show that this is not necessarily the case, and that bottlenecks anywhere in the networks can substantially affect estimates. We also show that variance is inflated by a common design feature in which sample members are encouraged to recruit multiple future sample members. The paper concludes with suggestions for implementing and evaluating respondent-driven sampling studies. PMID:19572381

Coalescence of Fluid-Driven Fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Keeffe, Niall; Zheng, Zhong; Huppert, Herbert; Linden, Paul

2017-11-01

We present an experimental study on the coalescence of two in-plane fluid-driven penny-shaped fractures in a brittle elastic medium. Initially, two fluid-driven fractures propagate independently of each other in the same plane. Then when the radial extent of each fracture reaches a certain distance the fractures begin to interact and coalesce. This coalescence forms a bridge between the fractures and then, in an intermediate period following the contact of the two fractures, most growth is observed to focus along this bridge, perpendicular to the line connecting the injection sources. We analyse the growth and shape of this bridge at various stages after coalescence and the transitions between different stages of growth. We also investigate the influence of the injection rate, the distance between two injection points, the viscosity of the fluid and the Young's modulus of the elastic medium on the coalescence of the fractures.

Methods of performing downhole operations using orbital vibrator energy sources

DOEpatents

Cole, Jack H.; Weinberg, David M.; Wilson, Dennis R.

2004-02-17

Methods of performing down hole operations in a wellbore. A vibrational source is positioned within a tubular member such that an annulus is formed between the vibrational source and an interior surface of the tubular member. A fluid medium, such as high bulk modulus drilling mud, is disposed within the annulus. The vibrational source forms a fluid coupling with the tubular member through the fluid medium to transfer vibrational energy to the tubular member. The vibrational energy may be used, for example, to free a stuck tubular, consolidate a cement slurry and/or detect voids within a cement slurry prior to the curing thereof.

Heat Exchanger With Internal Pin Elements

DOEpatents

Gerstmann, Joseph; Hannon, Charles L.

2004-01-13

A heat exchanger/heater comprising a tubular member having a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end and plurality of pins secured to the interior wall of the tube. Various embodiments additionally comprise a blocking member disposed concentrically inside the pins, such as a core plug or a baffle array. Also disclosed is a vapor generator employing an internally pinned tube, and a fluid-heater/heat-exchanger utilizing an outer jacket tube and fluid-side baffle elements, as well as methods for heating a fluid using an internally pinned tube.

Method for controlling clathrate hydrates in fluid systems

DOEpatents

Sloan, Jr., Earle D.

1995-01-01

Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from impeding the flow of fluid in a fluid system. An additive is contacted with clathrate hydrate masses in the system to prevent those clathrate hydrate masses from impeding fluid flow. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and hydroxyethylcellulose, either in combination or alone. Additives can also contain multiple cyclic chemical groupings having different size rings. One such additive is sold under the name Gaffix VC-713.

Method for controlling clathrate hydrates in fluid systems

DOEpatents

Sloan, E.D. Jr.

1995-07-11

Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from impeding the flow of fluid in a fluid system. An additive is contacted with clathrate hydrate masses in the system to prevent those clathrate hydrate masses from impeding fluid flow. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and hydroxyethylcellulose, either in combination or alone. Additives can also contain multiple cyclic chemical groupings having different size rings. One such additive is sold under the name Gaffix VC-713.

Gas separation device based on electrical swing adsorption

DOEpatents

Judkins, Roddie R.; Burchell, Timothy D.

1999-10-26

A method and apparatus for separating one constituent, especially carbon dioxide, from a fluid mixture, such as natural gas. The fluid mixture flows through an adsorbent member having an affinity for molecules of the one constituent, the molecules being adsorbed on the adsorbent member. A voltage is applied to the adsorbent member, the voltage imparting a current flow which causes the molecules of the one constituent to be desorbed from the adsorbent member.

Advances in Electrically Driven Thermal Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Didion, Jeffrey R.

2017-01-01

Electrically Driven Thermal Management is a vibrant technology development initiative incorporating ISS based technology demonstrations, development of innovative fluid management techniques and fundamental research efforts. The program emphasizes high temperature high heat flux thermal management required for future generations of RF electronics and power electronic devices. This presentation reviews i.) preliminary results from the Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) Long Term Flight Demonstration launched on STP-H5 payload in February 2017 ii.) advances in liquid phase flow distribution control iii.) development of the Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling Experiment under the NASA Microgravity Fluid Physics Program.

Microcontroller-driven fluid-injection system for atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Kasas, S; Alonso, L; Jacquet, P; Adamcik, J; Haeberli, C; Dietler, G

2010-01-01

We present a programmable microcontroller-driven injection system for the exchange of imaging medium during atomic force microscopy. Using this low-noise system, high-resolution imaging can be performed during this process of injection without disturbance. This latter circumstance was exemplified by the online imaging of conformational changes in DNA molecules during the injection of anticancer drug into the fluid chamber.

Passive injection control for microfluidic systems

DOEpatents

Paul, Phillip H.; Arnold, Don W.; Neyer, David W.

2004-12-21

Apparatus for eliminating siphoning, "dead" regions, and fluid concentration gradients in microscale analytical devices. In its most basic embodiment, the present invention affords passive injection control for both electric field-driven and pressure-driven systems by providing additional fluid flow channels or auxiliary channels disposed on either side of a sample separation column. The auxiliary channels are sized such that volumetric fluid flow rate through these channels, while sufficient to move the sample away from the sample injection region in a timely fashion, is less than that through the sample separation channel or chromatograph.

Origin of the pulse-like signature of shallow long-period volcano seismicity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chouet, Bernard A.; Dawson, Phillip B.

2016-01-01

Short-duration, pulse-like long-period (LP) events are a characteristic type of seismicity accompanying eruptive activity at Mount Etna in Italy in 2004 and 2008 and at Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica and Ubinas Volcano in Peru in 2009. We use the discrete wave number method to compute the free surface response in the near field of a rectangular tensile crack embedded in a homogeneous elastic half space and to gain insights into the origin of the LP pulses. Two source models are considered, including (1) a vertical fluid-driven crack and (2) a unilateral tensile rupture growing at a fixed sub-Rayleigh velocity with constant opening on a vertical crack. We apply cross correlation to the synthetics and data to demonstrate that a fluid-driven crack provides a natural explanation for these data with realistic source sizes and fluid properties. Our modeling points to shallow sources (<1 km depth), whose signatures are representative of the Rayleigh pulse sampled at epicentral distances >∼1 km. While a slow-rupture failure provides another potential model for these events, the synthetics and resulting fits to the data are not optimal in this model compared to a fluid-driven source. We infer that pulse-like LP signatures are parts of the continuum of responses produced by shallow fluid-driven sources in volcanoes.

Pressure balanced drag turbine mass flow meter

DOEpatents

Dacus, M.W.; Cole, J.H.

1980-04-23

The density of the fluid flowing through a tubular member may be measured by a device comprising a rotor assembly suspended within the tubular member, a fluid bearing medium for the rotor assembly shaft, independent fluid flow lines to each bearing chamber, and a scheme for detection of any difference between the upstream and downstream bearing fluid pressures. The rotor assembly reacts to fluid flow both by rotation and axial displacement; therefore concurrent measurements may be made of the velocity of blade rotation and also bearing pressure changes, where the pressure changes may be equated to the fluid momentum flux imparted to the rotor blades. From these parameters the flow velocity and density of the fluid may be deduced.

Pressure balanced drag turbine mass flow meter

DOEpatents

Dacus, Michael W.; Cole, Jack H.

1982-01-01

The density of the fluid flowing through a tubular member may be measured by a device comprising a rotor assembly suspended within the tubular member, a fluid bearing medium for the rotor assembly shaft, independent fluid flow lines to each bearing chamber, and a scheme for detection of any difference between the upstream and downstream bearing fluid pressures. The rotor assembly reacts to fluid flow both by rotation and axial displacement; therefore concurrent measurements may be made of the velocity of blade rotation and also bearing pressure changes, where the pressure changes may be equated to the fluid momentum flux imparted to the rotor blades. From these parameters the flow velocity and density of the fluid may be deduced.

Fluid flows and forces in development: functions, features and biophysical principles

PubMed Central

Freund, Jonathan B.; Goetz, Jacky G.; Hill, Kent L.; Vermot, Julien

2012-01-01

Throughout morphogenesis, cells experience intracellular tensile and contractile forces on microscopic scales. Cells also experience extracellular forces, such as static forces mediated by the extracellular matrix and forces resulting from microscopic fluid flow. Although the biological ramifications of static forces have received much attention, little is known about the roles of fluid flows and forces during embryogenesis. Here, we focus on the microfluidic forces generated by cilia-driven fluid flow and heart-driven hemodynamics, as well as on the signaling pathways involved in flow sensing. We discuss recent studies that describe the functions and the biomechanical features of these fluid flows. These insights suggest that biological flow determines many aspects of cell behavior and identity through a specific set of physical stimuli and signaling pathways. PMID:22395739

Fuel cell assembly unit for promoting fluid service and electrical conductivity

DOEpatents

Jones, Daniel O.

1999-01-01

Fluid service and/or electrical conductivity for a fuel cell assembly is promoted. Open-faced flow channel(s) are formed in a flow field plate face, and extend in the flow field plate face between entry and exit fluid manifolds. A resilient gas diffusion layer is located between the flow field plate face and a membrane electrode assembly, fluidly serviced with the open-faced flow channel(s). The resilient gas diffusion layer is restrained against entering the open-faced flow channel(s) under a compressive force applied to the fuel cell assembly. In particular, a first side of a support member abuts the flow field plate face, and a second side of the support member abuts the resilient gas diffusion layer. The support member is formed with a plurality of openings extending between the first and second sides of the support member. In addition, a clamping pressure is maintained for an interface between the resilient gas diffusion layer and a portion of the membrane electrode assembly. Preferably, the support member is spikeless and/or substantially flat. Further, the support member is formed with an electrical path for conducting current between the resilient gas diffusion layer and position(s) on the flow field plate face.

Fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus and valving for controlling same

DOEpatents

Whitehead, John C.; Toews, Hans G.

1993-01-01

A control valve assembly for alternately actuating a pair of fluid-driven free-piston devices by using fluid pressure communication therebetween. Each control valve is switched by a pressure signal depending on the state of its counterpart's piston. The communication logic is arranged to provide overlap of the forward strokes of the pistons, so that at least one of the pair will always be pressurized. Thus, uninterrupted pumping of liquid is made possible from a pair of free-piston pumps. In addition, the speed and frequency of piston stroking is entirely dependent on the mechanical power load applied. In the case of a pair of pumps, this enables liquid delivery at a substantially constant pressure over the full range of flow rates, from zero to maximum flow. One embodiment of the invention utilized two pairs of fluid-driven free-piston devices whereby a bipropellant liquid propulsion system may be operated, so as to provide continuous flow of both fuel and oxidizer liquids when used in rocket applications, for example.

FLEXIBLE COUPLING

DOEpatents

Babelay, E.F.

1962-02-13

A flexible shaft coupling for operation at speeds in excess of 14,000 rpm is designed which requires no lubrication. A driving sleeve member and a driven sleeve member are placed in concentric spaced relationship. A torque force is transmitted to the driven member from the driving member through a plurality of nylon balls symmetrically disposed between the spaced sleeves. The balls extend into races and recesses within the respective sleeve members. The sleeve members have a suitable clearance therebetween and the balls have a suitable radial clearance during operation of the coupling to provide a relatively loose coupling. These clearances accommodate for both parallel and/or angular misalignments and avoid metal-tometal contact between the sleeve members during operation. Thus, no lubrication is needed, and a minimum of vibrations is transmitted between the sleeve members. (AEC)

Fluid delivery manifolds and microfluidic systems

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

Renzi, Ronald F.; Sommer, Gregory J.; Singh, Anup K.

2017-02-28

Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.

Conditions for fluid separations in microchannels, capillary-driven fluid separations, and laminated devices capable of separating fluids

DOEpatents

TeGrotenhuis, Ward E [Kennewick, WA; Stenkamp, Victoria S [Richland, WA

2005-04-05

Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Conditions for fluid separations in microchannels, capillary-driven fluid separations, and laminated devices capable of separating fluids

DOEpatents

TeGrotenhuis, Ward E [Kennewick, WA; Stenkamp, Victoria S [Richland, WA

2008-03-18

Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

System and technique for characterizing fluids using ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Greenwood, Margaret S.

2005-04-12

A system for determining a property of a fluid based on ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy includes a diffraction grating on a solid in contact with the fluid. An interrogation device delivers ultrasound through the solid and a captures a reflection spectrum from the diffraction grating. The reflection spectrum including a diffraction order equal to zero exhibits a peak whose location is used to determine speed of sound in the fluid. A separate measurement of the acoustic impedance is combined with the determined speed of sound to yield a measure of fluid density. A system for determining acoustic impedance includes an ultrasonic transducer on a first surface of a solid member, and an opposed second surface of the member is in contact with a fluid to be monitored. A longitudinal ultrasonic pulse is delivered through the solid member, and a multiplicity of pulse echoes caused by reflections of the ultrasonic pulse between the solid-fluid interface and the transducer-solid interface are detected. The decay rate of the detected echo amplitude as a function of echo number is used to determine acoustic impedance.

Explosion resistant insulator and method of making same

DOEpatents

Meyer, Jeffry R.; Billings, Jr., John S.; Spindle, Harvey E.; Hofmann, Charles F.

1983-01-01

An electrical insulator assembly and method of manufacturing same, having a generally cylindrical or conical body portion formed of a breakable cast solid insulation system and a reinforcing member having a corrugated configuration and formed of a web or mesh type reinforcing fabric. When the breakable body member has been broken, the corrugated configured reinforcing web member provides a path of escape for pressurized insulating fluid while limiting the movement of body member fragments in the direction of escape of the pressurized fluid.

Centrifugal separator devices, systems and related methods

DOEpatents

Meikrantz, David H [Idaho Falls, ID; Law, Jack D [Pocatello, ID; Garn, Troy G [Idaho Falls, ID; Todd, Terry A [Aberdeen, ID; Macaluso, Lawrence L [Carson City, NV

2012-03-20

Centrifugal separator devices, systems and related methods are described. More particularly, fluid transfer connections for a centrifugal separator system having support assemblies with a movable member coupled to a connection tube and coupled to a fixed member, such that the movable member is constrained to movement along a fixed path relative to the fixed member are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems including such fluid transfer connections are described. Additionally, methods of installing, removing and/or replacing centrifugal separators from centrifugal separator systems are described.

Method and apparatus for reducing cleaning blade wear

DOEpatents

Grannes, Steven G.; Rhoades, Charles A.; Hebbie, Terry L.

1992-01-01

An improved cleaning blade construction (10) for eliminating erosion troughs (6) in the upper surface (15) of a cleaning blade member (14) by introducing pressurized fluid through a pressure manifold chamber (16) formed in the upper surface (15) of the cleaning blade member (14). The pressurized fluid will prevent carryback material (7) from passing through a wear groove (6) formed in the cleaning blade member.

Development of Electric Power Units Driven by Waste Heat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Naoyuki; Takeuchi, Takao; Kaneko, Atsushi; Uchimura, Tomoyuki; Irie, Kiichi; Watanabe, Hiroyoshi

For the development of a simple and compact power generator driven by waste heat, working fluids and an expander were studied, then a practical electric power unit was put to test. Many working fluids were calculated with the low temperature power cycle (evaporated at 77°C, condensed at 42°C),and TFE,R123,R245fa were selected to be suitable for the cycle. TFE(Trifluoroethanol CF3CH2OH) was adopted to the actual power generator which was tested. A radial turbine was adopted as an expander, and was newly designed and manufactured for working fluid TFE. The equipment was driven by hot water as heat source and cooling water as cooling source, and generated power was connected with electric utility. Characteristics of the power generating cycle and characteristics of the turbine were obtained experimentally.

A Family of Vortices to Study Axisymmetric Vortex Breakdown and Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Larry A.

2007-01-01

A new analytic model describing a family of vortices has been developed to study some of the axisymmetric vortex breakdown and reconnection fluid dynamic processes underlying body-vortex interactions that are frequently manifested in rotorcraft and propeller-driven fixed-wing aircraft wakes. The family of vortices incorporates a wide range of prescribed initial vorticity distributions -- including single or dual-core vorticity distributions. The result is analytical solutions for the vorticity and velocities for each member of the family of vortices. This model is of sufficient generality to further illustrate the dependence of vortex reconnection and breakdown on initial vorticity distribution as was suggested by earlier analytical work. This family of vortices, though laminar in nature, is anticipated to provide valuable insight into the vortical evolution of large-scale rotor and propeller wakes.

Effects of non-uniform temperature gradients on surface tension driven two component magneto convection in a porous- fluid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjunatha, N.; Sumithra, R.

2018-04-01

The problem of surface tension driven two component magnetoconvection is investigated in a Porous-Fluid system, consisting of anincompressible two component electrically conducting fluid saturatedporous layer above which lies a layer of the same fluid in the presence of a uniform vertical magnetic field. The lower boundary of the porous layeris rigid and the upper boundary of the fluid layer is free with surfacetension effects depending on both temperature and concentration, boththese boundaries are insulating to heat and mass. At the interface thevelocity, shear and normal stress, heat and heat flux, mass and mass fluxare assumed to be continuous suitable for Darcy-Brinkman model. Theeigenvalue problem is solved in linear, parabolic and inverted parabolictemperature profiles and the corresponding Thermal Marangoni Numberis obtained for different important physical parameters.

Shaft seal assembly and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keba, John E. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A pressure-actuated shaft seal assembly and associated method for controlling the flow of fluid adjacent a rotatable shaft are provided. The seal assembly includes one or more seal members that can be adjusted between open and closed positions, for example, according to the rotational speed of the shaft. For example, the seal member can be configured to be adjusted according to a radial pressure differential in a fluid that varies with the rotational speed of the shaft. In addition, in the closed position, each seal member can contact a rotatable member connected to the shaft to form a seal with the rotatable member and prevent fluid from flowing through the assembly. Thus, the seal can be closed at low speeds of operation and opened at high speeds of operation, thereby reducing the heat and wear in the seal assembly while maintaining a sufficient seal during all speeds of operation.

Method, apparatus and system for controlling fluid flow

DOEpatents

McMurtrey, Ryan D.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Burch, Joesph V.

2007-10-30

A system, apparatus and method of controlling the flow of a fluid are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flow control device includes a valve having a flow path defined therethrough and a valve seat in communication with the flow path with a valve stem disposed in the valve seat. The valve stem and valve seat are cooperatively configured to cause mutual relative linear displacement thereof in response to rotation of the valve stem. A gear member is coupled with the rotary stem and a linear positioning member includes a portion which complementarily engages the gear member. Upon displacement of the linear positioning member along a first axis, the gear member and rotary valve stem are rotated about a second axis and the valve stem and valve seat are mutually linearly displaced to alter the flow of fluid through the valve.

Design and simulation of a new bidirectional actuator for haptic systems featuring MR fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Nguyen Quoc; Tri, Diep Bao; Cuong, Vo Van; Choi, Seung-Bok

2017-04-01

In this research, a new configuration of bidirectional actuator featuring MR fluid (BMRA) is proposed for haptic application. The proposed BMRA consists of a driving disc, a driving housing and a driven disc. The driving disc is placed inside the driving housing and rotates counter to each other by a servo DC motor and a bevel gear system. The driven shaft is also placed inside the housing and next to the driving disc. The gap between the two disc and the gap between the discs and the housing are filled with MR fluid. On the driven disc, two mutual magnetic coils are placed. By applying currents to the two coils mutually, the torque at the output shaft, which is fixed to the driven disc, can be controlled with positive, zero or negative value. This make the actuator be suitable for haptic application. After a review of MR fluid and its application, configuration of the proposed BMRA is presented. The modeling of the actuator is then derived based on Bingham rheological model of MRF and magnetic finite element analysis (FEA). The optimal design of the actuator is then performed to minimize the mass of the BMRA. From the optimal design result, performance characteristics of the actuator is simulated and detailed design of a prototype actuator is conducted.

Convectively driven PCR thermal-cycling

DOEpatents

Benett, William J.; Richards, James B.; Milanovich, Fred P.

2003-07-01

A polymerase chain reaction system provides an upper temperature zone and a lower temperature zone in a fluid sample. Channels set up convection cells in the fluid sample and move the fluid sample repeatedly through the upper and lower temperature zone creating thermal cycling.

Method for controlling clathrate hydrates in fluid systems

DOEpatents

Sloan, Jr., Earle D.

1995-01-01

Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from impeding the flow of fluid in a fluid system. An additive is contacted with clathrate hydrate masses in the system to prevent those clathrate hydrate masses from impeding fluid flow. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member and/or six member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and hydroxyethylcellulose, either in combination or alone.

Portable Suction Lysimeter

DOEpatents

Hubbell, Joel M.; Sisson, James B.

2004-07-13

A portable lysimeter including a collection vessel having an inflatable bladder and a semi-permeable member assembly at least partially movable in response to inflation of the bladder, a sample conduit in fluid communication with the semi-permeable member and a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample conduit.

Compact, Two-Sided Structural Cold Plate Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaffetti, Mark

2011-01-01

In two-sided structural cold plates, typically there is a structural member, such as a honeycomb panel, that provides the structural strength for the cold plates that cool equipment. The cold plates are located on either side of the structural member and thus need to have the cooling fluid supplied to them. One method of accomplishing this is to route the inlet and outlet tubing to both sides of the structural member. Another method might be to supply the inlet to one side and the outlet to the other. With the latter method, an external feature such as a hose, tube, or manifold must be incorporated to pass the fluid from one side of the structural member to the other. Although this is a more compact design than the first option, since it eliminates the need for a dedicated supply and return line to each side of the structural member, it still poses problems, as these external features can be easily damaged and are now new areas for potential fluid leakage. This invention eliminates the need for an external feature and instead incorporates the feature internally to the structural member. This is accomplished by utilizing a threaded insert that not only connects the cold plate to the structural member, but also allows the cooling fluid to flow through it into the structural member, and then to the cold plate on the opposite side. The insert also employs a cap that acts as a cover to seal the open area needed to install the insert. There are multiple options for location of o-ring style seals, as well as the option to use adhesive for redundant sealing. Another option is to weld the cap to the cold plate after its installation, thus making it an integral part of the structural member. This new configuration allows the fluid to pass from one cold plate to the other without any exposed external features.

Device for measuring the fluid density of a two-phase mixture

DOEpatents

Cole, Jack H.

1980-01-01

A device for measuring the fluid density of a two-phase mixture flowing through a tubular member. A rotor assembly is rotatively supported within the tubular member so that it can also move axially within the tubular member. The rotor assembly is balanced against a pair of springs which exert an axial force in the opposite direction upon the rotor assembly. As a two-phase mixture flows through the tubular member it contacts the rotor assembly causing it to rotate about its axis. The rotor assembly is forced against and partially compresses the springs. Means are provided to measure the rotational speed of the rotor assembly and the linear displacement of the rotor assembly. From these measurements the fluid density of the two-phase mixture is calculated.

Fluid driven reciprocating apparatus

DOEpatents

Whitehead, J.C.

1997-04-01

An apparatus is described comprising a pair of fluid driven pump assemblies in a back-to-back configuration to yield a bi-directional pump. Each of the pump assemblies includes a piston or diaphragm which divides a chamber therein to define a power section and a pumping section. An intake-exhaust valve is connected to each of the power sections of the pump chambers, and function to direct fluid, such as compressed air, into the power section and exhaust fluid therefrom. At least one of the pistons or diaphragms is connected by a rod assembly which is constructed to define a signal valve, whereby the intake-exhaust valve of one pump assembly is controlled by the position or location of the piston or diaphragm in the other pump assembly through the operation of the rod assembly signal valve. Each of the pumping sections of the pump assemblies are provided with intake and exhaust valves to enable filling of the pumping section with fluid and discharging fluid therefrom when a desired pressure has been reached. 13 figs.

Fluid driven recipricating apparatus

DOEpatents

Whitehead, John C.

1997-01-01

An apparatus comprising a pair of fluid driven pump assemblies in a back-to-back configuration to yield a bi-directional pump. Each of the pump assemblies includes a piston or diaphragm which divides a chamber therein to define a power section and a pumping section. An intake-exhaust valve is connected to each of the power sections of the pump chambers, and function to direct fluid, such as compressed air, into the power section and exhaust fluid therefrom. At least one of the pistons or diaphragms is connected by a rod assembly which is constructed to define a signal valve, whereby the intake-exhaust valve of one pump assembly is controlled by the position or location of the piston or diaphragm in the other pump assembly through the operation of the rod assembly signal valve. Each of the pumping sections of the pump assemblies are provided with intake and exhaust valves to enable filling of the pumping section with fluid and discharging fluid therefrom when a desired pressure has been reached.

Group invariant solution for a pre-existing fluid-driven fracture in impermeable rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitt, A. D.; Mason, D. P.; Moss, E. A.

2007-11-01

The propagation of a two-dimensional fluid-driven fracture in impermeable rock is considered. The fluid flow in the fracture is laminar. By applying lubrication theory a partial differential equation relating the half-width of the fracture to the fluid pressure is derived. To close the model the PKN formulation is adopted in which the fluid pressure is proportional to the half-width of the fracture. By considering a linear combination of the Lie point symmetries of the resulting non-linear diffusion equation the boundary value problem is expressed in a form appropriate for a similarity solution. The boundary value problem is reformulated as two initial value problems which are readily solved numerically. The similarity solution describes a preexisting fracture since both the total volume and length of the fracture are initially finite and non-zero. Applications in which the rate of fluid injection into the fracture and the pressure at the fracture entry are independent of time are considered.

A gravitational test of wave reinforcement versus fluid density models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Jacqueline Umstead

1990-01-01

Spermatozoa, protozoa, and algae form macroscopic patterns somewhat analogous to thermally driven convection cells. These bioconvective patterns have attracted interest in the fluid dynamics community, but whether in all cases these waves were gravity driven was unknown. There are two conflicting theories, one gravity dependent (fluid density model), the other gravity independent (wave reinforcement theory). The primary objectives of the summer faculty fellows were to: (1) assist in sample collection (spermatozoa) and preparation for the KC-135 research airplane experiment; and (2) to collaborate on ground testing of bioconvective variables such as motility, concentration, morphology, etc., in relation to their macroscopic patterns. Results are very briefly given.

Velocity distributions of granular gases with drag and with long-range interactions.

PubMed

Kohlstedt, K; Snezhko, A; Sapozhnikov, M V; Aranson, I S; Olafsen, J S; Ben-Naim, E

2005-08-05

We study velocity statistics of electrostatically driven granular gases. For two different experiments, (i) nonmagnetic particles in a viscous fluid and (ii) magnetic particles in air, the velocity distribution is non-Maxwellian, and its high-energy tail is exponential, P(upsilon) approximately exp(-/upsilon/). This behavior is consistent with the kinetic theory of driven dissipative particles. For particles immersed in a fluid, viscous damping is responsible for the exponential tail, while for magnetic particles, long-range interactions cause the exponential tail. We conclude that velocity statistics of dissipative gases are sensitive to the fluid environment and to the form of the particle interaction.

Advanced servo manipulator

DOEpatents

Holt, W.E.; Kuban, D.P.; Martin, H.L.

1988-10-25

An advanced servo manipulator has modular parts. Modular motor members drive individual input gears to control shoulder roll, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, wrist yaw, wrist pitch, wrist roll, and tong spacing. The modules include a support member, a shoulder module for controlling shoulder roll, and a sleeve module attached to the shoulder module in fixed relation thereto. The shoulder roll sleeve module has an inner cylindrical member rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical member, and upon which a gear pod assembly is mounted. A plurality of shafts are driven by the gears, which are in turn driven by individual motor modules to transmit rotary power to control elbow pitch as well as to provide four different rotary shafts across the bendable elbow joint to supply rotary motive power to a wrist member and tong member. 41 figs.

Advanced servo manipulator

DOEpatents

Holt, William E.; Kuban, Daniel P.; Martin, H. Lee

1988-01-01

An advanced servo manipulator has modular parts. Modular motor members drive individual input gears to control shoulder roll, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, wrist yaw, wrist pitch, wrist roll, and tong spacing. The modules include a support member, a shoulder module for controlling shoulder roll, and a sleeve module attached to the shoulder module in fixed relation thereto. The shoulder roll sleeve module has an inner cylindrical member rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical member, and upon which a gear pod assembly is mounted. A plurality of shafts are driven by the gears, which are in turn driven by individual motor modules to transmit rotary power to control elbow pitch as well as to provide four different rotary shafts across the bendable elbow joint to supply rotary motive power to a wrist member and tong member.

LOx breathing system with gas permeable-liquid impermeable heat exchange and delivery hose

DOEpatents

Hall, M.N.

1996-04-30

Life support apparatus is composed of: a garment for completely enclosing a wearer and constructed for preventing passage of gas from the environment surrounding the garment; a portable receptacle holding a quantity of an oxygen-containing fluid in liquid state, the fluid being in a breathable gaseous state when at standard temperature and pressure; a fluid flow member secured within the garment and coupled to the receptacle for conducting the fluid in liquid state from the receptacle to the interior of the garment; and a fluid flow control device connected for causing fluid to flow from the receptacle to the fluid flow member at a rate determined by the breathable air requirement of the wearer, wherein fluid in liquid state is conducted into the interior of the garment at a rate to be vaporized and heated to a breathable temperature by body heat produced by the wearer. 6 figs.

Salinity of the Archaean oceans from analysis of fluid inclusions in quartz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marty, Bernard; Avice, Guillaume; Bekaert, David V.; Broadley, Michael W.

2018-05-01

Fluids trapped in inclusions in well-characterized Archaean hydrothermal quartz crystals were analyzed by the extended argon-argon method, which permits the simultaneous measurement of chlorine and potassium concentrations. Argon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of the trapped fluids were also determined by static mass spectrometry. Fluids were extracted by stepwise crushing of quartz samples from North Pole (NW Australia) and Barberton (South Africa) 3.5-3.0-Ga-old greenstone belts. The data indicate that fluids are a mixture of a low salinity end-member, regarded as the Archaean oceanic water, and several hydrothermal end-members rich in Cl, K, N, and radiogenic parentless 40Ar. The low Cl-K end-member suggests that the salinity of the Archaean oceans was comparable to the modern one, and that the potassium content of the Archaean oceans was lower than at present by about 40%. A constant salinity of the oceans through time has important implications for the stabilization of the continental crust and for the habitability of the ancient Earth.

A Rapid Capillary-Pressure Driven Micro-Channel to Demonstrate Newtonian Fluid Behavior of Zebrafish Blood at High Shear Rates.

PubMed

Lee, Juhyun; Chou, Tzu-Chieh; Kang, Dongyang; Kang, Hanul; Chen, Junjie; Baek, Kyung In; Wang, Wei; Ding, Yichen; Carlo, Dino Di; Tai, Yu-Chong; Hsiai, Tzung K

2017-05-16

Blood viscosity provides the rheological basis to elucidate shear stress underlying developmental cardiac mechanics and physiology. Zebrafish is a high throughput model for developmental biology, forward-genetics, and drug discovery. The micro-scale posed an experimental challenge to measure blood viscosity. To address this challenge, a microfluidic viscometer driven by surface tension was developed to reduce the sample volume required (3μL) for rapid (<2 min) and continuous viscosity measurement. By fitting the power-law fluid model to the travel distance of blood through the micro-channel as a function of time and channel configuration, the experimentally acquired blood viscosity was compared with a vacuum-driven capillary viscometer at high shear rates (>500 s -1 ), at which the power law exponent (n) of zebrafish blood was nearly 1 behaving as a Newtonian fluid. The measured values of whole blood from the micro-channel (4.17cP) and the vacuum method (4.22cP) at 500 s -1 were closely correlated at 27 °C. A calibration curve was established for viscosity as a function of hematocrits to predict a rise and fall in viscosity during embryonic development. Thus, our rapid capillary pressure-driven micro-channel revealed the Newtonian fluid behavior of zebrafish blood at high shear rates and the dynamic viscosity during development.

Stress evolution during caldera collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holohan, E. P.; Schöpfer, M. P. J.; Walsh, J. J.

2015-07-01

The mechanics of caldera collapse are subject of long-running debate. Particular uncertainties concern how stresses around a magma reservoir relate to fracturing as the reservoir roof collapses, and how roof collapse in turn impacts upon the reservoir. We used two-dimensional Distinct Element Method models to characterise the evolution of stress around a depleting sub-surface magma body during gravity-driven collapse of its roof. These models illustrate how principal stress orientations rotate during progressive deformation so that roof fracturing transitions from initial reverse faulting to later normal faulting. They also reveal four end-member stress paths to fracture, each corresponding to a particular location within the roof. Analysis of these paths indicates that fractures associated with ultimate roof failure initiate in compression (i.e. as shear fractures). We also report on how mechanical and geometric conditions in the roof affect pre-failure unloading and post-failure reloading of the reservoir. In particular, the models show how residual friction within a failed roof could, without friction reduction mechanisms or fluid-derived counter-effects, inhibit a return to a lithostatically equilibrated pressure in the magma reservoir. Many of these findings should be transferable to other gravity-driven collapse processes, such as sinkhole formation, mine collapse and subsidence above hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Learning about Non-Newtonian Fluids in a Student-Driven Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dounas-Frazer, D. R.; Lynn, J.; Zaniewski, A. M.; Roth, N.

2013-01-01

We describe a simple, low-cost experiment and corresponding pedagogical strategies for studying fluids whose viscosities depend on shear rate, referred to as "non-Newtonian fluids." We developed these materials teaching for the Compass Project, an organization that fosters a creative, diverse, and collaborative community of science…

Bevel gear driver and method having torque limit selection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Joseph S., Jr. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

This invention comprises a torque drive mechanism utilizing axially translatable, mutually engageable transmission members having mating crown gears, driven and driving members with a three-element drive train being biased together by resilient means or by a fluid actuator system, the apparatus being operable to transmit a precisely controlled degree of torque to a driven member. The apparatus is applicable for use in hand tools and as a replacement for impact torque drivers, torque wrenches, motorized screw drivers, or the like, wherein the applied torque must be precisely controlled or limited. The bevel torque drive includes a drive gear which is axially displaceable and rotatable within cylindrical driver housing, a rotatable intermediate gear, and an output gear. Key rotationally secures displaceable gear with respect to input shaft but permits axial movement therebetween. A thrust bearing is preferably connected to the lower end of shaft for support to reduce play and friction between shaft and a transmission joint disc during rotation of the gear train. Coaxially mounted coiled spring is footed against displaceable gear for biasing the displaceable gear toward and into engagement with the intermediate gear for driving intermediate gear and output gear. Torque control is achieved by the use of straight or spiral beveled gears which are of configurations adapted to withdraw from mutual engagement upon the torque exceeding a predetermined limit. The novel, advantageous features of the invention include the configuration of the mating, crown gear sets and the axially translatable, slidable drive gear. The mechanism is capable of transmitting a high degree of torque within a narrow, compact transmission housing. The compact size and narrow, elongated configuration of the housing is particularly applicable for use in hand tools and in multiple torque driver mechanisms in which it is necessary to drive multiple fasteners which are located in close proximity. Prior torque drivers such as 'click-type' torque wrenches do not actually limit torque application but only provide an audible warning that the limit has been reached.

Fluid flow plate for decreased density of fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Vitale, Nicholas G.

1999-01-01

A fluid flow plate includes first and second outward faces. Each of the outward faces has a flow channel thereon for carrying respective fluid. At least one of the fluids serves as reactant fluid for a fuel cell of a fuel cell assembly. One or more pockets are formed between the first and second outward faces for decreasing density of the fluid flow plate. A given flow channel can include one or more end sections and an intermediate section. An interposed member can be positioned between the outward faces at an interface between an intermediate section, of one of the outward faces, and an end section, of that outward face. The interposed member can serve to isolate the reactant fluid from the opposing outward face. The intermediate section(s) of flow channel(s) on an outward face are preferably formed as a folded expanse.

Medication and volume delivery by gravity-driven micro-drip intravenous infusion: potential variations during "wide-open" flow.

PubMed

Pierce, Eric T; Kumar, Vikram; Zheng, Hui; Peterfreund, Robert A

2013-03-01

Gravity-driven micro-drip infusion sets allow control of medication dose delivery by adjusting drops per minute. When the roller clamp is fully open, flow in the drip chamber can be a continuous fluid column rather than discrete, countable, drops. We hypothesized that during this "wide-open" state, drug delivery becomes dependent on factors extrinsic to the micro-drip set and is therefore difficult to predict. We conducted laboratory experiments to characterize volume delivery under various clinically relevant conditions of wide-open flow in an in vitro laboratory model. A micro-drip infusion set, plugged into a bag of normal saline, was connected to a high-flow stopcock at the distal end. Vertically oriented IV catheters (gauges 14-22) were connected to the stopcock. The fluid meniscus height in the bag was fixed (60-120 cm) above the outflow point. The roller clamp on the infusion set was in fully open position for all experiments resulting in a continuous column of fluid in the drip chamber. Fluid volume delivered in 1 minute was measured 4 times with each condition. To model resistive effects of carrier flow, volumetric infusion pumps were used to deliver various flow rates of normal saline through a carrier IV set into which a micro-drip infusion was "piggybacked." We also compared delivery by micro-drip infusion sets from 3 manufacturers. The volume of fluid delivered by gravity-driven infusion under wide-open conditions (continuous fluid column in drip chamber) varied 2.9-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.84-2.96) depending on catheter size and fluid column height. Total model resistance of the micro-drip with stopcock and catheter varied with flow rate. Volume delivered by the piggybacked micro-drip decreased up to 29.7% ± 0.8% (mean ± SE) as the carrier flow increased from 0 to 1998 mL/min. Delivery characteristics of the micro-drip infusion sets from 3 different manufacturers were similar. Laboratory simulation of clinical situations with gravity-driven micro-drip infusion sets under wide-open flow conditions revealed that infusion rate (drug and/or volume delivery) can vary widely depending on extrinsic factors including catheter size, fluid column height, and carrier flow. The variable resistance implies nonlaminar flow in the micro-drip model that cannot be easily predicted mathematically. These findings support the use of mechanical pumps instead of gravity-driven micro-drips to enhance the precision and safety of IV infusions, especially for vasoactive drugs.

Current conducting end plate of fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Walsh, Michael M.

1999-01-01

A fuel cell assembly has a current conducting end plate with a conductive body formed integrally with isolating material. The conductive body has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an electrical connector. The first surface has an exposed portion for conducting current between a working section of the fuel cell assembly and the electrical connector. The isolating material is positioned on at least a portion of the second surface. The conductive body can have support passage(s) extending therethrough for receiving structural member(s) of the fuel cell assembly. Isolating material can electrically isolate the conductive body from the structural member(s). The conductive body can have service passage(s) extending therethrough for servicing one or more fluids for the fuel cell assembly. Isolating material can chemically isolate the one or more fluids from the conductive body. The isolating material can also electrically isolate the conductive body from the one or more fluids.

Fluid intensifier having a double acting power chamber with interconnected signal rods

DOEpatents

Whitehead, John C.

2001-01-01

A fluid driven reciprocating apparatus having a double acting power chamber with signal rods serving as high pressure pistons, or to transmit mechanical power. The signal rods are connected to a double acting piston in the power chamber thereby eliminating the need for pilot valves, with the piston being controlled by a pair of intake-exhaust valves. The signal rod includes two spaced seals along its length with a vented space therebetween so that the driving fluid and driven fluid can't mix, and performs a switching function to eliminate separate pilot valves. The intake-exhaust valves can be integrated into a single housing with the power chamber, or these valves can be built into the cylinder head only of the power chamber, or they can be separate from the power chamber.

Flow regimes for fluid injection into a confined porous medium

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Zhong; Guo, Bo; Christov, Ivan C.; ...

2015-02-24

We report theoretical and numerical studies of the flow behaviour when a fluid is injected into a confined porous medium saturated with another fluid of different density and viscosity. For a two-dimensional configuration with point source injection, a nonlinear convection–diffusion equation is derived to describe the time evolution of the fluid–fluid interface. In the early time period, the fluid motion is mainly driven by the buoyancy force and the governing equation is reduced to a nonlinear diffusion equation with a well-known self-similar solution. In the late time period, the fluid flow is mainly driven by the injection, and the governingmore » equation is approximated by a nonlinear hyperbolic equation that determines the global spreading rate; a shock solution is obtained when the injected fluid is more viscous than the displaced fluid, whereas a rarefaction wave solution is found when the injected fluid is less viscous. In the late time period, we also obtain analytical solutions including the diffusive term associated with the buoyancy effects (for an injected fluid with a viscosity higher than or equal to that of the displaced fluid), which provide the structure of the moving front. Numerical simulations of the convection–diffusion equation are performed; the various analytical solutions are verified as appropriate asymptotic limits, and the transition processes between the individual limits are demonstrated.« less

Phase-Controlled Bistability of a Dark Soliton Train in a Polariton Fluid.

PubMed

Goblot, V; Nguyen, H S; Carusotto, I; Galopin, E; Lemaître, A; Sagnes, I; Amo, A; Bloch, J

2016-11-18

We use a one-dimensional polariton fluid in a semiconductor microcavity to explore the nonlinear dynamics of counterpropagating interacting Bose fluids. The intrinsically driven-dissipative nature of the polariton fluid allows us to use resonant pumping to impose a phase twist across the fluid. When the polariton-polariton interaction energy becomes comparable to the kinetic energy, linear interference fringes transform into a train of solitons. A novel type of bistable behavior controlled by the phase twist across the fluid is experimentally evidenced.

40 CFR 147.2902 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... aquifer. USDW—underground source of drinking water. Well—a bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or a dug hole... fluids through a bored, drilled, or driven well; or through a dug well, where the depth of the dug well...

40 CFR 147.2902 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... aquifer. USDW—underground source of drinking water. Well—a bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or a dug hole... fluids through a bored, drilled, or driven well; or through a dug well, where the depth of the dug well...

40 CFR 147.2902 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... aquifer. USDW—underground source of drinking water. Well—a bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or a dug hole... fluids through a bored, drilled, or driven well; or through a dug well, where the depth of the dug well...

40 CFR 147.2902 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... aquifer. USDW—underground source of drinking water. Well—a bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or a dug hole... fluids through a bored, drilled, or driven well; or through a dug well, where the depth of the dug well...

Direct numerical simulation of incompressible acceleration-driven variable-density turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gat, Ilana; Matheou, Georgios; Chung, Daniel; Dimotakis, Paul

2015-11-01

Fully developed turbulence in variable-density flow driven by an externally imposed acceleration field, e.g., gravity, is fundamental in many applications, such as inertial confinement fusion, geophysics, and astrophysics. Aspects of this turbulence regime are poorly understood and are of interest to fluid modeling. We investigate incompressible acceleration-driven variable-density turbulence by a series of direct numerical simulations of high-density fluid in-between slabs of low-density fluid, in a triply-periodic domain. A pseudo-spectral numerical method with a Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition of the pressure field, which ensures mass conservation, is employed, as documented in Chung & Pullin (2010). A uniform dynamic viscosity and local Schmidt number of unity are assumed. This configuration encapsulates a combination of flow phenomena in a temporally evolving variable-density shear flow. Density ratios up to 10 and Reynolds numbers in the fully developed turbulent regime are investigated. The temporal evolution of the vertical velocity difference across the shear layer, shear-layer growth, mean density, and Reynolds number are discussed. Statistics of Lagrangian accelerations of fluid elements and of vorticity as a function of the density ratio are also presented. This material is based upon work supported by the AFOSR, the DOE, the NSF GRFP, and Caltech.

A Fluid-driven Earthquake Cycle, Omori's Law, and Fluid-driven Aftershocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, S. A.

2015-12-01

Few models exist that predict the Omori's Law of aftershock rate decay, with rate-state friction the only physically-based model. ETAS is a probabilistic model of cascading failures, and is sometimes used to infer rate-state frictional properties. However, the (perhaps dominant) role of fluids in the earthquake process is being increasingly realised, so a fluid-based physical model for Omori's Law should be available. In this talk, I present an hypothesis for a fluid-driven earthquake cycle where dehydration and decarbonization at depth provides continuous sources of buoyant high pressure fluids that must eventually make their way back to the surface. The natural pathway for fluid escape is along plate boundaries, where in the ductile regime high pressure fluids likely play an integral role in episodic tremor and slow slip earthquakes. At shallower levels, high pressure fluids pool at the base of seismogenic zones, with the reservoir expanding in scale through the earthquake cycle. Late in the cycle, these fluids can invade and degrade the strength of the brittle crust and contribute to earthquake nucleation. The mainshock opens permeable networks that provide escape pathways for high pressure fluids and generate aftershocks along these flow paths, while creating new pathways by the aftershocks themselves. Thermally activated precipitation then seals up these pathways, returning the system to a low-permeability environment and effective seal during the subsequent tectonic stress buildup. I find that the multiplicative effect of an exponential dependence of permeability on the effective normal stress coupled with an Arrhenius-type, thermally activated exponential reduction in permeability results in Omori's Law. I simulate this scenario using a very simple model that combines non-linear diffusion and a step-wise increase in permeability when a Mohr Coulomb failure condition is met, and allow permeability to decrease as an exponential function in time. I show very strong spatial correlations of the simulated evolved permeability and fluid pressure field with aftershock hypocenters from this 1992 Landers and 1994 Northridge aftershock sequences, and reproduce the observed aftershock decay rates. Controls on the decay rates (p-value) will also be discussed.

Lox breathing system with gas permeable-liquid impermeable heat exchange and delivery hose

DOEpatents

Hall, Mark N.

1996-01-01

Life support apparatus composed of: a garment (2): for completely enclosing a wearer and constructed for preventing passage of gas from the environment surrounding the garment (2); a portable receptacle (6) holding a quantity of an oxygen-containing fluid in liquid state, the fluid being in a breathable gaseous; state when at standard temperature and pressure; a fluid flow member (16) secured within the garment (2) and coupled to the receptacle (6) for conducting the fluid in liquid state from the receptacle (6) to the interior of the garment (2); and a fluid flow control device (14) connected for causing fluid to flow from the receptacle (6) to the fluid flow member (16) at a rate determined by the breathable air requirement of the wearer, wherein fluid in liquid state is conducted into the interior of the garment (2) at a rate to be vaporized and heated to a breathable temperature by body heat produced by the wearer.

GPU accelerated simulations of three-dimensional flow of power-law fluids in a driven cube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, K.; Vanka, S. P.; Agarwal, R. K.; Thomas, B. G.

2017-01-01

Newtonian fluid flow in two- and three-dimensional cavities with a moving wall has been studied extensively in a number of previous works. However, relatively a fewer number of studies have considered the motion of non-Newtonian fluids such as shear thinning and shear thickening power law fluids. In this paper, we have simulated the three-dimensional, non-Newtonian flow of a power law fluid in a cubic cavity driven by shear from the top wall. We have used an in-house developed fractional step code, implemented on a Graphics Processor Unit. Three Reynolds numbers have been studied with power law index set to 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5. The flow patterns, viscosity distributions and velocity profiles are presented for Reynolds numbers of 100, 400 and 1000. All three Reynolds numbers are found to yield steady state flows. Tabulated values of velocity are given for the nine cases studied, including the Newtonian cases.

Fluid-driven fracture and melt transport through lithosphere on earth and terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fialko, Yuri Alex

Fluid-driven fracture is a fundamental geophysical phenomenon operating in planetary interiors on many scales. A few examples of geological processes involving fluid transport via self-induced fractures include melt segregation in the mantle, magma ascent through the lithosphere, crustal accretion at mid-ocean ridges and volcanic "hot spots", migration of metamorphic and sedimentary fluids in the crust, etc. Overall, fluid-driven (in particular, magma-driven) fracture plays a major role in chemical differentiation of the upper mantle. Because our ability to make direct observations of the dynamics and styles of fluid-driven fracture is quite limited, our understanding of this phenomenon relies on theoretical models that use fundamental physical principles and available field data to constrain the behavior of fluid-driven cracks at depth. This thesis proposes new and more accurate ways of theoretical and experimental description of magma transport in self-induced fractures, or dikes. Dike propagation is a complex process that involves elastic and inelastic deformation of the host rocks, rock fracture, viscous flow of magma, heat transfer, and phase transitions (e.g., rock crystallization and fusion, volatile exolution etc.). We consider relationships between different physical processes associated with magma transport in dikes by solving appropriate boundary value problems of continuum mechanics and heat and mass transfer. The first chapter of this thesis revises existing interpretations of available experimental data bearing on the role of fracture resistance in the overall energy balance during dike propagation. It is shown for the first time that the experimental data indicate that the rock tensile fracture energy, which is not a material property at elevated confining pressures, may substantially increase under in-situ stress conditions. The second chapter concentrates on the interaction between magma flow, heat transfer and phase changes associated with dike emplacement, and discusses some important implications of our results for the generation of the Earth's crust at mid-ocean ridges. In particular, we find that the thermal arrest lengths of typical mid-ocean ridge dikes are of the order of the wavelength of crustal thickness variations and transform fault spacing along slow spreading ridges. This suggests that thermal controls on the crustal melt delivery system could be an important factor in modulating these variations. The third chapter deals with fluid-mechanical aspects of lateral dike propagation in volcanic rift zones. We demonstrate the existence of a feedback between viscous pressure losses during magma transport at depth and the along-strike surface topography of a rift zone. Our estimated values of the along-strike slopes resulting from such a feedback are in general agreement with observations in Hawaiian rift zones. The fourth chapter explores mechanisms of emplacement of giant dike swarms that might have played a role in splitting continents and producing mass extinctions. We reconcile field observations of chilled margins, low crustal contamination, and large dike thicknesses with the theoretically inferred turbulent mode of magma flow in such dikes.

Inertial migration of elastic particles in a pressure-driven power-law fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowie, Samuel; Alexeev, Alexander

2016-11-01

Using three-dimensional computer simulations, we study the cross-stream migration of deformable particles in a channel filled with a non-Newtonian fluid driven by a pressure gradient. Our numerical approach integrates lattice Boltzmann method and lattice spring method in order to model fluid structural interactions of the elastic particle and the surrounding power fluid in the channel. The particles are modeled as elastic shells filled with a viscous fluid that are initially spherical. We focus on the regimes where the inertial effects cannot be neglected and cause cross-stream drift of particles. We probe the flow with different power law indexes including both the shear thickening and thinning fluids. We also examine migration of particles of with different elasticity and relative size. To isolate the non-Newtonian effects on particle migration, we compare the results with the inertial migration results found in the case where the channel is filled with a simple Newtonian fluid. The results can be useful for applications requiring high throughput separation, sorting, and focusing of both synthetic particles and biological cells in microfluidic devices. Financial support provided by National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant No. CMMI1538161.

Large-scale disruptions in a current-carrying magnetofluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahlburg, J. P.; Montgomery, D.; Doolen, G. D.; Matthaeus, W. H.

1986-01-01

Internal disruptions in a strongly magnetized electrically conducting fluid contained within a rigid conducting cylinder of square cross section are investigated theoretically, both with and without an externally applied axial electric field, by means of computer simulations using the pseudospectral three-dimensional Strauss-equations code of Dahlburg et al. (1985). Results from undriven inviscid, driven inviscid, and driven viscid simulations are presented graphically, and the significant effects of low-order truncations on the modeling accuracy are considered. A helical current filament about the cylinder axis is observed. The ratio of turbulent kinetic energy to total poloidal magnetic energy is found to undergo cyclic bounces in the undriven inviscid case, to exhibit one large bounce followed by decay to a quasi-steady state with poloidal fluid velocity flow in the driven inviscid case, and to show one large bounce followed by further sawtoothlike bounces in the driven viscid case.

An Experimental Study of Penny-shaped Fluid-driven Cracks in an Elastic Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, Howard

2015-11-01

When a pressurized fluid is injected into an elastic matrix, the fluid generates a fracture that grows along a plane and forms a fluid-filled disc-like shape. For example, such problems occur in various natural and industrial applications involving the subsurface of Earth, such as hydraulic fracturing operations. We report a laboratory study of such a fluid-driven crack in a gelatin matrix, study the crack shape as a function of time, and investigate the influence of different experimental parameters such as the injection flow rate, Young's modulus of the matrix, and fluid viscosity. We find that the crack radius increases with time as a power law, which has been predicted both for the limit where viscous effects in the flow along the crack opening control the rate of crack propagation, as well as the limit where fracture toughness controls crack propagation. We vary experimental parameters to probe the physical limits and highlight that for our typical parameters both effects can be significant. Also, we measure the time evolution of crack shape, which has not been studied before. The rescaled crack shapes collapse at longer times, based on an appropriate scaling argument, and again we compare the scaling arguments in different physical limits. The gelatin system provides a useful laboratory model for further studies of fluid-driven cracks, some of which we will mention as they are inspired by the physics of hydraulic fracturing. This work is part of the PhD thesis of Ching-Yao Lai and is a collaboration with Drs. Zhong Zheng and Jason Wexler (Princeton University) and Professor Emilie Dressaire (NYU). Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Piezoelectric axial flow microvalve

DOEpatents

Gemmen, Randall; Thornton, Jimmy; Vipperman, Jeffrey S.; Clark, William W.

2007-01-09

This invention is directed to a fuel cell operable with a quantity of fuel and a quantity of an oxidizer to produce electrical power, the fuel cell including a fuel cell body including a labyrinth system structured to permit the fuel and the oxidizer to flow therethrough; at least a first catalyst in fluid communication with the labyrinth; and at least a first microvalve operably disposed within at least a portion of the labyrinth. The microvalve utilizes a deflectable member operable upon the application of a voltage from a voltage source. The microvalve includes an elongated flow channel formed therein and extending substantially longitudinally between the first and second ends to permit substantially longitudinal flow of the fluid therethrough and between the first and second ends; and the deflectable member disposed on the valve body, the deflectable member including at least a first piezoelectric portion that is piezoelectrically operable to deflect the deflectable member between an open position and a closed position upon the application of a voltage, the deflectable member in the closed position being operable to resist the flow of the fluid through the flow channel.

Data-driven sensor placement from coherent fluid structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manohar, Krithika; Kaiser, Eurika; Brunton, Bingni W.; Kutz, J. Nathan; Brunton, Steven L.

2017-11-01

Optimal sensor placement is a central challenge in the prediction, estimation and control of fluid flows. We reinterpret sensor placement as optimizing discrete samples of coherent fluid structures for full state reconstruction. This permits a drastic reduction in the number of sensors required for faithful reconstruction, since complex fluid interactions can often be described by a small number of coherent structures. Our work optimizes point sensors using the pivoted matrix QR factorization to sample coherent structures directly computed from flow data. We apply this sampling technique in conjunction with various data-driven modal identification methods, including the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD). In contrast to POD-based sensors, DMD demonstrably enables the optimization of sensors for prediction in systems exhibiting multiple scales of dynamics. Finally, reconstruction accuracy from pivot sensors is shown to be competitive with sensors obtained using traditional computationally prohibitive optimization methods.

Mechanical Control of Tissue Morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Patwari, Parth; Lee, Richard T.

2008-01-01

Mechanical forces participate in morphogenesis from the level of individual cells to whole organism patterning. This manuscript reviews recent research that has identified specific roles for mechanical forces in important developmental events. One well-defined example is that dynein-driven cilia create fluid flow that determines left-right patterning in the early mammalian embryo. Fluid flow is also important for vasculogenesis, and evidence suggests that fluid shear stress rather than fluid transport is primarily required for remodeling the early vasculature. Contraction of the actin cytoskeleton, driven by nonmuscle myosins and regulated by the Rho family GTPases, is a recurring mechanism for controlling morphogenesis throughout development, from gastrulation to cardiogenesis. Finally, novel experimental approaches suggest critical roles for the actin cytoskeleton and the mechanical environment in determining differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Insights into the mechanisms linking mechanical forces to cell and tissue differentiation pathways are important for understanding many congenital diseases and for developing regenerative medicine strategies. PMID:18669930

Measured Fluid Flow in an Active H2O-CO2 Geothermal Well as an Analog to Fluid Flow in Fractures on Mars: Preliminary Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kieffer, Susan W.; Brown, K. L.; Simmons, Stuart F.; Watson, Arnold

2004-01-01

Water in the Earth's crust generally contains dissolved gases such as CO2. Models for both 'Blue Mars' (H2O-driven processes) and 'White Mars' (CO2-driven processes) predict liquid H2O with dissolved CO2 at depth. The fate of dissolved CO2 as this mixture rises toward the surface has not been quantitatively explored. Our approach is a variation on NASA's 'Follow the Water' as we 'Follow the Fluid' from depth to the surface in hydrothermal areas on Earth and extrapolate our results to Mars. This is a preliminary report on a field study of fluid flow in a producing geothermal well. For proprietary reasons, the name and location of this well cannot be revealed, so we have named it 'Earth1' for this study.

Fluid-Driven Deformation of a Soft Porous Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, Tyler; Wilen, Larry; Wettlaufer, John

2017-11-01

Viscous drag forces resisting the flow of fluid through a soft porous medium are maintained by restoring forces associated with deformations in the solid matrix. We describe experimental measurements of the deformation of foam under a pressure-driven flow of water along a single axis. Image analysis techniques allow tracking of the foam displacement while pressure sensors allow measurement of the fluid pressure. Experiments are performed for a series of different pressure heads ranging from 10 to 90 psi, and the results are compared to theory. This work builds on previous measurements of the fluid-induced deformation of a bed of soft hydrogel spheres. Compared to the hydrogel system, foams have the advantage that the constituents of the porous medium do not rearrange during an experiment, but they have the disadvantage of having a high friction coefficient with any boundaries. We detail strategies to characterize and mitigate the effects of friction on the observed foam deformations.

Theory of the corrugation instability of a piston-driven shock wave.

PubMed

Bates, J W

2015-01-01

We analyze the two-dimensional stability of a shock wave driven by a steadily moving corrugated piston in an inviscid fluid with an arbitrary equation of state. For h≤-1 or h>h(c), where h is the D'yakov parameter and h(c) is the Kontorovich limit, we find that small perturbations on the shock front are unstable and grow--at first quadratically and later linearly--with time. Such instabilities are associated with nonequilibrium fluid states and imply a nonunique solution to the hydrodynamic equations. The above criteria are consistent with instability limits observed in shock-tube experiments involving ionizing and dissociating gases and may have important implications for driven shocks in laser-fusion, astrophysical, and/or detonation studies.

Rotational microfluidic motor for on-chip microcentrifugation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shilton, Richie J.; Glass, Nick R.; Chan, Peggy; Yeo, Leslie Y.; Friend, James R.

2011-06-01

We report on the design of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) driven fluid-coupled micromotor which runs at high rotational velocities. A pair of opposing SAWs generated on a lithium niobate substrate are each obliquely passed into either side of a fluid drop to drive rotation of the fluid, and the thin circular disk set on the drop. Using water for the drop, a 5 mm diameter disk was driven with rotation speeds and start-up torques up to 2250 rpm and 60 nN m, respectively. Most importantly for lab-on-a-chip applications, radial accelerations of 172 m/s2 was obtained, presenting possibilities for microcentrifugation, flow sequencing, assays, and cell culturing in truly microscale lab-on-a-chip devices.

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

Lacy, Benjamin Paul; Ziminsky, Willy Steve; Johnson, Thomas Edward

A turbomachine includes a compressor, a combustor operatively connected to the compressor, an end cover mounted to the combustor, and an injection nozzle assembly operatively connected to the combustor. The injection nozzle assembly includes a cap member having a first surface that extends to a second surface. The cap member further includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of bundled mini-tube assemblies are detachably mounted in the plurality of openings in the cap member. Each of the plurality of bundled mini-tube assemblies includes a main body section having a first end section and a second end section. A fluid plenummore » is arranged within the main body section. A plurality of tubes extend between the first and second end sections. Each of the plurality of tubes is fluidly connected to the fluid plenum.« less

Active Learning in Fluid Mechanics: Youtube Tube Flow and Puzzling Fluids Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hrenya, Christine M.

2011-01-01

Active-learning exercises appropriate for a course in undergraduate fluid mechanics are presented. The first exercise involves an experiment in gravity-driven tube flow, with small groups of students partaking in a contest to predict the experimental flow rates using the mechanical energy balance. The second exercise takes the form of an…

Small hydraulic turbine drives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rostafinski, W. A.

1970-01-01

Turbine, driven by the fluid being pumped, requires no external controls, is completely integrated into the flow system, and has bearings which utilize the main fluid for lubrication and cooling. Torque capabilities compare favorably with those developed by positive displacement hydraulic motors.

Multiphase flow in geometrically simple fracture intersections

USGS Publications Warehouse

Basagaoglu, H.; Meakin, P.; Green, C.T.; Mathew, M.; ,

2006-01-01

A two-dimensional lattice Boltzmann (LB) model with fluid-fluid and solid-fluid interaction potentials was used to study gravity-driven flow in geometrically simple fracture intersections. Simulated scenarios included fluid dripping from a fracture aperture, two-phase flow through intersecting fractures and thin-film flow on smooth and undulating solid surfaces. Qualitative comparisons with recently published experimental findings indicate that for these scenarios the LB model captured the underlying physics reasonably well.

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor regulates human fetal lung development via CFTR

PubMed Central

Brennan, Sarah C.; Wilkinson, William J.; Tseng, Hsiu-Er; Finney, Brenda; Monk, Bethan; Dibble, Holly; Quilliam, Samantha; Warburton, David; Galietta, Luis J.; Kemp, Paul J.; Riccardi, Daniela

2016-01-01

Optimal fetal lung growth requires anion-driven fluid secretion into the lumen of the developing organ. The fetus is hypercalcemic compared to the mother and here we show that in the developing human lung this hypercalcaemia acts on the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor, CaSR, to promote fluid-driven lung expansion through activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR. Several chloride channels including TMEM16, bestrophin, CFTR, CLCN2 and CLCA1, are also expressed in the developing human fetal lung at gestational stages when CaSR expression is maximal. Measurements of Cl−-driven fluid secretion in organ explant cultures show that pharmacological CaSR activation by calcimimetics stimulates lung fluid secretion through CFTR, an effect which in humans, but not mice, was also mimicked by fetal hypercalcemic conditions, demonstrating that the physiological relevance of such a mechanism appears to be species-specific. Calcimimetics promote CFTR opening by activating adenylate cyclase and we show that Ca2+-stimulated type I adenylate cyclase is expressed in the developing human lung. Together, these observations suggest that physiological fetal hypercalcemia, acting on the CaSR, promotes human fetal lung development via cAMP-dependent opening of CFTR. Disturbances in this process would be expected to permanently impact lung structure and might predispose to certain postnatal respiratory diseases. PMID:26911344

Factors affecting particle collection by electro-osmosis in microfluidic systems.

PubMed

Mohtar, Mohd Nazim; Hoettges, Kai F; Hughes, Michael P

2014-02-01

Alternating-current electro-osmosis, a phenomenon of fluid transport due to the interaction between an electrical double layer and a tangential electric field, has been used both for inducing fluid movement and for the concentration of particles suspended in the fluid. This offers many advantages over other phenomena used to trap particles, such as placing particles at an electrode centre rather than an edge; benefits of scale, where electrodes hundreds of micrometers across can trap particles from the molecules to cells at the same rate; and a trapping volume limited by the vortex height, a phenomenon thus far unstudied. In this paper, the collection of particles due to alternating-current electro-osmosis driven collection is examined for a range of particle concentrations, inter-electrode gap widths, chamber heights and media viscosity and density. A model of collection behaviour is described where particle collection over time is governed by two processes, one driven by the vortices and the other by sedimentation, allowing the determination of the maximum height of vortex-driven collection, but also indicates how trapping is limited by high particle concentrations and fluid velocities. The results also indicate that viscosity, rather than density, is a significant governing factor in determining the trapping behaviour of particles. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chloride transport-driven alveolar fluid secretion is a major contributor to cardiogenic lung edema

PubMed Central

Solymosi, Esther A.; Kaestle-Gembardt, Stefanie M.; Vadász, István; Wang, Liming; Neye, Nils; Chupin, Cécile Julie Adrienne; Rozowsky, Simon; Ruehl, Ramona; Tabuchi, Arata; Schulz, Holger; Kapus, Andras; Morty, Rory E.; Kuebler, Wolfgang M.

2013-01-01

Alveolar fluid clearance driven by active epithelial Na+ and secondary Cl− absorption counteracts edema formation in the intact lung. Recently, we showed that impairment of alveolar fluid clearance because of inhibition of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) promotes cardiogenic lung edema. Concomitantly, we observed a reversal of alveolar fluid clearance, suggesting that reversed transepithelial ion transport may promote lung edema by driving active alveolar fluid secretion. We, therefore, hypothesized that alveolar ion and fluid secretion may constitute a pathomechanism in lung edema and aimed to identify underlying molecular pathways. In isolated perfused lungs, alveolar fluid clearance and secretion were determined by a double-indicator dilution technique. Transepithelial Cl− secretion and alveolar Cl− influx were quantified by radionuclide tracing and alveolar Cl− imaging, respectively. Elevated hydrostatic pressure induced ouabain-sensitive alveolar fluid secretion that coincided with transepithelial Cl− secretion and alveolar Cl− influx. Inhibition of either cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporters (NKCC) blocked alveolar fluid secretion, and lungs of CFTR−/− mice were protected from hydrostatic edema. Inhibition of ENaC by amiloride reproduced alveolar fluid and Cl− secretion that were again CFTR-, NKCC-, and Na+-K+-ATPase–dependent. Our findings show a reversal of transepithelial Cl− and fluid flux from absorptive to secretory mode at hydrostatic stress. Alveolar Cl− and fluid secretion are triggered by ENaC inhibition and mediated by NKCC and CFTR. Our results characterize an innovative mechanism of cardiogenic edema formation and identify NKCC1 as a unique therapeutic target in cardiogenic lung edema. PMID:23645634

Catalytic converter with fluid injector for catalyst-free enclosure of catalyst bed

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

Andrew, S.P.S.

1984-09-25

A fluid injection lozenge comprises two tubes supporting a perforate member forming a cage enclosing the space between the tubes. Each tube has a series of perforations along its length so that a fluid can be injected, through the tube, into the enclosed space. The lozenges are of use in catalytic converters of either the axial or radial flow design. In the case of a radial flow converter, a plurality of tubes are provided, preferably connected in pairs by the perforate members, to form a squirrel cage structure, disposed in the catalyst bed.

Prediction of gravity-driven fingering in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beljadid, Abdelaziz; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis; Juanes, Ruben

2017-11-01

Gravity-driven displacement of one fluid by another in porous media is often subject to a hydrodynamic instability, whereby fluid invasion takes the form of preferential flow paths-examples include secondary oil migration in reservoir rocks, and infiltration of rainfall water in dry soil. Here, we develop a continuum model of gravity-driven two-phase flow in porous media within the phase-field framework (Cueto-Felgueroso and Juanes, 2008). We employ pore-scale physics arguments to design the free energy of the system, which notably includes a nonlinear formulation of the high-order (square-gradient) term based on equilibrium considerations in the direction orthogonal to gravity. This nonlocal term plays the role of a macroscopic surface tension, which exhibits a strong link with capillary pressure. Our theoretical analysis shows that the proposed model enforces that fluid saturations are bounded between 0 and 1 by construction, therefore overcoming a serious limitation of previous models. Our numerical simulations show that the proposed model also resolves the pinning behavior at the base of the infiltration front, and the asymmetric behavior of the fingers at material interfaces observed experimentally.

Engine having multiple pumps driven by a single shaft

DOEpatents

Blass, James R.

2001-01-01

An engine comprises an engine housing. A first engine fluid sub-system that includes a first pump and the engine housing defining a first fluid passage is also included in the engine. The engine also includes at least one additional engine fluid sub-system that includes a second pump and the engine housing defining a second fluid passage. A rotating shaft is at least partially positioned in the engine housing, the first pump and the second pump.

Intrinsically irreversible heat engine

DOEpatents

Wheatley, J.C.; Swift, G.W.; Migliori, A.

1984-01-01

A class of heat engines based on an intrinsically irreversible heat transfer process is disclosed. In a typical embodiment the engine comprises a compressible fluid that is cyclically compressed and expanded while at the same time being driven in reciprocal motion by a positive displacement drive means. A second thermodynamic medium is maintained in imperfect thermal contact with the fluid and bears a broken thermodynamic symmetry with respect to the fluid. The second thermodynamic medium is a structure adapted to have a low fluid flow impedance with respect to the compressible fluid, and which is further adapted to be in only moderate thermal contact with the fluid. In operation, thermal energy is pumped along the second medium due to a phase lag between the cyclical heating and cooling of the fluid and the resulting heat conduction between the fluid and the medium. In a preferred embodiment the engine comprises an acoustical drive and a housing containing a gas which is driven at a resonant frequency so as to be maintained in a standing wave. Operation of the engine at acoustic frequencies improves the power density and coefficient of performance. The second thermodynamic medium can be coupled to suitable heat exchangers to utilize the engine as a simple refrigeration device having no mechanical moving parts. Alternatively, the engine is reversible in function so as to be utilizable as a prime mover by coupling it to suitable sources and sinks of heat.

Intrinsically irreversible heat engine

DOEpatents

Wheatley, John C.; Swift, Gregory W.; Migliori, Albert

1984-01-01

A class of heat engines based on an intrinsically irreversible heat transfer process is disclosed. In a typical embodiment the engine comprises a compressible fluid that is cyclically compressed and expanded while at the same time being driven in reciprocal motion by a positive displacement drive means. A second thermodynamic medium is maintained in imperfect thermal contact with the fluid and bears a broken thermodynamic symmetry with respect to the fluid. the second thermodynamic medium is a structure adapted to have a low fluid flow impedance with respect to the compressible fluid, and which is further adapted to be in only moderate thermal contact with the fluid. In operation, thermal energy is pumped along the second medium due to a phase lag between the cyclical heating and cooling of the fluid and the resulting heat conduction between the fluid and the medium. In a preferred embodiment the engine comprises an acoustical drive and a housing containing a gas which is driven at a resonant frequency so as to be maintained in a standing wave. Operation of the engine at acoustic frequencies improves the power density and coefficient of performance. The second thermodynamic medium can be coupled to suitable heat exchangers to utilize the engine as a simple refrigeration device having no mechanical moving parts. Alternatively, the engine is reversible in function so as to be utilizable as a prime mover by coupling it to suitable sources and sinks of heat.

Intrinsically irreversible heat engine

DOEpatents

Wheatley, J.C.; Swift, G.W.; Migliori, A.

1984-12-25

A class of heat engines based on an intrinsically irreversible heat transfer process is disclosed. In a typical embodiment the engine comprises a compressible fluid that is cyclically compressed and expanded while at the same time being driven in reciprocal motion by a positive displacement drive means. A second thermodynamic medium is maintained in imperfect thermal contact with the fluid and bears a broken thermodynamic symmetry with respect to the fluid. The second thermodynamic medium is a structure adapted to have a low fluid flow impedance with respect to the compressible fluid, and which is further adapted to be in only moderate thermal contact with the fluid. In operation, thermal energy is pumped along the second medium due to a phase lag between the cyclical heating and cooling of the fluid and the resulting heat conduction between the fluid and the medium. In a preferred embodiment the engine comprises an acoustical drive and a housing containing a gas which is driven at a resonant frequency so as to be maintained in a standing wave. Operation of the engine at acoustic frequencies improves the power density and coefficient of performance. The second thermodynamic medium can be coupled to suitable heat exchangers to utilize the engine as a simple refrigeration device having no mechanical moving parts. Alternatively, the engine is reversible in function so as to be utilizable as a prime mover by coupling it to suitable sources and sinks of heat. 11 figs.

Lithium isotopic systematics of submarine vent fluids from arc and back-arc hydrothermal systems in the western Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araoka, Daisuke; Nishio, Yoshiro; Gamo, Toshitaka; Yamaoka, Kyoko; Kawahata, Hodaka

2016-10-01

The Li concentration and isotopic composition (δ7Li) in submarine vent fluids are important for oceanic Li budget and potentially useful for investigating hydrothermal systems deep under the seafloor because hydrothermal vent fluids are highly enriched in Li relative to seawater. Although Li isotopic geochemistry has been studied at mid-ocean-ridge (MOR) hydrothermal sites, in arc and back-arc settings Li isotopic composition has not been systematically investigated. Here we determined the δ7Li and 87Sr/86Sr values of 11 end-member fluids from 5 arc and back-arc hydrothermal systems in the western Pacific and examined Li behavior during high-temperature water-rock interactions in different geological settings. In sediment-starved hydrothermal systems (Manus Basin, Izu-Bonin Arc, Mariana Trough, and North Fiji Basin), the Li concentrations (0.23-1.30 mmol/kg) and δ7Li values (+4.3‰ to +7.2‰) of the end-member fluids are explained mainly by dissolution-precipitation model during high-temperature seawater-rock interactions at steady state. Low Li concentrations are attributable to temperature-related apportioning of Li in rock into the fluid phase and phase separation process. Small variation in Li among MOR sites is probably caused by low-temperature alteration process by diffusive hydrothermal fluids under the seafloor. In contrast, the highest Li concentrations (3.40-5.98 mmol/kg) and lowest δ7Li values (+1.6‰ to +2.4‰) of end-member fluids from the Okinawa Trough demonstrate that the Li is predominantly derived from marine sediments. The variation of Li in sediment-hosted sites can be explained by the differences in degree of hydrothermal fluid-sediment interactions associated with the thickness of the marine sediment overlying these hydrothermal sites.

Universal penetration test apparatus with fluid penetration sensor

DOEpatents

Johnson, Phillip W.; Stampfer, Joseph F.; Bradley, Orvil D.

1999-01-01

A universal penetration test apparatus for measuring resistance of a material to a challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a pad saturated with the challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a compression assembly for compressing the material between the pad and a compression member. The apparatus also includes a sensor mechanism for automatically detecting when the challenge fluid penetrates the material.

Integrated hydraulic cooler and return rail in camless cylinder head

DOEpatents

Marriott, Craig D [Clawson, MI; Neal, Timothy L [Ortonville, MI; Swain, Jeff L [Flushing, MI; Raimao, Miguel A [Colorado Springs, CO

2011-12-13

An engine assembly may include a cylinder head defining an engine coolant reservoir, a pressurized fluid supply, a valve actuation assembly, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The valve actuation assembly may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and may include a valve member displaceable by a force applied by the pressurized fluid supply. The hydraulic fluid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the valve actuation assembly and in a heat exchange relation to the engine coolant reservoir.

Crystal Growth of ZnSe and Related Ternary Compound Semiconductors by Vapor Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Ching-Hua; Brebrick, R. F.; Burger, A.; Dudley, M.; Ramachandran, N.

2003-01-01

The objective of the project is to determine the relative contributions of gravity-driven fluid flows to the compositional distribution, incorporation of impurities and defects, and deviation from stoichiometry observed in the crystals grown by vapor transport as results of buoyance-driven convection and growth interface fluctuations caused by irregular fluid-flows. ZnSe and related ternary compounds, such as ZnSeS and ZnSeTe, were grown by vapor transport technique with real time in-situ non-invasive monitoring techniques. The grown crystals were characterized extensively to correlate the grown crystal properties with the growth conditions.

A novel pressure-driven piezodispenser for nanoliter volumes.

PubMed

McGuire, Shawn; Fisher, Charles; Holl, Mark; Meldrum, Deirdre

2008-08-01

A successful dispensing device has been built for use in biotechnology applications requiring nanoliter volume liquid transfer. Air pressure is used as the primary driving force and is controlled via a high speed miniature solenoid valve as opposed to many existing systems that use a valve in line with constantly pressurized fluid to start and stop the dispensing action. This automated pressure-driven system is used to improve a typical piezodriven microdispenser. The resulting system is much less prone to failures resulting from air entrainment and can dispense much higher viscosity fluids than the microdispenser alone.

Fluid Physics and Macromolecular Crystal Growth in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pusey, M.; Snell, E.; Judge, R.; Chayen, N.; Boggon, T.

2000-01-01

The molecular structure of biological macromolecules is important in understanding how these molecules work and has direct application to rational drug design for new medicines and for the improvement and development of industrial enzymes. In order to obtain the molecular structure, large, well formed, single macromolecule crystals are required. The growth of macromolecule crystals is a difficult task and is often hampered on the ground by fluid flows that result from the interaction of gravity with the crystal growth process. One such effect is the bulk movement of the crystal through the fluid due to sedimentation. A second is buoyancy driven convection close to the crystal surface. On the ground the crystallization process itself induces both of these flows. Buoyancy driven convection results from density differences between the bulk solution and fluid close to the crystal surface which has been depleted of macromolecules due to crystal growth. Schlieren photograph of a growing lysozyme crystal illustrating a 'growth plume' resulting from buoyancy driven convection. Both sedimentation and buoyancy driven convection have a negative effect on crystal growth and microgravity is seen as a way to both greatly reduce sedimentation and provide greater stability for 'depletion zones' around growing crystals. Some current crystal growth hardware however such as those based on a vapor diffusion techniques, may also be introducing unwanted Marangoni convection which becomes more pronounced in microgravity. Negative effects of g-jitter on crystal growth have also been observed. To study the magnitude of fluid flows around growing crystals we have attached a number of different fluorescent probes to lysozyme molecules. At low concentrations, less than 40% of the total protein, the probes do not appear to effect the crystal growth process. By using these probes we expect to determine not only the effect of induced flows due to crystal growth hardware design but also hope to optimize crystallization hardware so that destructive flows are minimized both on the ground and in microgravity.

Group invariant solution for a pre-existing fracture driven by a power-law fluid in impermeable rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fareo, A. G.; Mason, D. P.

2013-12-01

The effect of power-law rheology on hydraulic fracturing is investigated. The evolution of a two-dimensional fracture with non-zero initial length and driven by a power-law fluid is analyzed. Only fluid injection into the fracture is considered. The surrounding rock mass is impermeable. With the aid of lubrication theory and the PKN approximation a partial differential equation for the fracture half-width is derived. Using a linear combination of the Lie-point symmetry generators of the partial differential equation, the group invariant solution is obtained and the problem is reduced to a boundary value problem for an ordinary differential equation. Exact analytical solutions are derived for hydraulic fractures with constant volume and with constant propagation speed. The asymptotic solution near the fracture tip is found. The numerical solution for general working conditions is obtained by transforming the boundary value problem to a pair of initial value problems. Throughout the paper, hydraulic fracturing with shear thinning, Newtonian and shear thickening fluids are compared.

Helical screw viscometer

DOEpatents

Aubert, J.H.; Chapman, R.N.; Kraynik, A.M.

1983-06-30

A helical screw viscometer for the measurement of the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids comprising an elongated cylindrical container closed by end caps defining a circular cylindrical cavity within the container, a cylindrical rotor member having a helical screw or ribbon flight carried by the outer periphery thereof rotatably carried within the cavity whereby the fluid to be measured is confined in the cavity filling the space between the rotor and the container wall. The rotor member is supported by axle members journaled in the end caps, one axle extending through one end cap and connectable to a drive source. A pair of longitudinally spaced ports are provided through the wall of the container in communication with the cavity and a differential pressure meter is connected between the ports for measuring the pressure drop caused by the rotation of the helical screw rotor acting on the confined fluid for computing viscosity.

Group members' questions shape participation in health counselling and health education.

PubMed

Logren, Aija; Ruusuvuori, Johanna; Laitinen, Jaana

2017-10-01

This study examines how group members' questions shape member participation in health counselling and health education groups. The study applies conversation analytic principles as a method. The data consist of video-recorded health education lessons in secondary school and health counselling sessions for adults with a high risk of Type 2 diabetes. Group members' questions accomplish a temporary change in participatory roles. They are used to 1) request counselling, 2) do counselling or 3) challenge previous talk. They are usually treated as relevant and legitimate actions by the participants, but are occasionally interpreted as transitions outside the current action or topic. Group members' questions result in a shift from leader-driven to member-driven discussion. Thus they constitute a pivot point for detecting changes in participation in group interventions. Observing the occurrence of group members' questions helps group leaders to adjust their own actions accordingly and thus facilitate or guide group participation. Comparison of the type and frequency of members' questions is a way to detect different trajectories for delivering group interventions and can thus be used to develop methods for process evaluation of interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Investigation Into: I) Active Flow Control for Cold-Start Performance Enhancement of a Pump-Assisted, Capillary-Driven, Two-Phase Cooling Loop II) Surface Tension of n-Pentanol + Water, a Self-Rewetting Working Fluid, From 25 °C to 85 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejarano, Roberto Villa

Cold-start performance enhancement of a pump-assisted, capillary-driven, two-phase cooling loop was attained using proportional integral and fuzzy logic controls to manage the boiling condition inside the evaporator. The surface tension of aqueous solutions of n-Pentanol, a self-rewetting fluid, was also investigated for enhancing heat transfer performance of capillary driven (passive) thermal devices was also studied. A proportional-integral control algorithm was used to regulate the boiling condition (from pool boiling to thin-film boiling) and backpressure in the evaporator during cold-start and low heat input conditions. Active flow control improved the thermal resistance at low heat inputs by 50% compared to the baseline (constant flow rate) case, while realizing a total pumping power savings of 56%. Temperature overshoot at start-up was mitigated combining fuzzy-logic with a proportional-integral controller. A constant evaporator surface temperature of 60°C with a variation of +/-8°C during start-up was attained with evaporator thermal resistances as low as 0.10 cm2--K/W. The surface tension of aqueous solutions of n-Pentanol, a self-rewetting working fluid, as a function of concentration and temperature were also investigated. Self-rewetting working fluids are promising in two-phase heat transfer applications because they have the ability to passively drive additional working fluid towards the heated surface; thereby increasing the dryout limitations of the thermal device. Very little data is available in literature regarding the surface tension of these fluids due to the complexity involved in fluid handling, heating, and experimentation. Careful experiments were performed to investigate the surface tension of n-Pentanol + water. The concentration and temperature range investigated were from 0.25%wt. to1.8%wt and 25°C to 85°C, respectively.

Universal penetration test apparatus with fluid penetration sensor

DOEpatents

Johnson, P.W.; Stampfer, J.F.; Bradley, O.D.

1999-02-02

A universal penetration test apparatus is described for measuring resistance of a material to a challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a pad saturated with the challenge fluid. The apparatus includes a compression assembly for compressing the material between the pad and a compression member. The apparatus also includes a sensor mechanism for automatically detecting when the challenge fluid penetrates the material. 23 figs.

Valve assembly for use with high temperature and high pressure fluids

DOEpatents

De Feo, Angelo

1982-01-01

The valve assembly for use with high temperature and high pressure fluids has inner and outer spaced shells and a valve actuator support of inner and outer spaced members which are connected at their end portions to the inner and outer shells, respectively, to extend substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the inner shell. A layer of resilient heat insulating material covers the outer surfaces of the inner shell and the inner actuator support member and is of a thickness to only occupy part of the spaces between the inner and outer shells and inner and outer actuator support members. The remaining portion of the space between the inner and outer shells and the space between the inner and outer members is substantially filled with a body of castable, rigid refractory material. A movable valve member is disposed in the inner shell. A valve actuator assembly is supported in the valve actuator support to extend into the inner shell for connection with the movable valve member for movement of the movable valve member to positions from a fully open to a fully closed position to control flow of fluid through the inner shell. An anchor mneans is disposed adjacent opposite sides of the axis of the valve actuator support and attached to the inner shell so that relative radial movement between the inner and outer shell is permitted by the layer of resilient heat insulating material and relative longitudinal movement of the inner shell to the outer shell is permitted in opposite directions from the anchor means to thereby maintain the functional integrity of the movable valve member by providing an area of the inner shell surrounding the movable valve member longitdinally stationary, but at the same time allowing radial movement.

Modelling Laccoliths: Fluid-Driven Fracturing in the Lab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, T. V.; Neufeld, J. A.

2017-12-01

Current modelling of the formation of laccoliths neglects the necessity to fracture rock layers for propagation to occur [1]. In magmatic intrusions at depth the idea of fracture toughness is used to characterise fracturing, however an analogue for near surface intrusions has yet to be explored [2]. We propose an analytical model for laccolith emplacement that accounts for the energy required to fracture at the tip of an intrusion. For realistic physical parameters we find that a lag region exists between the fluid magma front and the crack tip where large negative pressures in the tip cause volatiles to exsolve from the magma. Crucially, the dynamics of this tip region controls the spreading due to the competition between viscous forces and fracture energy. We conduct a series of complementary experiments to investigate fluid-driven fracturing of adhered layers and confirm the existence of two regimes: viscosity dominant spreading, controlled by the pressure in the lag region, and fracture energy dominant spreading, controlled by the energy required to fracture layers. Our experiments provide the first observations, and evolution, of a vapour tip. These experiments and our simplified model provide insight into the key physical processes in near surface magmatic intrusions with applications to fluid-driven fracturing more generally. Michaut J. Geophys. Res. 116(B5), B05205. Bunger & Cruden J. Geophys. Res. 116(B2), B02203.

Lightweight extendable and retractable pole

DOEpatents

Warren, John L.; Brandt, James E.

1994-01-01

A lightweight extendable and retractable telescopic pole is disclosed comprising a plurality of non-metallic telescoping cylinders with sliding and sealing surfaces between the cylinders, a first plug member on the upper end of the smallest cylinder, and a second plug member on the lower end of the largest cylinder, whereby fluid pressure admitted to the largest cylinder will cause the telescoping cylinders to slide relative to one another causing the pole to extend. An elastomeric member connects the first plug member with one of the intermediate cylinders to urge the cylinders back into a collapsed position when the fluid pressure in the cylinders is vented. Annular elastomer members are provided which seal one cylinder to another when the pole is fully extended and further serve to provide a cushion to prevent damage to the cylinders when the pole is urged back into its retractable position by the elastomeric members and the venting of the pressure. A value mechanism associated with the pole is provided to admit a fluid under pressure to the interior of the telescoping cylinders of the pole while pressurizing a pressure relief port having an opening larger than the inlet port in a closed position whereby removal of the pressure on the relief port will cause the relief port to open to quickly lower the pressure in the interior of the telescoping cylinders to thereby assist in the rapid retraction of the extended pole.

Lightweight extendable and retractable pole

DOEpatents

Warren, J.L.; Brandt, J.E.

1994-08-02

A lightweight extendable and retractable telescopic pole is disclosed comprising a plurality of non-metallic telescoping cylinders with sliding and sealing surfaces between the cylinders, a first plug member on the upper end of the smallest cylinder, and a second plug member on the lower end of the largest cylinder, whereby fluid pressure admitted to the largest cylinder will cause the telescoping cylinders to slide relative to one another causing the pole to extend. An elastomeric member connects the first plug member with one of the intermediate cylinders to urge the cylinders back into a collapsed position when the fluid pressure in the cylinders is vented. Annular elastomer members are provided which seal one cylinder to another when the pole is fully extended and further serve to provide a cushion to prevent damage to the cylinders when the pole is urged back into its retractable position by the elastomeric members and the venting of the pressure. A value mechanism associated with the pole is provided to admit a fluid under pressure to the interior of the telescoping cylinders of the pole while pressurizing a pressure relief port having an opening larger than the inlet port in a closed position whereby removal of the pressure on the relief port will cause the relief port to open to quickly lower the pressure in the interior of the telescoping cylinders to thereby assist in the rapid retraction of the extended pole. 18 figs.

Motivational climate, staff and members' behaviors, and members' psychological well-being at a national fitness franchise.

PubMed

Brown, Theresa C; Fry, Mary D

2014-06-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between members' perceptions of staffs behaviors, motivational climate, their own behaviors, commitment to future exercise, and life satisfaction in a group-fitness setting. The theory-driven hypothesized mediating role of perceptions of the climate was also tested. Members (N = 5,541) of a national group-fitness studio franchise completed a survey regarding their class experiences. The survey included questions that measured participants' perceptions of the motivational climate (caring, task-involving, ego-involving), perceptions of staff's behaviors, their own behaviors, commitment to exercise, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was used to assess both the association between variables and the theoretically driven predictive relationships. The participants perceived the environment as highly caring and task-involving and low ego-involving. They reported high exercise commitment and moderately high life satisfaction and perceived that the staffs and their own behaviors reflected caring, task-involving characteristics. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that those who perceived a higher caring, task-involving climate and lower ego-involving climate were more likely to report more task-involving, caring behaviors among the staff and themselves as well as greater commitment to exercise. In addition, a theory-driven mediational model suggested that staff behaviors may be an antecedent to members' exercise experiences by impacting their perceptions of the climate. The results of this study give direction to specific behaviors in which staff of group-fitness programs might engage to positively influence members' exercise experiences.

Electrokinetically driven active micro-mixers utilizing zeta potential variation induced by field effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chia-Yen; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Fu, Lung-Ming; Lee, Kuo-Hoong; Yang, Ruey-Jen

2004-10-01

This paper presents a new electrokinetically driven active micro-mixer which uses localized capacitance effects to induce zeta potential variations along the surface of silica-based microchannels. The mixer is fabricated by etching bulk flow and shielding electrode channels into glass substrates and then depositing Au/Cr thin films within the latter to form capacitor electrodes, which establish localized zeta potential variations near the electrical double layer (EDL) region of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) within the microchannels. The potential variations induce flow velocity changes within a homogeneous fluid and a rapid mixing effect if an alternating electric field is provided. The current experimental data confirm that the fluid velocity can be actively controlled by using the capacitance effect of the buried shielding electrodes to vary the zeta potential along the channel walls. While compared with commonly used planar electrodes across the microchannels, the buried shielding electrodes prevent current leakage caused by bad bonding and allow direct optical observation during operation. It also shows that the buried shielding electrodes can significantly induce the field effect, resulting in higher variations of zeta potential. Computational fluid dynamic simulations are also used to study the fluid characteristics of the developed active mixers. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the developed microfluidic device permits a high degree of control over the fluid flow and an efficient mixing effect. Moreover, the developed device could be used as a pumping device as well. The development of the active electrokinetically driven micro-mixer could be crucial for micro-total-analysis-systems.

Trends in long-period seismicity related to magmatic fluid compositions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrissey, M.M.; Chouet, B.A.

2001-01-01

Sound speeds and densities are calculated for three different types of fluids: gas-gas mixture; ash-gas mixture; and bubbly liquid. These fluid properties are used to calculate the impedance contrast (Z) and crack stiffness (C) in the fluid-driven crack model (Chouet: J. Geophys. Res., 91 (1986) 13,967; 101 (1988) 4375; A seismic model for the source of long-period events and harmonic tremor. In: Gasparini, P., Scarpa, R., Aki, K. (Eds.), Volcanic Seismology, IAVCEI Proceedings in Volcanology, Springer, Berlin, 3133). The fluid-driven crack model describes the far-field spectra of long-period (LP) events as modes of resonance of the crack. Results from our calculations demonstrate that ash-laden gas mixtures have fluid to solid density ratios comparable to, and fluid to solid velocity ratios lower than bubbly liquids (gas-volume fractions 20% gas-volume fraction yields values of Q-1r similar to those for a rectangular crack. As with gas-gas and ash-gas mixtures, an increase in mass fraction narrows the bandwidth of the dominant mode and shifts the spectra to lower frequencies. Including energy losses due to dissipative processes in a bubbly liquid increases attenuation. Attenuation may also be higher in ash-gas mixtures and foams if the effects of momentum and mass transfer between the phases were considered in the calculations. ?? 2001 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.

Fluid-Driven Deformation of a Soft Granular Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacMinn, Christopher W.; Dufresne, Eric R.; Wettlaufer, John S.

2015-01-01

Compressing a porous, fluid-filled material drives the interstitial fluid out of the pore space, as when squeezing water out of a kitchen sponge. Inversely, injecting fluid into a porous material can deform the solid structure, as when fracturing a shale for natural gas recovery. These poromechanical interactions play an important role in geological and biological systems across a wide range of scales, from the propagation of magma through Earth's mantle to the transport of fluid through living cells and tissues. The theory of poroelasticity has been largely successful in modeling poromechanical behavior in relatively simple systems, but this continuum theory is fundamentally limited by our understanding of the pore-scale interactions between the fluid and the solid, and these problems are notoriously difficult to study in a laboratory setting. Here, we present a high-resolution measurement of injection-driven poromechanical deformation in a system with granular microsctructure: We inject fluid into a dense, confined monolayer of soft particles and use particle tracking to reveal the dynamics of the multiscale deformation field. We find that a continuum model based on poroelasticity theory captures certain macroscopic features of the deformation, but the particle-scale deformation field exhibits dramatic departures from smooth, continuum behavior. We observe particle-scale rearrangement and hysteresis, as well as petal-like mesoscale structures that are connected to material failure through spiral shear banding.

Monovalve with integrated fuel injector and port control valve, and engine using same

DOEpatents

Milam, David M.

2001-11-06

An engine includes an engine casing that defines a hollow piston cavity separated from an exhaust passage and an intake passage by a valve seat. A gas exchange valve member is positioned adjacent the valve seat and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The gas exchange valve member also defines an opening that opens into the hollow piston cavity. A needle valve member is positioned in the gas exchange valve member adjacent a nozzle outlet and is moveable between an inject position and a blocked position. A port control valve member, which has a hydraulic surface, is mounted around the gas exchange valve member and moveable between an intake position and an exhaust position. A pilot valve is moveable between a first position at which the port control hydraulic surface is exposed to a source of high pressure fluid, and a second position at which the port control hydraulic surface is exposed to a source of low pressure fluid.

Mechanical thermal motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hein, L. A.; Myers, W. N. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

An apparatus is described for converting thermal energy such as solar energy into mechanical motion for driving fluid pumps and similar equipment. The thermal motor comprises an inner concentric cylinder carried by a stationary core member. The core member has a cylindrical disc plate fixed adjacent to a lower portion and extending radially from it. An outer concentric cylinder rotatably carried on the disc plate defining a space between the inner and outer concentric cylinders. A spiral tubular member encircles the inner concentric cylinder and is contained within the space between the inner and outer cylinders. One portion is connected to the inner concentric cylinder and a second portion connected to the outer concentric cylinder. A heated fluid is conveyed through the tubular member and is periodically cooled causing the tubular member to expand and contract. This causes the outer concentric cylinder to reciprocally rotate on the base plate accordingly. The reciprocating motion of the outer concentric cylinder is then utilized to drive a pump member in a pump chamber.

ADMiER-ing thin but complex fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonnell, Amarin G.; Bhattacharjee, Pradipto K.; Pan, Sharadwata; Hill, David; Danquah, Michael K.; Friend, James R.; Yeo, Leslie Y.; Prabhakar, Ranganathan

2011-12-01

The Acoustics Driven Microfluidic Extensional Rheometer (ADMiER) utilises micro litre volumes of liquid, with viscosities as low as that of water, to create valid and observable extensional flows, liquid bridges that pinch off due to capillary forces in this case. ADMiER allows the study fluids that have been beyond conventional methods and also study more subtle fluid properties. We can observe polymeric fluids with solvent viscosities far below those previously testable, accentuating elastic effects. Also, it has enabled the testing of aqueous solutions of living motile particles, which significantly change fluid properties, opening up the potential for diagnostic applications.

The wavelength of supercritical surface tension driven Benard convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koschmieder, E. L.

1991-01-01

The size or the wavelength of moderately supercritical surface tension driven Benard convection has been investigated experimentally in a thin fluid layer of large aspect ratio. It has been found that the number of the hexagonal convection cells increases with increased temperature differences, up to 1.3 times the critical temperature difference. That means that the wavelength of surface tension driven convection decreases after onset of the instability for moderately nonlinear conditions. This result is in striking contrast to the well-known increase of the wavelength of buoyancy driven Rayleigh-Benard convection.

The transition from natural convection to thermomagnetic convection of a magnetic fluid in a non-uniform magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabo, Peter S. B.; Früh, Wolf-Gerrit

2018-02-01

Magnetic fluid flow and heat transfer by natural and thermomagnetic convection was studied numerically in a square enclosure. The aim was to investigate the transition from natural convection to thermomagnetic convection by exploring situations where buoyancy and the Kelvin body force would be opposing each other such that the magnetic effects would in some cases be the dominant factor throughout the domain and in other cases only in a part of the fluid. The numerical model coupled the solution of the magnetostatic field equation with the heat and fluid flow equations to simulate the fluid flow under a realistic magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet. The results suggest that the domain of influence over the flow field is largely aligned with the domain of dominance of the respective driving force. The result is that the transition from a single buoyancy-driven convection cell to a single thermomagnetically driven cell is via a two-cell structure and that the local effect on the flow field leads to a global effect on the heat transfer with a minimum of the Nusselt number in the transition region.

The effect of power-law body forces on a thermally driven flow between concentric rotating spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1986-01-01

A numerical study is conducted to determine the effect of power-law body forces on a thermally-driven axisymmetric flow field confined between concentric co-rotating spheres. This study is motivated by Spacelab geophysical fluid-flow experiments, which use an electrostatic force on a dielectric fluid to simulate gravity; this force exhibits a (1/r)sup 5 distribution. Meridional velocity is found to increase when the electrostatic body force is imposed, relative to when the body force is uniform. Correlation among flow fields with uniform, inverse-square, and inverse-quintic force fields is obtained using a modified Grashof number.

The effect of power law body forces on a thermally-driven flow between concentric rotating spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1985-01-01

A numerical study is conducted to determine the effect of power-law body forces on a thermally-driven axisymmetric flow field confined between concentric co-rotating spheres. This study is motivated by Spacelab geophysical fluid-flow experiments, which use an electrostatic force on a dielectric fluid to simulate gravity; this force exhibits a (1/r)sup 5 distribution. Meridional velocity is found to increase when the electrostatic body force is imposed, relative to when the body force is uniform. Correlation among flow fields with uniform, inverse-square, and inverse-quintic force fields is obtained using a modified Grashof number.

Theoretical regime diagrams for thermally driven flows in a beta-plane channel. [in atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geisler, J. E.; Fowlis, W. W.

1979-01-01

It is noted that thermally driven flows in rotating laboratory containers with cylindrical geometry can be axially symmetric or wavelike depending on the experimental parameters. In anticipation that rotating fluid experiments might soon be done in spherical shell geometry, Barcilon's model has been extended to a beta-plane channel in order to gain a rough understanding of the effects of rotating spherical geometry. An incompressible fluid version of the Charney (1947) model of baroclinic instability, modified to include Ekman pumping at rigid horizontal boundaries is used. With this model, stability boundaries are mapped out for individual zonal wavenumbers in the parameter space used by Barcilon.

Thermally driven microfluidic pumping via reversible shape memory polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, J. M.; Rodriguez, R. X.; Holmes, L. R., Jr.; Mather, P. T.; Wetzel, E. D.

2016-08-01

The need exists for autonomous microfluidic pumping systems that utilize environmental cues to transport fluid within a network of channels for such purposes as heat distribution, self-healing, or optical reconfiguration. Here, we report on reversible thermally driven microfluidic pumping enabled by two-way shape memory polymers. After developing a suitable shape memory polymer (SMP) through variation in the crosslink density, thin and flexible microfluidic devices were constructed by lamination of plastic films with channels defined by laser-cutting of double-sided adhesive film. SMP blisters integrated into the devices provide thermally driven pumping, while opposing elastic blisters are used to generate backpressure for reversible operation. Thermal cycling of the device was found to drive reversible fluid flow: upon heating to 60 °C, the SMP rapidly contracted to fill the surface channels with a transparent fluid, and upon cooling to 8 °C the flow reversed and the channel re-filled with black ink. Combined with a metallized backing layer, this device results in refection of incident light at high temperatures and absorption of light (at the portions covered with channels) at low temperatures. We discuss power-free, autonomous applications ranging from thermal regulation of structures to thermal indication via color change.

Sloshing dynamics modulated fluid angular momentum and moment fluctuations driven by orbital gravity gradient and jitter accelerations in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, R. J.; Pan, H. L.

1995-01-01

The dynamical behavior of spacecraft propellant affected by the asymmetric combined gravity gradient and jitter accelerations, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially-filled rotating fluids applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank has been investigated. Three different cases of orbital accelerations: (1) gravity gradient-dominated, (2) equally weighted between gravity gradient and jitter, and (3) gravity jitter-dominated accelerations are studied. The results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient-dominated accelerations provide a torsional moment with tidal motion of bubble oscillations in the rotating dewar. The results are clearly seen from the twisting shape of the bubble oscillations driven by gravity gradient-dominated acceleration. The results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity jitter-dominated acceleration indicate the results of bubble motion in a manner of down-and-up and leftward-and-rightward movement of oscillation when the bubble is rotating with respect to rotating dewar axis. Fluctuations of angular momentum, fluid moment and bubble mass center caused by slosh wave excitations driven by gravity gradient acceleration or gravity jitter acceleration are also investigated.

Sloshing of Cryogenic Helium Driven by Lateral Impulse/Gravity Gradient-Dominated/or g-Jitter-Dominated Accelerations and Orbital Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, R. J.; Long, Y. T.; Zu, G. J.

1996-01-01

The coupling of slosh dynamics within a partially filled rotating dewar of superfluid helium 11 with spacecraft orbital dynamics is investigated in response to the environmental disturbances of (a) lateral impulses, (b) gravity gradients and (c) g-jitter forces. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the coupling of helium 11 fluid slosh dynamics driven by three cases of environmental force with spacecraft dynamics can affect the bubble deformations and their associated fluid and spacecraft mass centre fluctuations. The numerical computation of slosh dynamics is based on a rotational frame, while the spacecraft dynamics is associated with a non-rotational frame. Results show that the major contribution of orbital dynamics is driven by coupling with slosh dynamics. Neglecting the effect of slosh dynamics acting on the spacecraft may lead to the wrong results for the development of orbital and attitude control techniques.

Aftershocks driven by afterslip and fluid pressure sweeping through a fault-fracture mesh

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ross, Zachary E.; Rollins, Christopher; Cochran, Elizabeth S.; Hauksson, Egill; Avouac, Jean-Philippe; Ben-Zion, Yehuda

2017-01-01

A variety of physical mechanisms are thought to be responsible for the triggering and spatiotemporal evolution of aftershocks. Here we analyze a vigorous aftershock sequence and postseismic geodetic strain that occurred in the Yuha Desert following the 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake. About 155,000 detected aftershocks occurred in a network of orthogonal faults and exhibit features of two distinct mechanisms for aftershock triggering. The earliest aftershocks were likely driven by afterslip that spread away from the main shock with the logarithm of time. A later pulse of aftershocks swept again across the Yuha Desert with square root time dependence and swarm-like behavior; together with local geological evidence for hydrothermalism, these features suggest that the events were driven by fluid diffusion. The observations illustrate how multiple driving mechanisms and the underlying fault structure jointly control the evolution of an aftershock sequence.

Engine having a variable valve actuation system

DOEpatents

Hefler, Gregory W [Chillicothe, IL

2004-10-12

An engine has a cylinder head having a first surface and a second surface spaced from the first surface. A valve is moveably connected to the cylinder head. A rocker arm is connected to the valve, and a rocker shaft having a first location spaced a maximum distance from the cylinder head is connected to the rocker arm. A support member has and an actuator fluid passage network. The actuator fluid passage network defines a volume. The support member is connected to the cylinder head and is positioned such that a majority of the volume of the actuator fluid passage network is between the first location of the rocker shaft and the second surface of the cylinder head.

Engine having a variable valve actuation system

DOEpatents

Hefler, Gregory W.

2005-10-12

An engine has a cylinder head having a first surface and a second surface spaced from the first surface. A valve is moveably connected to the cylinder head. A rocker arm is connected to the valve, and a rocker shaft having a first location spaced a maximum distance from the cylinder head is connected to the rocker arm. A support member has and an actuator fluid passage network. The actuator fluid passage network defines a volume. The support member is connected to the cylinder head and is positioned such that a majority of the volume of the actuator fluid passage network is between the first location of the rocker shaft and the second surface of the cylinder head.

Non-intrusive cooling system

DOEpatents

Morrison, Edward F.; Bergman, John W.

2001-05-22

A readily replaceable heat exchange cooling jacket for applying fluid to a system conduit pipe. The cooling jacket comprises at least two members, separable into upper and lower portions. A chamber is formed between the conduit pipe and cooling jacket once the members are positioned about the pipe. The upper portion includes a fluid spray means positioned above the pipe and the bottom portion includes a fluid removal means. The heat exchange cooling jacket is adaptable with a drain tank, a heat exchanger, a pump and other standard equipment to provide a system for removing heat from a pipe. A method to remove heat from a pipe, includes the steps of enclosing a portion of the pipe with a jacket to form a chamber between an outside surface of the pipe and the cooling jacket; spraying cooling fluid at low pressure from an upper portion of the cooling jacket, allowing the fluid to flow downwardly by gravity along the surface of the pipe toward a bottom portion of the chamber; and removing the fluid at the bottom portion of the chamber.

Respondent-driven sampling as Markov chain Monte Carlo.

PubMed

Goel, Sharad; Salganik, Matthew J

2009-07-30

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a recently introduced, and now widely used, technique for estimating disease prevalence in hidden populations. RDS data are collected through a snowball mechanism, in which current sample members recruit future sample members. In this paper we present RDS as Markov chain Monte Carlo importance sampling, and we examine the effects of community structure and the recruitment procedure on the variance of RDS estimates. Past work has assumed that the variance of RDS estimates is primarily affected by segregation between healthy and infected individuals. We examine an illustrative model to show that this is not necessarily the case, and that bottlenecks anywhere in the networks can substantially affect estimates. We also show that variance is inflated by a common design feature in which the sample members are encouraged to recruit multiple future sample members. The paper concludes with suggestions for implementing and evaluating RDS studies.

Fluid driven torsional dipole seismic source

DOEpatents

Hardee, Harry C.

1991-01-01

A compressible fluid powered oscillating downhole seismic source device capable of periodically generating uncontaminated horizontally-propagated, shear waves is provided. A compressible fluid generated oscillation is created within the device which imparts an oscillation to a housing when the device is installed in a housing such as the cylinder off an existing downhole tool, thereby a torsional seismic source is established. Horizontal waves are transferred to the surrounding bore hole medium through downhole clamping.

Salt-Finger Convection in a Stratified Fluid Layer Induced by Thermal and Solutal Capillary Motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Chuan F.; Chan, Cho Lik

1996-01-01

Salt-finger convection in a double-diffusive system is a motion driven by the release of gravitational potential due to different diffusion rates. Normally, when the gravitational field is reduced, salt-finger convection together with other convective motions driven by buoyancy forces will be rapidly suppressed. However, because the destabilizing effect of the concentration gradient is amplified by the Lewis number, with values varying from 10(exp 2) for aqueous salt solutions to 10 (exp 4) for liquid metals, salt-finger convection may be generated at much reduced gravity levels. In the microgravity environment, the surface tension gradient assumes a dominant role in causing fluid motion. In this paper, we report on some experimental results showing the generation of salt-finger convection due to capillary motio on the surface of a stratified fluid layer. A numerical simulation is presented to show the cause of salt-finger convection.

Finite Element Analysis of Magnetic Damping Effects on G-Jitter Induced Fluid Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pan, Bo; Li, Ben Q.; deGroh, Henry C., III

1997-01-01

This paper reports some interim results on numerical modeling and analyses of magnetic damping of g-jitter driven fluid flow in microgravity. A finite element model is developed to represent the fluid flow, thermal and solute transport phenomena in a 2-D cavity under g-jitter conditions with and without an applied magnetic field. The numerical model is checked by comparing with analytical solutions obtained for a simple parallel plate channel flow driven by g-jitter in a transverse magnetic field. The model is then applied to study the effect of steady state g-jitter induced oscillation and on the solute redistribution in the liquid that bears direct relevance to the Bridgman-Stockbarger single crystal growth processes. A selection of computed results is presented and the results indicate that an applied magnetic field can effectively damp the velocity caused by g-jitter and help to reduce the time variation of solute redistribution.

Two-fluid model of a Bose-Einstein condensate in the cavity optomechanical regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldbaum, Dan; Zhang, Keye; Meystre, Pierre

2010-03-01

We analyze an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate trapped in a high-Q optical cavity driven by a feeble optical field. The dynamics of the resulting collective density excitation of the condensate are formally analogous to the central model system of cavity optomechanics: a radiation pressure driven mechanical oscillator [Brennecke et al., Science 322, 235 (2008)]. However, although BEC-based optomechanical systems have several desirable properties, one must also take into account the effect of atom-atom interactions. We treat these interactions via a two-fluid model that retains the intuitive appeal of the non-interacting two-mode description. We find that the Bogoliubov excitation spectrum of this system comprises a gapped upper branch and a lower branch that can include an unstable excitation mode. [4pt] D. S. Goldbaum, K. Zhang and P. Meystre, Two-fluid model of a Bose-Einstein condensate in the cavity optomechanical regime, arXiv:0911.3234.

Development of a Compact, Efficient Cooling Pump for Space Suit Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

van Boeyen, Roger; Reeh, Jonathan; Trevino, Luis

2009-01-01

A compact, low-power electrochemically-driven fluid cooling pump is currently being developed by Lynntech, Inc. With no electric motor and minimal lightweight components, the pump is significantly lighter than conventional rotodynamic and displacement pumps. Reliability and robustness is achieved with the absence of rotating or moving components (apart from the bellows). By employing sulfonated polystyrene-based proton exchange membranes, rather than conventional Nafion membranes, a significant reduction in the actuator power consumption was demonstrated. Lynntech also demonstrated that these membranes possess the necessary mechanical strength, durability, and temperature range for long life space operation. The preliminary design for a Phase II prototype pump compares very favorably to the fluid cooling pumps currently used in space suit primary life support systems (PLSSs). Characteristics of the electrochemically-driven pump are described and the benefits of the technology as a replacement for electric motor pumps in mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops is discussed.

Piston-Driven Fluid Ejectors In Silicon Mems

DOEpatents

Galambos, Paul C.; Benavides, Gilbert L.; Jokiel, Jr., Bernhard; Jakubczak II, Jerome F.

2005-05-03

A surface-micromachined fluid-ejection apparatus is disclosed which utilizes a piston to provide for the ejection of jets or drops of a fluid (e.g. for ink-jet printing). The piston, which is located at least partially inside a fluid reservoir, is moveable into a cylindrical fluid-ejection chamber connected to the reservoir by a microelectromechanical (MEM) actuator which is located outside the reservoir. In this way, the reservoir and fluid-ejection chamber can be maintained as electric-field-free regions thereby allowing the apparatus to be used with fluids that are electrically conductive or which may react or break down in the presence of a high electric field. The MEM actuator can comprise either an electrostatic actuator or a thermal actuator.

Osmosis-driven viscous fingering of oil-in-water emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ying; Rallabandi, Bhargav; Baskaran, Mrudhula; Stone, Howard

2017-11-01

Viscous fingering occurs when a low viscosity fluid invades a more viscous fluid. Fingering of two miscible fluids is more complicated than that of immiscible fluids in that there is no sharp fluid-fluid interface and diffusion occurs between the phases. We experimentally studied the fingering of two miscible fluids: an oil-in-water emulsion and a sodium chloride solution. When the concentration of sodium chloride in the water phase in the emulsion exceeds that in the sodium chloride solution, the consequent osmotic flow automatically facilitates the occurrence of the fingering. On the contrary, when the sodium chloride solution has higher concentration, the spreading of emulsion is more uniform than the case without the concentration difference. We provide a model to rationalize and quantify these observations.

Fluid sampling tool

DOEpatents

Garcia, Anthony R.; Johnston, Roger G.; Martinez, Ronald K.

1999-05-25

A fluid sampling tool for sampling fluid from a container. The tool has a fluid collecting portion which is drilled into the container wall, thereby affixing it to the wall. The tool may have a fluid extracting section which withdraws fluid collected by the fluid collecting section. The fluid collecting section has a fluted shank with an end configured to drill a hole into a container wall. The shank has a threaded portion for tapping the borehole. The shank is threadably engaged to a cylindrical housing having an inner axial passageway sealed at one end by a septum. A flexible member having a cylindrical portion and a bulbous portion is provided. The housing can be slid into an inner axial passageway in the cylindrical portion and sealed to the flexible member. The bulbous portion has an outer lip defining an opening. The housing is clamped into the chuck of a drill, the lip of the bulbous section is pressed against a container wall until the shank touches the wall, and the user operates the drill. Wall shavings (kerf) are confined in a chamber formed in the bulbous section as it folds when the shank advances inside the container. After sufficient advancement of the shank, an o-ring makes a seal with the container wall.

Fluid sampling tool

DOEpatents

Garcia, A.R.; Johnston, R.G.; Martinez, R.K.

1999-05-25

A fluid sampling tool is described for sampling fluid from a container. The tool has a fluid collecting portion which is drilled into the container wall, thereby affixing it to the wall. The tool may have a fluid extracting section which withdraws fluid collected by the fluid collecting section. The fluid collecting section has a fluted shank with an end configured to drill a hole into a container wall. The shank has a threaded portion for tapping the borehole. The shank is threadably engaged to a cylindrical housing having an inner axial passageway sealed at one end by a septum. A flexible member having a cylindrical portion and a bulbous portion is provided. The housing can be slid into an inner axial passageway in the cylindrical portion and sealed to the flexible member. The bulbous portion has an outer lip defining an opening. The housing is clamped into the chuck of a drill, the lip of the bulbous section is pressed against a container wall until the shank touches the wall, and the user operates the drill. Wall shavings (kerf) are confined in a chamber formed in the bulbous section as it folds when the shank advances inside the container. After sufficient advancement of the shank, an o-ring makes a seal with the container wall. 6 figs.

Reconfigurable Full-Page Braille Displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garner, H. Douglas

1994-01-01

Electrically actuated braille display cells of proposed type arrayed together to form full-page braille displays. Like other braille display cells, these provide changeable patterns of bumps driven by digitally recorded text stored on magnetic tapes or in solid-state electronic memories. Proposed cells contain electrorheological fluid. Viscosity of such fluid increases in strong electrostatic field.

TopoDrive and ParticleFlow--Two Computer Models for Simulation and Visualization of Ground-Water Flow and Transport of Fluid Particles in Two Dimensions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsieh, Paul A.

2001-01-01

This report serves as a user?s guide for two computer models: TopoDrive and ParticleFlow. These two-dimensional models are designed to simulate two ground-water processes: topography-driven flow and advective transport of fluid particles. To simulate topography-driven flow, the user may specify the shape of the water table, which bounds the top of the vertical flow section. To simulate transport of fluid particles, the model domain is a rectangle with overall flow from left to right. In both cases, the flow is under steady state, and the distribution of hydraulic conductivity may be specified by the user. The models compute hydraulic head, ground-water flow paths, and the movement of fluid particles. An interactive visual interface enables the user to easily and quickly explore model behavior, and thereby better understand ground-water flow processes. In this regard, TopoDrive and ParticleFlow are not intended to be comprehensive modeling tools, but are designed for modeling at the exploratory or conceptual level, for visual demonstration, and for educational purposes.

Pressure charged airlift pump

DOEpatents

Campbell, Gene K.

1983-01-01

A pumping system is described for pumping fluids, such as water with entrained mud and small rocks, out of underground cavities such as drilled wells, which can effectively remove fluids down to a level very close to the bottom of the cavity and which can operate solely by compressed air pumped down through the cavity. The system utilizes a subassembly having a pair of parallel conduit sections (44, 46) adapted to be connected onto the bottom of a drill string utilized for drilling the cavity, the drill string also having a pair of coaxially extending conduits. The subassembly includes an upper portion which has means for connection onto the drill string and terminates the first conduit of the drill string in a plenum (55). A compressed air-driven pump (62) is suspended from the upper portion. The pump sucks fluids from the bottom of the cavity and discharges them into the second conduit. Compressed air pumped down through the first conduit (46) to the plenum powers the compressed air-driven pump and aerates the fluid in the second conduit to lift it to the earth's surface.

Characterization of a membrane-based, electrochemically driven pumping system using aqueous electrolyte solutions.

PubMed

Norman, Mya A; Evans, Christine E; Fuoco, Anthony R; Noble, Richard D; Koval, Carl A

2005-10-01

Electrokinetic flow provides a mechanism for a variety of fluid pumping schemes. The design and characterization of an electrochemically driven pump that utilizes porous carbon electrodes, iodide/triiodide redox electrolytes, and Nafion membranes is described. Fluid pumping by the cell is reversible and controlled by the cell current. Chronopotentiometry experiments indicate that the total available fluid that can be pumped in a single electrolysis without gas evolution is determined solely by the initial concentration of electrolyte and the applied current. The magnitude of the fluid flow at a given current is determined by the nature of the cation in the electrolyte and by the water absorption properties of the Nafion membrane. For 1 M aqueous electrolytes, pumping rates ranging from 1 to 14 microL/min were obtained for current densities of 10-30 mA/cm2 of membrane area. Molar volume changes for the I3-/I- redox couple and for the alkali cation migration contribute little to the observed volumetric flow rates; the magnitude of the flow is dominated by the migration-induced flow of water.

Mixed convection of magnetohydrodynamic nanofluids inside microtubes at constant wall temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moshizi, S. A.; Zamani, M.; Hosseini, S. J.; Malvandi, A.

2017-05-01

Laminar fully developed mixed convection of magnetohydrodynamic nanofluids inside microtubes at a constant wall temperature (CWT) under the effects of a variable directional magnetic field is investigated numerically. Nanoparticles are assumed to have slip velocities relative to the base fluid owing to thermophoretic diffusion (temperature gradient driven force) and Brownian diffusion (concentration gradient driven force). The no-slip boundary condition is avoided at the fluid-solid mixture to assess the non-equilibrium region at the fluid-solid interface. A scale analysis is performed to estimate the relative significance of the pertaining parameters that should be included in the governing equations. After the effects of pertinent parameters on the pressure loss and heat transfer enhancement were considered, the figure of merit (FoM) is employed to evaluate and optimize the thermal performance of heat exchange equipment. The results indicate the optimum thermal performance is obtained when the thermophoresis overwhelms the Brownian diffusion, which is for larger nanoparticles. This enhancement boosts when the buoyancy force increases. In addition, increasing the magnetic field strength and slippage at the fluid-solid interface enhances the thermal performance.

Experimental Investigations on the Surface-Driven Capillary Flow of Aqueous Microparticle Suspensions in the Microfluidic Laboratory-On Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Subhadeep

In this work, total 1592 individual leakage-free polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic devices as laboratory-on-a-chip systems are fabricated by maskless lithography, hot embossing lithography, and direct bonding technique. Total 1094 individual Audio Video Interleave Files as experimental outputs related to the surface-driven capillary flow have been recorded and analyzed. The influence of effective viscosity, effect of surface wettability, effect of channel aspect ratio, and effect of centrifugal force on the surface-driven microfluidic flow of aqueous microparticle suspensions have been successfully and individually investigated in these laboratory-on-a-chip systems. Also, 5 micron polystyrene particles have been separated from the aqueous microparticle suspensions in the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems of modified design with 98% separation efficiency, and 10 micron polystyrene particles have been separated with 100% separation efficiency. About the novelty of this work, the experimental investigations have been performed on the surface-driven microfluidic flow of aqueous microparticle suspensions with the investigations on the separation time in particle-size based separation mechanism to control these suspensions in the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems. This research work contains a total of 10,112 individual experimental outputs obtained using total 30 individual instruments by author’s own hands-on completely during more than three years continuously. Author has performed the experimental investigations on both the fluid statics and fluid dynamics to develop an automated fluid machine.

Centrifugal separators and related devices and methods

DOEpatents

Meikrantz, David H [Idaho Falls, ID; Law, Jack D [Pocatello, ID; Garn, Troy G [Idaho Falls, ID; Macaluso, Lawrence L [Carson City, NV; Todd, Terry A [Aberdeen, ID

2012-03-06

Centrifugal separators and related methods and devices are described. More particularly, centrifugal separators comprising a first fluid supply fitting configured to deliver fluid into a longitudinal fluid passage of a rotor shaft and a second fluid supply fitting sized and configured to sealingly couple with the first fluid supply fitting are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems comprising a manifold having a drain fitting and a cleaning fluid supply fitting are described, wherein the manifold is coupled to a movable member of a support assembly. Additionally, methods of cleaning centrifugal separators are described.

Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles.

PubMed

Li, Shuguang; Vogt, Daniel M; Rus, Daniela; Wood, Robert J

2017-12-12

Artificial muscles hold promise for safe and powerful actuation for myriad common machines and robots. However, the design, fabrication, and implementation of artificial muscles are often limited by their material costs, operating principle, scalability, and single-degree-of-freedom contractile actuation motions. Here we propose an architecture for fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles. This concept requires only a compressible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a fluid medium. A mechanical model is developed to explain the interaction of the three components. A fabrication method is introduced to rapidly manufacture low-cost artificial muscles using various materials and at multiple scales. The artificial muscles can be programed to achieve multiaxial motions including contraction, bending, and torsion. These motions can be aggregated into systems with multiple degrees of freedom, which are able to produce controllable motions at different rates. Our artificial muscles can be driven by fluids at negative pressures (relative to ambient). This feature makes actuation safer than most other fluidic artificial muscles that operate with positive pressures. Experiments reveal that these muscles can contract over 90% of their initial lengths, generate stresses of ∼600 kPa, and produce peak power densities over 2 kW/kg-all equal to, or in excess of, natural muscle. This architecture for artificial muscles opens the door to rapid design and low-cost fabrication of actuation systems for numerous applications at multiple scales, ranging from miniature medical devices to wearable robotic exoskeletons to large deployable structures for space exploration. Copyright © 2017 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles

PubMed Central

Li, Shuguang; Vogt, Daniel M.; Rus, Daniela; Wood, Robert J.

2017-01-01

Artificial muscles hold promise for safe and powerful actuation for myriad common machines and robots. However, the design, fabrication, and implementation of artificial muscles are often limited by their material costs, operating principle, scalability, and single-degree-of-freedom contractile actuation motions. Here we propose an architecture for fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles. This concept requires only a compressible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a fluid medium. A mechanical model is developed to explain the interaction of the three components. A fabrication method is introduced to rapidly manufacture low-cost artificial muscles using various materials and at multiple scales. The artificial muscles can be programed to achieve multiaxial motions including contraction, bending, and torsion. These motions can be aggregated into systems with multiple degrees of freedom, which are able to produce controllable motions at different rates. Our artificial muscles can be driven by fluids at negative pressures (relative to ambient). This feature makes actuation safer than most other fluidic artificial muscles that operate with positive pressures. Experiments reveal that these muscles can contract over 90% of their initial lengths, generate stresses of ∼600 kPa, and produce peak power densities over 2 kW/kg—all equal to, or in excess of, natural muscle. This architecture for artificial muscles opens the door to rapid design and low-cost fabrication of actuation systems for numerous applications at multiple scales, ranging from miniature medical devices to wearable robotic exoskeletons to large deployable structures for space exploration. PMID:29180416

Convectively driven decadal zonal accelerations in Earth's fluid core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

More, Colin; Dumberry, Mathieu

2018-04-01

Azimuthal accelerations of cylindrical surfaces co-axial with the rotation axis have been inferred to exist in Earth's fluid core on the basis of magnetic field observations and changes in the length-of-day. These accelerations have a typical timescale of decades. However, the physical mechanism causing the accelerations is not well understood. Scaling arguments suggest that the leading order torque averaged over cylindrical surfaces should arise from the Lorentz force. Decadal fluctuations in the magnetic field inside the core, driven by convective flows, could then force decadal changes in the Lorentz torque and generate zonal accelerations. We test this hypothesis by constructing a quasi-geostrophic model of magnetoconvection, with thermally driven flows perturbing a steady, imposed background magnetic field. We show that when the Alfvén number in our model is similar to that in Earth's fluid core, temporal fluctuations in the torque balance are dominated by the Lorentz torque, with the latter generating mean zonal accelerations. Our model reproduces both fast, free Alfvén waves and slow, forced accelerations, with ratios of relative strength and relative timescale similar to those inferred for the Earth's core. The temporal changes in the magnetic field which drive the time-varying Lorentz torque are produced by the underlying convective flows, shearing and advecting the magnetic field on a timescale associated with convective eddies. Our results support the hypothesis that temporal changes in the magnetic field deep inside Earth's fluid core drive the observed decadal zonal accelerations of cylindrical surfaces through the Lorentz torque.

Four-fluid MHD simulations of the plasma and neutral gas environment of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko near perihelion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhenguang; Tóth, Gábor; Gombosi, Tamas I.; Jia, Xianzhe; Rubin, Martin; Fougere, Nicolas; Tenishev, Valeriy; Combi, Michael R.; Bieler, Andre; Hansen, Kenneth C.; Shou, Yinsi; Altwegg, Kathrin

2016-05-01

The neutral and plasma environment is critical in understanding the interaction of the solar wind and comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (CG), the target of the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission. To serve this need and support the Rosetta mission, we have developed a 3-D four-fluid model, which is based on BATS-R-US (Block-Adaptive Tree Solarwind Roe-type Upwind Scheme) within SWMF (Space Weather Modeling Framework) that solves the governing multifluid MHD equations and the Euler equations for the neutral gas fluid. These equations describe the behavior and interactions of the cometary heavy ions, the solar wind protons, the electrons, and the neutrals. This model incorporates different mass loading processes, including photoionization and electron impact ionization, charge exchange, dissociative ion-electron recombination, and collisional interactions between different fluids. We simulated the plasma and neutral gas environment near perihelion in three different cases: an idealized comet with a spherical body and uniform neutral gas outflow, an idealized comet with a spherical body and illumination-driven neutral gas outflow, and comet CG with a realistic shape model and illumination-driven neutral gas outflow. We compared the results of the three cases and showed that the simulations with illumination-driven neutral gas outflow have magnetic reconnection, a magnetic pileup region and nucleus directed plasma flow inside the nightside reconnection region, which have not been reported in the literature.

Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shuguang; Vogt, Daniel M.; Rus, Daniela; Wood, Robert J.

2017-12-01

Artificial muscles hold promise for safe and powerful actuation for myriad common machines and robots. However, the design, fabrication, and implementation of artificial muscles are often limited by their material costs, operating principle, scalability, and single-degree-of-freedom contractile actuation motions. Here we propose an architecture for fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles. This concept requires only a compressible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a fluid medium. A mechanical model is developed to explain the interaction of the three components. A fabrication method is introduced to rapidly manufacture low-cost artificial muscles using various materials and at multiple scales. The artificial muscles can be programed to achieve multiaxial motions including contraction, bending, and torsion. These motions can be aggregated into systems with multiple degrees of freedom, which are able to produce controllable motions at different rates. Our artificial muscles can be driven by fluids at negative pressures (relative to ambient). This feature makes actuation safer than most other fluidic artificial muscles that operate with positive pressures. Experiments reveal that these muscles can contract over 90% of their initial lengths, generate stresses of ˜600 kPa, and produce peak power densities over 2 kW/kg—all equal to, or in excess of, natural muscle. This architecture for artificial muscles opens the door to rapid design and low-cost fabrication of actuation systems for numerous applications at multiple scales, ranging from miniature medical devices to wearable robotic exoskeletons to large deployable structures for space exploration.

In-flight demonstration of the Space Station Freedom Health Maintenance Facility fluid therapy system (E300/E05)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lloyd, Charles W.

1993-01-01

The Space Station Freedom (SSF) Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) will provide medical care for crew members for up to 10 days. An integral part of the required medical care consists of providing intravenous infusion of fluids, electrolyte solutions, and nutrients to sustain an ill or injured crew member. In terrestrial health care facilities, intravenous solutions are normally stored in large quantities. However, due to the station's weight and volume constraints, an adequate supply of the required solutions cannot be carried onboard SSF. By formulating medical fluids onboard from concentrates and station water as needed, the Fluid Therapy System (FTS) eliminates weight and volume concerns regarding intravenous fluids. The first full-system demonstration of FTS is continuous microgravity will be conducted in Spacelab-Japan (SL-J). The FTS evaluation consists of two functional objectives and an in-flight demonstration of intravenous administration of fluids. The first is to make and store sterile water and IV solutions onboard the spacecraft. If intravenous fluids are to be produced in SSF, successful sterilization of water and reconstituting of IV solutions must be achieved. The second objective is to repeat the verification of the FTS infusion pump, which had been performed in Spacelab Life Sciences - 1 (SLS-1). during SLS-1, the FTS IV pump was operated in continuous microgravity for the first time. The pump functioned successfully, and valuable knowledge on its performance in continuous microgravity was obtained. Finally, the technique of starting an IF in microgravity will be demonstrated. The IV technique requires modifications in microgravity, such as use of restraints for equipment and crew members involved.

Fluid Flow and Solute Transport in the Bullwinkle Field J2 Sand, Offshore Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunn, J. A.; Hanor, J. S.

2006-12-01

The Bullwinkle field is located in a Pliocene-Pleistocene salt withdrawal minibasin approximately 90 km southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana. Most of the production has been from the prolific "J" sand sequence, a late Pliocene age channel and sheet sand turbidite complex. Salinities of the oil-leg waters (i.e., the pre-production immobile waters located above the original oil-water contact) vary from over 300 g/L near salt to approximately 150 g/L at the original oil-water contact in the J2 sand. Aquifer waters below the original oil-water contact generally have salinities between 150 g/L and 100 g/L. We developed numerical models to simulate fluid flow and associated solute transport in a gently dipping, relatively thin but high permeability sand body such as the J2 sand in Bullwinkle field. Dissolution of salt exposed in the updip portion of a confined aquifer can generate kilometer-scale fluid circulation with velocities of 10-40 cm/yr. Aquifer dips can be less than 5 degrees. Salt dissolution can generate a dense brine throughout a minibasin scale aquifer within 10,000 to 100,000 years. The fluid circulation pattern and amount of salt dissolved depends on permeability, dip, dispersivity, salt available for dissolution, and aquifer thickness. Dissolution of salt is massive, 1 billion kg or more. Salt dissolution within aquifers may be an important process in removing the last few meters of salt to form salt welds. Stratigraphic variations in aquifer salinity may be related to differences in spatial/temporal contact with salt bodies rather than a complex pattern of fluid migration. Once salt dissolution stops, continued density driven flow in minibasin scale aquifers will largely eliminate spatial variations in salinity. Introduction of hydrocarbons must be rapid in order to preserve the observed spatial gradients in oil-leg water salinity. Model simulations indicate that vertical as well as horizontal spatial variations in preproduction oil-leg water salinities may exist. Pre- production spatial distributions of oil-leg and aquifer waters salinities in the J sands of the Bullwinkle field are quantitatively consistent with: fluid circulation driven by updip dissolution of salt; introduction of hydrocarbons which traps oil-leg waters and stops further salt dissolution; and continued mixing of aquifer waters driven by density driven flow until salinity variations are largely eliminated.

Thermally conductive porous element-based recuperators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Du, Jian Hua (Inventor); Chow, Louis C (Inventor); Lin, Yeong-Ren (Inventor); Wu, Wei (Inventor); Kapat, Jayanta (Inventor); Notardonato, William U. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A heat exchanger includes at least one hot fluid flow channel comprising a first plurality of open cell porous elements having first gaps there between for flowing a hot fluid in a flow direction and at least one cold fluid flow channel comprising a second plurality of open cell porous elements having second gaps therebetween for flowing a cold fluid in a countercurrent flow direction relative to the flow direction. The thermal conductivity of the porous elements is at least 10 W/mK. A separation member is interposed between the hot and cold flow channels for isolating flow paths associated these flow channels. The first and second plurality of porous elements at least partially overlap one another to form a plurality of heat transfer pairs which transfer heat from respective ones of the first porous elements to respective ones of the second porous elements through the separation member.

Fuel injection assembly for use in turbine engines and method of assembling same

DOEpatents

Uhm, Jong Ho; Johnson, Thomas Edward

2015-03-24

A fuel injection assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. The fuel injection assembly includes a plurality of tube assemblies, wherein each of the tube assemblies includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. Each tube assembly includes a plurality of tubes that extend from the upstream portion to the downstream portion or from the upstream portion through the downstream portion. At least one injection system is coupled to at least one tube assembly of the plurality of tube assemblies. The injection system includes a fluid supply member that extends from a fluid source to the downstream portion of the tube assembly. The fluid supply member includes a first end portion located in the downstream portion of the tube assembly, wherein the first end portion has at least one first opening for channeling fluid through the tube assembly to facilitate reducing a temperature therein.

Precession Driven Instabilities and Dynamos in the Early Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cebron, D.; Laguerre, R.; Noir, J.; Vidal, J.; Schaeffer, N.

2017-12-01

The Early Moon magnetic fields are probably due to a strong temporary dynamo, which may be due to lunar precession [1]. However, precession driven dynamos remain badly known, with only few studied cases [2,3,4]. Given the uncertainties of the early Moon precession, wider ranges of parameters need to be explored in order to assess if such lunar dynamos are possible. Using the efficient dynamo code XSHELLS, we have thus performed many simulations of precessing spherical shells, varying the parameters in a systematic way. This allows us to characterize the various excited instabilities, and to propose scaling laws. We also obtain that precession driven dynamos seem scarce and weak in our simulations, which makes difficult and uncertain the extrapolation of these dynamos to the Moon. However, our dynamo simulations, as every other in the literature, neglect the topographic torque effect on instabilities in order to use fast spectral codes [5]. By contrast, the topographic torque is dominant for the lunar core. Before exploring this effect numerically, which is a real challenge, we choose to study it theoretically. To do so, we have developed a novel global linear stability analysis of mechanically-driven flows in triaxial ellipsoids, with leading order viscous effects. Internal dissipation is obtained for the first time by extending the Greenspan's theory (1968) of geostrophic and inertial modes. By contrast with pioneering theories [6], we propose a new linear viscous model valid in arbitrary ellipsoid and for any precessing forcing. Then we perform the linear stability analysis by considering ellipsoidal perturbations of unprecedented spatial complexity with a self-consistent model of viscous damping. We show that forced precession-driven basic flows are bistable in triaxial ellipsoids. Then, we present the first stability analysis of precessing-flows in triaxial ellipsoids. [1] Dwyer et al. (2011), Nature, 479, 212-214.[2] Tilgner (2005), Phy. Fluids, 17, 034104.[3] Tilgner (2007), Geo. Astro. Fluid Dyn., 101 (1), 1-9.[4] Lin et al. (2016), Phys. Fluids, 28, 066601.[5] Tian et al., EPSL, in revision.[6] Busse (1968), J. Fluid. Mech, 33 (04), 739-751.

Lattice-Boltzmann simulation of coalescence-driven island coarsening

USGS Publications Warehouse

Basagaoglu, H.; Green, C.T.; Meakin, P.; McCoy, B.J.

2004-01-01

The first-order phase separation in a thin fluid film was simulated using a two-dimensional lattice-Boltzman model (LBM) with fluid-fluid interactions. The effects of the domain size on the intermediate asymptotic island size distribution were also discussed. It was observed that the overall process is dominated by coalescence which is independent of island mass. The results show that the combined effects of growth, coalescence, and Ostwald ripening control the phase transition process in the LBM simulations.

Overview of MSFC's Applied Fluid Dynamics Analysis Group Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia, Roberto; Wang, Tee-See; Griffin, Lisa; Turner, James E. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This document is a presentation graphic which reviews the activities of the Applied Fluid Dynamics Analysis Group at Marshall Space Flight Center (i.e., Code TD64). The work of this group focused on supporting the space transportation programs. The work of the group is in Computational Fluid Dynamic tool development. This development is driven by hardware design needs. The major applications for the design and analysis tools are: turbines, pumps, propulsion-to-airframe integration, and combustion devices.

Development of a Compact Efficient Cooling Pump for Space Suit Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanBoeyen, Roger W.; Reeh, Jonathan A.; Trevino, Luis

2008-01-01

With the increasing demands placed on extravehicular activity (EVA) for the International Space Station (ISS) assembly and maintenance, along with planned lunar and Martian missions, the need for increased human productivity and capability becomes ever more critical. This is most readily achieved by reduction in space suit weight and volume, and increased hardware reliability, durability, and operating lifetime. Considerable progress has been made with each successive generation of space suit design; from the Apollo A7L suit, to the current Shuttle Extravehicular Mobile Unit (EMU) suit, and the next generation Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE). However, one area of space suit design which has continued to lag is the fluid pump used to drive the water cooling loop of the Primary Life Support System (PLSS). The two main types of fluid pumps typically used in space applications are rotodynamic pumps (pumping is achieved through a rotary vaned impeller) and displacement pumps (which includes rotary and diaphragm pumps). The rotating and moving parts found in the pumps and electric motor add significantly to the susceptibility to wear and friction, thermal mismatch, and complexity of the pumps. Electric motor-driven pumps capable of achieving high operational reliability are necessarily large, heavy, and energy inefficient. This report describes a development effort conducted for NASA by Lynntech, Inc., who recently demonstrated the feasibility of an electrochemically-driven fluid cooling pump. With no electric motor and minimal lightweight components, an electrochemically-driven pump is expected to be significantly smaller, lighter and achieve a longer life time than conventional rotodynamic and displacement pumps. By employing sulfonated polystyrene-based proton exchange membranes, rather than conventional Nafion membranes, a significant reduction in the actuator power consumption was demonstrated. It was also demonstrated that these membranes possess the necessary mechanical strength, durability, and temperature range for long life space operation. The preliminary design for a Phase II prototype pump compares very favorably to the fluid cooling pumps currently used in space suit portable life support systems (PLSS). Characteristics of the electrochemically-driven pump are described and the benefits of the technology as a replacement for electric motor pumps in mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops (MPFLs) is discussed.

Mechanized fluid connector and assembly tool system with ball detents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zentner, Ronald C. (Inventor); Smith, Steven A. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A fluid connector system is disclosed which includes a modified plumbing union having a rotatable member for drawing said union into a fluid tight condition. A drive tool is electric motor actuated and includes a reduction gear train providing an output gear engaging an integral peripheral spur gear on the rotatable member. Coaxial alignment means are attached to both the connector assembly and the drive tool. A hand lever actuated latching system includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching balls selectively wedged against the alignment means attached to the connector assembly or to secure the drive tool with its output gear in mesh with the integral peripheral spur gear. The drive motor is torque, speed, and direction controllable.

BRIEF COMMUNICATION: On the drift kinetic equation driven by plasma flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaing, K. C.

2010-07-01

A drift kinetic equation that is driven by plasma flows has previously been derived by Shaing and Spong 1990 (Phys. Fluids B 2 1190). The terms that are driven by particle speed that is parallel to the magnetic field B have been neglected. Here, such terms are discussed to examine their importance to the equation and to show that these terms do not contribute to the calculations of plasma viscosity in large aspect ratio toroidal plasmas, e.g. tokamaks and stellarators.

Interaction of laser beams with magnetized substance in a strong magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzenov, V. V.

2018-03-01

Laser-driven magneto-inertial fusion assumed plasma and magnetic flux compression by quasisymmetric laser-driven implosion of magnetized target. We develop a 2D radiation magnetohydrodynamic code and a formulation for the one-fluid two-temperature equations for simulating compressible non-equilibrium magnetized target plasma. Laser system with pulse radiation with 10 ns duration is considered for numerical experiments. A numerical study of a scheme of magnetized laser-driven implosion in the external magnetic field is carried out.

Kelly mud saver valve sub

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

Reddoch, J.A.

1986-12-02

A mud saver valve is described for preventing drilling mud from escaping from a kelly when a drill string is broken below the kelly, the valve comprising: a tubular valve body having first and second ends, the first end being provided with means for attachment in fluid communicating relationship with the kelly, the second end being provided with means for attachment to the drill string; an annular seat fixed in the interior of the valve body adjacent its first end; a tubular closure member within the valve body. The closure member is provided with a selectively closed seating end formore » seating in valve closing engagement with the annular seat, an open non-seating end in fluid communicating relationship with the drill string, and an annular expansion in the outer diameter of the closure member adjacent the seating end; a top and bottom spacer ring disposed in sliding relationship around the tubular closure member intermediate the annular expansion and the non-seating end of the closure member. The spacer ring and annular expansion cooperatively define an annular chamber around the closure member; and a helical spring disposed around the closure member towards the annular seat.« less

Electrophoretic interactions and aggregation of colloidal biological particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Robert H.; Nichols, Scott C.; Loewenberg, Michael; Todd, Paul

1994-01-01

The separation of cells or particles from solution has traditionally been accomplished with centrifuges or by sedimentation; however, many particles have specific densities close to unity, making buoyancy-driven motion slow or negligible, but most cells and particles carry surface charges, making them ideal for electrophoretic separation. Both buoyancy-driven and electrophoretic separation may be influenced by hydrodynamic interactions and aggregation of neighboring particles. Aggregation by electrophoresis was analyzed for two non-Brownian particles with different zeta potentials and thin double layers migrating through a viscous fluid. The results indicate that the initial rate of electrophoretically-driven aggregation may exceed that of buoyancy-driven aggregation, even under conditions in which buoyancy-driven relative motion of noninteracting particles is dominant.

Spiral waves in driven dusty plasma medium: Generalized hydrodynamic fluid description

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sandeep; Patel, Bhavesh; Das, Amita

2018-04-01

Spiral waves are observed in many natural phenomena. They have been extensively represented by the mathematical FitzHugh-Nagumo model [Barkley et al., Phys. Rev. A 42, 2489 (1990)] of excitable media. Also, in incompressible fluid simulations, the excitation of thermal spiral waves has been reported by Li et al. [Phys. of Fluids 22, 011701 (2010)]. In the present paper, the spatiotemporal development of spiral waves in the context of weak and strong coupling limits has been shown. While the weakly coupled medium has been represented by a simple fluid description, for strong coupling, a generalized visco-elastic fluid description has been employed. The medium has been driven by an external force in the form of a rotating electric field. It is shown that when the amplitude of force is small, the density perturbations in the medium are also small. In this case, the excitations do not develop as a spiral wave. Only when the amplitude of force is high so as to drive the density perturbations to nonlinear amplitudes does the spiral density wave formation occurs. The role of the forcing frequency and the effect of strong coupling and the sound velocity of medium in the formation and evolution of spiral waves have been investigated in detail.

Vibration isolation technology: Sensitivity of selected classes of experiments to residual accelerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, J. Iwan D.

1990-01-01

The solution was sought of a 2-D axisymmetric moving boundary problem for the sensitivity of isothermal and nonisothermal liquid columns and the sensitivity of thermo-capillary flows to buoyancy driven convection caused by residual accelerations. The sensitivity of a variety of space experiments to residual accelerations are examined. In all the cases discussed, the sensitivity is related to the dynamic response of a fluid. In some cases the sensitivity can be defined by the magnitude of the response of the velocity field. This response may involve motion of the fluid associated with internal density gradients, or the motion of a free liquid surface. For fluids with internal density gradients, the type of acceleration to which the experiment is sensitive will depend on whether buoyancy driven convection must be small in comparison to other types of fluid motion (such as thermocapillary flow), or fluid motion must be suppressed or eliminated (such as in diffusion studies, or directional solidification experiments). The effect of the velocity on the composition and temperature field must be considered, particularly in the vicinity of the melt crystal interface. As far as the response to transient disturbances is concerned the sensitivity is determined by both the magnitude and frequency the acceleration and the characteristic momentum and solute diffusion times.

Motivational Climate, Staff and Members' Behaviors, and Members' Psychological Well-Being at a National Fitness Franchise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Theresa C.; Fry, Mary D.

2014-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between members' perceptions of staff's behaviors, motivational climate, their own behaviors, commitment to future exercise, and life satisfaction in a group-fitness setting. The theory-driven hypothesized mediating role of perceptions of the climate was also tested.…

Role of buoyancy and heat release in fire modeling, propagation, and instability

Treesearch

Shahid M. Mughal; Yousuff M. Hussaini; Scott L. Goodrick; Philip Cunningham

2007-01-01

In an investigation of the dynamics of coupled fluid-combustion-buoyancy driven problems, an idealised model formulation is used to investigate the role of buoyancy and heat release in an evolving boundary layer, with particular emphasis on examining underlying fluid dynamics to explain observed phenomena arising in forest fire propagation. The role played by the...

Wave Interactions and Fluid Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craik, Alex D. D.

1988-07-01

This up-to-date and comprehensive account of theory and experiment on wave-interaction phenomena covers fluids both at rest and in their shear flows. It includes, on the one hand, water waves, internal waves, and their evolution, interaction, and associated wave-driven means flow and, on the other hand, phenomena on nonlinear hydrodynamic stability, especially those leading to the onset of turbulence. This study provide a particularly valuable bridge between these two similar, yet different, classes of phenomena. It will be of value to oceanographers, meteorologists, and those working in fluid mechanics, atmospheric and planetary physics, plasma physics, aeronautics, and geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics.

Three-dimensional simulation of pseudopod-driven swimming of amoeboid cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Eric; Bagchi, Prosenjit

2016-11-01

Pseudopod-driven locomotion is common in eukaryotic cells, such as amoeba, neutrophils, and cancer cells. Pseudopods are protrusions of the cell body that grow, bifurcate, and retract. Due to the dynamic nature of pseudopods, the shape of a motile cell constantly changes. The actin-myosin protein dynamics is a likely mechanism for pseudopod growth. Existing theoretical models often focus on the acto-myosin dynamics, and not the whole cell shape dynamics. Here we present a full 3D simulation of pseudopod-driven motility by coupling a surface-bound reaction-diffusion (RD) model for the acto-myosin dynamics, a continuum model for the cell membrane deformation, and flow of the cytoplasmic and extracellular fluids. The whole cell is represented as a viscous fluid surrounded by a membrane. A finite-element method is used to solve the membrane deformation, and the RD model on the deforming membrane, while a finite-difference/spectral method is used to solve the flow fields inside and outside the cell. The fluid flow and cell deformation are coupled by the immersed-boundary method. The model predicts pseudopod growth, bifurcation, and retraction as observed for a swimming amoeba. The work provides insights on the role of membrane stiffness and cytoplasmic viscosity on amoeboid swimming. Funded by NSF CBET 1438255.

Fluid Flow and Mass Transfer in Micro/Nano-Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conlisk, A. T.; McFerran, Jennifer; Hansford, Derek; Zheng, Zhi

2001-11-01

In this work the fluid flow and mass transfer due to the presence of an electric field in a rectangular channel is examined. We consider a mixture of water or other neutral solvent and a salt compound such as sodium chloride for which the ionic species are entirely dissociated. Results are produced for the case where the channel height is much greater than the electric double layer(EDL)(microchannel) and for the case where the channel height is of the order or somewhat greater than the width of the EDL(nanochannel). For the electroosmotic flow so induced, the velocity field and the potential are similar. The fluid is assumed to behave as a continuum and the Boltzmann distribution for the mole fractions of the ions emerges from the classical dilute mass transfer equation in the limiting case where the EDL thickness is much less than the channel height. Depending on the relative magnitude of the mole fractions at the walls of the channel, both forward and reversed flow may occur. The volume flow rate is observed to vary linearly with channel height for electrically driven flow in contrast to pressure driven flow which varies as height cubed. This means that power requirements for small channels are much greater for pressure driven flow. Supported by DARPA

The microphysics and macrophysics of cosmic rays

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

Zweibel, Ellen G.

2013-05-15

This review paper commemorates a century of cosmic ray research, with emphasis on the plasma physics aspects. Cosmic rays comprise only ∼10{sup −9} of interstellar particles by number, but collectively their energy density is about equal to that of the thermal particles. They are confined by the Galactic magnetic field and well scattered by small scale magnetic fluctuations, which couple them to the local rest frame of the thermal fluid. Scattering isotropizes the cosmic rays and allows them to exchange momentum and energy with the background medium. I will review a theory for how the fluctuations which scatter the cosmicmore » rays can be generated by the cosmic rays themselves through a microinstability excited by their streaming. A quasilinear treatment of the cosmic ray–wave interaction then leads to a fluid model of cosmic rays with both advection and diffusion by the background medium and momentum and energy deposition by the cosmic rays. This fluid model admits cosmic ray modified shocks, large scale cosmic ray driven instabilities, cosmic ray heating of the thermal gas, and cosmic ray driven galactic winds. If the fluctuations were extrinsic turbulence driven by some other mechanism, the cosmic ray background coupling would be entirely different. Which picture holds depends largely on the nature of turbulence in the background medium.« less

Vortex locking in direct numerical simulations of quantum turbulence.

PubMed

Morris, Karla; Koplik, Joel; Rouson, Damian W I

2008-07-04

Direct numerical simulations are used to examine the locking of quantized superfluid vortices and normal fluid vorticity in evolving turbulent flows. The superfluid is driven by the normal fluid, which undergoes either a decaying Taylor-Green flow or a linearly forced homogeneous isotropic turbulent flow, although the back reaction of the superfluid on the normal fluid flow is omitted. Using correlation functions and wavelet transforms, we present numerical and visual evidence for vortex locking on length scales above the intervortex spacing.

Method and apparatus for controlling cross contamination of microfluid channels

DOEpatents

Hasselbrink, Jr., Ernest F.; Rehm, Jason E [Alameda, CA; Paul, Phillip H [Livermore, CA; Arnold, Don W [Livermore, CA

2006-02-07

A method for controlling fluid flow at junctions in microchannel systems. Control of fluid flow is accomplished generally by providing increased resistance to electric-field and pressure-driven flow in the form of regions of reduced effective cross-sectional area within the microchannels and proximate a channel junction. By controlling these flows in the region of a microchannel junction it is possible to eliminate sample dispersion and cross contamination and inject well-defined volumes of fluid from one channel to another.

Flow of two immiscible fluids in a periodically constricted tube: Transitions to stratified, segmented, churn, spray, or segregated flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fraggedakis, D.; Kouris, Ch.; Dimakopoulos, Y.; Tsamopoulos, J.

2015-08-01

We study the flow of two immiscible, Newtonian fluids in a periodically constricted tube driven by a constant pressure gradient. Our volume-of-fluid algorithm is used to solve the governing equations. First, the code is validated by comparing its predictions to previously reported results for stratified and pulsing flow. Then, it is used to capture accurately all the significant topological changes that take place. Initially, the fluids have a core-annular arrangement, which is found to either remain the same or change to a different arrangement depending on the fluid properties, the pressure driving the flow, or the flow geometry. The flow-patterns that appear are the core-annular, segmented, churn, spray, and segregated flow. The predicted scalings near pinching of the core fluid concur with similarity predictions and earlier numerical results [I. Cohen et al., "Two fluid drop snap-off problem: Experiments and theory," Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 1147-1150 (1999)]. Flow-pattern maps are constructed in terms of the Reynolds and Weber numbers. Our result provides deeper insights into the mechanism of the pattern transitions and is in agreement with previous studies on core-annular flow [Ch. Kouris and J. Tsamopoulos, "Core-annular flow in a periodically constricted circular tube, I. Steady state, linear stability and energy analysis," J. Fluid Mech. 432, 31-68 (2001) and Ch. Kouris et al., "Comparison of spectral and finite element methods applied to the study of interfacial instabilities of the core-annular flow in an undulating tube," Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids 39(1), 41-73 (2002)], segmented flow [E. Lac and J. D. Sherwood, "Motion of a drop along the centreline of a capillary in a pressure-driven flow," J. Fluid Mech. 640, 27-54 (2009)], and churn flow [R. Y. Bai et al., "Lubricated pipelining—Stability of core annular-flow. 5. Experiments and comparison with theory," J. Fluid Mech. 240, 97-132 (1992)].

Apparatus for downward transport of heat

DOEpatents

Neeper, D.A.; Hedstrom, J.C.

1985-08-05

An apparatus for the downward transport of heat by vaporization of a working fluid, usually from a collector which can be powered by the sun to a condenser which drains the condensed working fluid to a lower reservoir, is controled by a control valve which is operationally dependent upon the level of working fluid in either the lower reservoir or an upper reservoir which feeds the collector. Condensed working fluid is driven from the lower to the upper reservoir by vaporized working fluid whose flow is controled by the controll valve. The upper reservoir is in constant communication with the condenser which prevents a buildup in temperature/pressure as the apparatus goes through successive pumping cycles.

Analytical solution of two-fluid electro-osmotic flows of viscoelastic fluids.

PubMed

Afonso, A M; Alves, M A; Pinho, F T

2013-04-01

This paper presents an analytical model that describes a two-fluid electro-osmotic flow of stratified fluids with Newtonian or viscoelastic rheological behavior. This is the principle of operation of an electro-osmotic two-fluid pump as proposed by Brask et al. [Tech. Proc. Nanotech., 1, 190-193, 2003], in which an electrically non-conducting fluid is transported by the interfacial dragging viscous force of a conducting fluid that is driven by electro-osmosis. The electric potential in the conducting fluid and the analytical steady flow solution of the two-fluid electro-osmotic stratified flow in a planar microchannel are presented by assuming a planar interface between the two immiscible fluids with Newtonian or viscoelastic rheological behavior. The effects of fluid rheology, shear viscosity ratio, holdup and interfacial zeta potential are analyzed to show the viability of this technique, where an enhancement of the flow rate is observed as the shear-thinning effects are increased. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rebound and jet formation of a fluid-filled sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Killian, Taylor W.; Klaus, Robert A.; Truscott, Tadd T.

2012-12-01

This study investigates the impact dynamics of hollow elastic spheres partially filled with fluid. Unlike an empty sphere, the internal fluid mitigates some of the rebound through an impulse driven exchange of energy wherein the fluid forms a jet inside the sphere. Surprisingly, this occurs on the second rebound or when the free surface is initially perturbed. Images gathered through experimentation show that the fluid reacts more quickly to the impact than the sphere, which decouples the two masses (fluid and sphere), imparts energy to the fluid, and removes rebound energy from the sphere. The experimental results are analyzed in terms of acceleration, momentum and an energy method suggesting an optimal fill volume in the neighborhood of 30%. While the characteristics of the fluid (i.e., density, viscosity, etc.) affect the fluid motion (i.e., type and size of jet formation), the rebound characteristics remain similar for a given fluid volume independent of fluid type. Implications of this work are a potential use of similar passive damping systems in sports technology and marine engineering.

Topographic-driven instabilities in terrestrial bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vantieghem, S.; Cebron, D.; Herreman, W.; Lacaze, L.

2013-12-01

Models of internal planetary fluid layers (core flows, subsurface oceans) commonly assume that these fluid envelopes have a spherical shape. This approximation however entails a serious restriction from the fluid dynamics point of view. Indeed, in the presence of mechanical forcings (precession, libration, nutation or tides) due to gravitational interaction with orbiting partners, boundary topography (e.g. of the core-mantle boundary) may excite flow instabilities and space-filling turbulence. These phenomena may affect heat transport and dissipation at the main order. Here, we focus on instabilities driven by longitudinal libration. Using a suite of theoretical tools and numerical simulations, we are able to discern a parameter range for which instability may be excited. We thereby consider deformations of different azimuthal order. This study gives the first numerical evidence of the tripolar instability. Furthermore, we explore the non-linear regime and investigate the amplitude as well as the dissipation of the saturated instability. Indeed, these two quantities control the torques on the solid layers and the thermal transport. Furthermore, based on this results, we address the issue of magnetic field generation associated with these flows (by induction or by dynamo process). This instability mechanism applies to both synchronized as non-synchronized bodies. As such, our results show that a tripolar instability might be present in various terrestrial bodies (Early Moon, Gallilean moons, asteroids, etc.), where it could participate in dynamo action. Simulation of a libration-driven tripolar instability in a deformed spherical fluid layer: snapshot of the velocity magnitude, where a complex 3D flow pattern is established.

The Effect of Surface Tension on the Gravity-driven Thin Film Flow of Newtonian and Power-law Fluids.

PubMed

Hu, Bin; Kieweg, Sarah L

2012-07-15

Gravity-driven thin film flow is of importance in many fields, as well as for the design of polymeric drug delivery vehicles, such as anti-HIV topical microbicides. There have been many prior works on gravity-driven thin films. However, the incorporation of surface tension effect has not been well studied for non-Newtonian fluids. After surface tension effect was incorporated into our 2D (i.e. 1D spreading) power-law model, we found that surface tension effect not only impacted the spreading speed of the microbicide gel, but also had an influence on the shape of the 2D spreading profile. We observed a capillary ridge at the front of the fluid bolus. Previous literature shows that the emergence of a capillary ridge is strongly related to the contact line fingering instability. Fingering instabilities during epithelial coating may change the microbicide gel distribution and therefore impact how well it can protect the epithelium. In this study, we focused on the capillary ridge in 2D flow and performed a series of simulations and showed how the capillary ridge height varies with other parameters, such as surface tension coefficient, inclination angle, initial thickness, and power-law parameters. As shown in our results, we found that capillary ridge height increased with higher surface tension, steeper inclination angle, bigger initial thickness, and more Newtonian fluids. This study provides the initial insights of how to optimize the flow and prevent the appearance of a capillary ridge and fingering instability.

Lens intracellular hydrostatic pressure is generated by the circulation of sodium and modulated by gap junction coupling

PubMed Central

Gao, Junyuan; Sun, Xiurong; Moore, Leon C.; White, Thomas W.; Brink, Peter R.

2011-01-01

We recently modeled fluid flow through gap junction channels coupling the pigmented and nonpigmented layers of the ciliary body. The model suggested the channels could transport the secretion of aqueous humor, but flow would be driven by hydrostatic pressure rather than osmosis. The pressure required to drive fluid through a single layer of gap junctions might be just a few mmHg and difficult to measure. In the lens, however, there is a circulation of Na+ that may be coupled to intracellular fluid flow. Based on this hypothesis, the fluid would cross hundreds of layers of gap junctions, and this might require a large hydrostatic gradient. Therefore, we measured hydrostatic pressure as a function of distance from the center of the lens using an intracellular microelectrode-based pressure-sensing system. In wild-type mouse lenses, intracellular pressure varied from ∼330 mmHg at the center to zero at the surface. We have several knockout/knock-in mouse models with differing levels of expression of gap junction channels coupling lens fiber cells. Intracellular hydrostatic pressure in lenses from these mouse models varied inversely with the number of channels. When the lens’ circulation of Na+ was either blocked or reduced, intracellular hydrostatic pressure in central fiber cells was either eliminated or reduced proportionally. These data are consistent with our hypotheses: fluid circulates through the lens; the intracellular leg of fluid circulation is through gap junction channels and is driven by hydrostatic pressure; and the fluid flow is generated by membrane transport of sodium. PMID:21624945

Anomalous Chained Turbulence in Actively Driven Flows on Spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mickelin, Oscar; Słomka, Jonasz; Burns, Keaton J.; Lecoanet, Daniel; Vasil, Geoffrey M.; Faria, Luiz M.; Dunkel, Jörn

2018-04-01

Recent experiments demonstrate the importance of substrate curvature for actively forced fluid dynamics. Yet, the covariant formulation and analysis of continuum models for nonequilibrium flows on curved surfaces still poses theoretical challenges. Here, we introduce and study a generalized covariant Navier-Stokes model for fluid flows driven by active stresses in nonplanar geometries. The analytical tractability of the theory is demonstrated through exact stationary solutions for the case of a spherical bubble geometry. Direct numerical simulations reveal a curvature-induced transition from a burst phase to an anomalous turbulent phase that differs distinctly from externally forced classical 2D Kolmogorov turbulence. This new type of active turbulence is characterized by the self-assembly of finite-size vortices into linked chains of antiferromagnetic order, which percolate through the entire fluid domain, forming an active dynamic network. The coherent motion of the vortex chain network provides an efficient mechanism for upward energy transfer from smaller to larger scales, presenting an alternative to the conventional energy cascade in classical 2D turbulence.

Cerebrospinal fluid bulk flow is driven by the cardiac cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tithof, Jeffrey; Mestre, Humberto; Thomas, John; Nedergaard, Maiken; Kelley, Douglas

2017-11-01

Recent discoveries have uncovered a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport system in the perivascular spaces (PVS) of the mammalian brain which clears excess extracellular fluid and protein waste products. The oscillatory pattern of CSF flow has long been attributed to arterial pulsations due to cardiac contractility but limitations in imaging techniques have impeded quantitative measurement of flow rates within the PVS. In this talk, we describe quantitative measurements from the first ever direct imaging of CSF flow in the PVS of a mouse brain. We perform particle tracking velocimetry to obtain time-resolved velocity measurements. To identify the cardiac and/or respiratory dependence of the flow, while imaging, we simultaneously record the mouse's electrocardiogram and respiration. Our measurements conclusively indicate that CSF pulsatility in the arterial PVS is directly driven by the cardiac cycle and not by the respiratory cycle or cerebral vasomotion. These results offer a substantial step forward in understanding bulk flow of CSF in the mammalian brain and may have important implications related to neurodegenerative diseases.

Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus

DOEpatents

Whitehead, John C.

1995-01-01

A pair of control valve assemblies for alternately actuating a pair of fluid-driven free-piston devices by using fluid pressure communication therebetween. Each control valve assembly is switched by a pressure signal depending on the state of its counterpart's piston. The communication logic is arranged to provide overlap of the forward strokes of the pistons, so that at least one of the pair will always be pressurized. Thus, uninterrupted pumping of liquid is made possible from a pair of free-piston pumps. In addition, the speed and frequency of piston stroking is entirely dependent on the mechanical power load applied. In the case of a pair of pumps, this enables liquid delivery at a substantially constant pressure over the full range of flow rates, from zero to maximum flow. Each of the valve assemblies uses an intake-exhaust valve and a signal valve with the signal valve of one pump being connected to be pressure responsive to the piston of the opposite cylinder or pump.

Valving for controlling a fluid-driven reciprocating apparatus

DOEpatents

Whitehead, J.C.

1995-06-27

A pair of control valve assemblies is described for alternately actuating a pair of fluid-driven free-piston devices by using fluid pressure communication therebetween. Each control valve assembly is switched by a pressure signal depending on the state of its counterpart`s piston. The communication logic is arranged to provide overlap of the forward strokes of the pistons, so that at least one of the pair will always be pressurized. Thus, uninterrupted pumping of liquid is made possible from a pair of free-piston pumps. In addition, the speed and frequency of piston stroking is entirely dependent on the mechanical power load applied. In the case of a pair of pumps, this enables liquid delivery at a substantially constant pressure over the full range of flow rates, from zero to maximum flow. Each of the valve assemblies uses an intake-exhaust valve and a signal valve with the signal valve of one pump being connected to be pressure responsive to the piston of the opposite cylinder or pump. 15 figs.

Fluid instabilities and wakes in a soap-film tunnel

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

Vorobieff, P.; Ecke, R.E.

1999-05-01

We present a compact, low-budget two-dimensional hydrodynamic flow visualization system based on a tilted, gravity-driven soap film tunnel. This system is suitable for demonstrations and studies of a variety of fluid mechanics problems, including turbulent wakes past bluff bodies and lifting surfaces, Kelvin{endash}Helmholtz instability, and grid turbulence. {copyright} {ital 1999 American Association of Physics Teachers.}

Bell-Plesset effects in Rayleigh-Taylor instability of finite-thickness spherical and cylindrical shells

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

Velikovich, A. L.; Schmit, P. F.

Bell-Plesset (BP) effects account for the influence of global convergence or divergence of the fluid flow on the evolution of the interfacial perturbations embedded in the flow. The development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiation-driven spherical capsules and magnetically-driven cylindrical liners necessarily includes a significant contribution from BP effects due to the time dependence of the radius, velocity, and acceleration of the unstable surfaces or interfaces. An analytical model is presented that, for an ideal incompressible fluid and small perturbation amplitudes, exactly evaluates the BP effects in finite-thickness shells through acceleration and deceleration phases. The time-dependent dispersion equations determining themore » “instantaneous growth rate” are derived. It is demonstrated that by integrating this approximate growth rate over time, one can accurately evaluate the number of perturbation e-foldings during the inward acceleration phase of the implosion. In the limit of small shell thickness, exact thin-shell perturbation equations and approximate thin-shell dispersion equations are obtained, generalizing the earlier results [E. G. Harris, Phys. Fluids 5, 1057 (1962); E. Ott, Phys. Rev. Lett. 29, 1429 (1972); A. B. Bud'ko et al., Phys. Fluids B 2, 1159 (1990)].« less

Bell-Plesset effects in Rayleigh-Taylor instability of finite-thickness spherical and cylindrical shells

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

Velikovich, A. L.; Schmit, P. F.

Bell-Plesset (BP) effects account for the influence of global convergence or divergence of the fluid flow on the evolution of the interfacial perturbations embedded in the flow. The development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiation-driven spherical capsules and magnetically-driven cylindrical liners necessarily includes a significant contribution from BP effects due to the time dependence of the radius, velocity, and acceleration of the unstable surfaces or interfaces. An analytical model is presented that, for an ideal incompressible fluid and small perturbation amplitudes, exactly evaluates the BP effects in finite-thickness shells through acceleration and deceleration phases. The time-dependent dispersion equations determining themore » “instantaneous growth rate” are derived. It is demonstrated that by integrating this approximate growth rate over time, one can accurately evaluate the number of perturbation e-foldings during the inward acceleration phase of the implosion. As a result, in the limit of small shell thickness, exact thin-shell perturbationequations and approximate thin-shell dispersion equations are obtained, generalizing the earlier results [E. G. Harris, Phys. Fluids 5, 1057 (1962); E. Ott, Phys. Rev. Lett. 29, 1429 (1972); A. B. Bud'ko et al., Phys. Fluids B 2, 1159 (1990)].« less

Bell-Plesset effects in Rayleigh-Taylor instability of finite-thickness spherical and cylindrical shells

DOE PAGES

Velikovich, A. L.; Schmit, P. F.

2015-12-28

Bell-Plesset (BP) effects account for the influence of global convergence or divergence of the fluid flow on the evolution of the interfacial perturbations embedded in the flow. The development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiation-driven spherical capsules and magnetically-driven cylindrical liners necessarily includes a significant contribution from BP effects due to the time dependence of the radius, velocity, and acceleration of the unstable surfaces or interfaces. An analytical model is presented that, for an ideal incompressible fluid and small perturbation amplitudes, exactly evaluates the BP effects in finite-thickness shells through acceleration and deceleration phases. The time-dependent dispersion equations determining themore » “instantaneous growth rate” are derived. It is demonstrated that by integrating this approximate growth rate over time, one can accurately evaluate the number of perturbation e-foldings during the inward acceleration phase of the implosion. As a result, in the limit of small shell thickness, exact thin-shell perturbationequations and approximate thin-shell dispersion equations are obtained, generalizing the earlier results [E. G. Harris, Phys. Fluids 5, 1057 (1962); E. Ott, Phys. Rev. Lett. 29, 1429 (1972); A. B. Bud'ko et al., Phys. Fluids B 2, 1159 (1990)].« less

Gradient Driven Fluctuations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cannell, David

2005-01-01

We have worked with our collaborators at the University of Milan (Professor Marzio Giglio and his group-supported by ASI) to define the science required to measure gradient driven fluctuations in the microgravity environment. Such a study would provide an accurate test of the extent to which the theory of fluctuating hydrodynamics can be used to predict the properties of fluids maintained in a stressed, non-equilibrium state. As mentioned above, the results should also provide direct visual insight into the behavior of a variety of fluid systems containing gradients or interfaces, when placed in the microgravity environment. With support from the current grant, we have identified three key systems for detailed investigation. These three systems are: 1) A single-component fluid to be studied in the presence of a temperature gradient; 2) A mixture of two organic liquids to be studied both in the presence of a temperature gradient, which induces a steady-state concentration gradient, and with the temperature gradient removed, but while the concentration gradient is dying by means of diffusion; 3) Various pairs of liquids undergoing free diffusion, including a proteidbuffer solution and pairs of mixtures having different concentrations, to allow us to vary the differences in fluid properties in a controlled manner.

Bell-Plesset effects in Rayleigh-Taylor instability of finite-thickness spherical and cylindrical shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velikovich, A. L.; Schmit, P. F.

2015-12-01

Bell-Plesset (BP) effects account for the influence of global convergence or divergence of the fluid flow on the evolution of the interfacial perturbations embedded in the flow. The development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiation-driven spherical capsules and magnetically-driven cylindrical liners necessarily includes a significant contribution from BP effects due to the time dependence of the radius, velocity, and acceleration of the unstable surfaces or interfaces. An analytical model is presented that, for an ideal incompressible fluid and small perturbation amplitudes, exactly evaluates the BP effects in finite-thickness shells through acceleration and deceleration phases. The time-dependent dispersion equations determining the "instantaneous growth rate" are derived. It is demonstrated that by integrating this approximate growth rate over time, one can accurately evaluate the number of perturbation e-foldings during the inward acceleration phase of the implosion. In the limit of small shell thickness, exact thin-shell perturbation equations and approximate thin-shell dispersion equations are obtained, generalizing the earlier results [E. G. Harris, Phys. Fluids 5, 1057 (1962); E. Ott, Phys. Rev. Lett. 29, 1429 (1972); A. B. Bud'ko et al., Phys. Fluids B 2, 1159 (1990)].

Quantum many-body adiabaticity, topological Thouless pump and driven impurity in a one-dimensional quantum fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lychkovskiy, Oleg; Gamayun, Oleksandr; Cheianov, Vadim

2018-02-01

The quantum adiabatic theorem states that a driven system can be kept arbitrarily close to the instantaneous eigenstate of its Hamiltonian if the latter varies in time slowly enough. When it comes to applying the adiabatic theorem in practice, the key question to be answered is how slow slowly enough is. This question can be an intricate one, especially for many-body systems, where the limits of slow driving and large system size may not commute. Recently we have shown how the quantum adiabaticity in many-body systems is related to the generalized orthogonality catastrophe [arXiv 1611.00663, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett.]. We have proven a rigorous inequality relating these two phenomena and applied it to establish conditions for the quantized transport in the topological Thouless pump. In the present contribution we (i) review these developments and (ii) apply the inequality to establish the conditions for adiabaticity in a one-dimensional system consisting of a quantum fluid and an impurity particle pulled through the fluid by an external force. The latter analysis is vital for the correct quantitative description of the phenomenon of quasi-Bloch oscillations in a one-dimensional translation invariant impurity-fluid system.

Rapid fabrication of pressure-driven open-channel microfluidic devices in omniphobic R(F) paper.

PubMed

Glavan, Ana C; Martinez, Ramses V; Maxwell, E Jane; Subramaniam, Anand Bala; Nunes, Rui M D; Soh, Siowling; Whitesides, George M

2013-08-07

This paper describes the fabrication of pressure-driven, open-channel microfluidic systems with lateral dimensions of 45-300 microns carved in omniphobic paper using a craft-cutting tool. Vapor phase silanization with a fluorinated alkyltrichlorosilane renders paper omniphobic, but preserves its high gas permeability and mechanical properties. When sealed with tape, the carved channels form conduits capable of guiding liquid transport in the low-Reynolds number regime (i.e. laminar flow). These devices are compatible with complex fluids such as droplets of water in oil. The combination of omniphobic paper and a craft cutter enables the development of new types of valves and switches, such as "fold valves" and "porous switches," which provide new methods to control fluid flow.

Crystal Growth of ZnSe and Related Ternary Compound Semiconductors by Vapor Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

The objective of the project is to determine the relative contributions of gravity-driven fluid flows to the compositional distribution, incorporation of impurities and defects, and deviation from stoichiometry observed in the crystals grown by vapor transport as results of buoyancy-driven convection and growth interface fluctuations caused by irregular fluid-flows. ZnSe and related ternary compounds, such as ZnSeS and ZnSeTe, were grown by vapor transport technique with real time in situ non-invasive monitoring techniques. The grown crystals were characterized extensively to correlate the grown crystal properties with the growth conditions. Significant effects of gravity vector orientation on the growth crystal morphology and point defect distribution were observed.

The wave numbers of supercritical surface tension driven Benard convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koschmieder, E. L.; Switzer, D. W.

1991-01-01

The cell size or the wave numbers of supercritical hexagonal convection cells in primarily surface tension driven convection on a uniformly heated plate was studied experimentally in thermal equilibrium in thin layers of silicone oil of large aspect ratio. It was found that the cell size decreases with increased temperature difference in the slightly supercritical range, and that the cell size is unique within the experimental error. It was also observed that the cell size reaches a minimum and begins to increase at larger temperature differences. This reversal of the rate of change of the wave number with temperature difference is attributed to influences of buoyancy on the fluid motion. The consequences of buoyancy were tested with three fluid layers of different depth.

The wavenumbers of supercritical surface-tension-driven Benard convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koschmieder, E. L.; Switzer, D. W.

1992-01-01

The cell size or the wavenumbers of supercritical hexagonal convection cells in primarily surface-tension-driven convection on a uniformly heated plate has been studied experimentally in thermal equilibrium in thin layers of silicone oil of large aspect ratio. It has been found that the cell size decreases with increased temperature difference in the slightly supercritical range, and that the cell size is unique within the experimental error. It has also been observed that the cell size reaches a minimum and begins to increase at larger temperature differences. This reversal of the rate of change of the wavenumber with temperature difference is attributed to influences of buoyancy on the fluid motion. The consequences of buoyancy have been tested with three fluid layers of different depth.

3D Global Fluid Simulations of Turbulence in LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Barrett; Ricci, Paolo; Li, Bo

2009-05-01

We present 3D global fluid simulations of the UCLA upgraded Large Plasma Device (LAPD). This device confines an 18-m-long, cylindrically symmetric plasma with a uniform magnetic field. The plasma in the simulations is generated by density and temperature sources inside the computational domain, and sheath boundary conditions are applied at the ends of the plasma column. In 3D simulations of the entire plasma, we observe strong, rotating intermittent density and temperature fluctuations driven by resistive driftwave turbulence with finite parallel wavenumbers. Analogous simulations carried out in the 2D limit (that is, assuming that the motions are purely interchange-like) display much weaker mode activity driven a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. The properties and scaling of the turbulence and transport will be discussed.

Experiments on Thermal Convection in Rotating Spherical Shells With Radial Gravity: The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, John E.

1996-01-01

Experiments designed to study the fluid dynamics of buoyancy driven circulations in rotating spherical shells were conducted on the United States Microgravity Laboratory 2 spacelab mission. These experiments address several aspects of prototypical global convection relevant to large scale motions on the Sun, Earth, and on the giant planets. The key feature is the consistent modeling of radially directed gravity in spherical geometry by using dielectric polarization forces. Imagery of the planforms of thermally driven flows for rapidly-rotating regimes shows an initial separation and eventual merger of equatorial and polar convection as the heating (i.e. the Rayleigh number) is increased. At low rotation rates, multiple-states of motion for the same external parameters were observed.

Electrokinetic high pressure hydraulic system

DOEpatents

Paul, Phillip H.; Rakestraw, David J.

2000-01-01

A compact high pressure hydraulic pump having no moving mechanical parts for converting electric potential to hydraulic force. The electrokinetic pump, which can generate hydraulic pressures greater than 2500 psi, can be employed to compress a fluid, either liquid or gas, and manipulate fluid flow. The pump is particularly useful for capillary-base systems. By combining the electrokinetic pump with a housing having chambers separated by a flexible member, fluid flow, including high pressure fluids, is controlled by the application of an electric potential, that can vary with time.

Torque-balanced vibrationless rotary coupling

DOEpatents

Miller, Donald M.

1980-01-01

This disclosure describes a torque-balanced vibrationless rotary coupling for transmitting rotary motion without unwanted vibration into the spindle of a machine tool. A drive member drives a driven member using flexible connecting loops which are connected tangentially and at diametrically opposite connecting points through a free floating ring.

Controls on the Migration of Fluids in Subduction Zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, C. R.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Van Keken, P. E.; Kelemen, P. B.; Hacker, B. R.

2013-12-01

Arc volcanism associated with subduction is generally considered to be caused by the transport in the slab of hydrated minerals to sub-arc depths. In a qualitative sense it appears clear that progressive dehydration reactions in the down-going slab release fluids to the hot overlying mantle wedge, causing flux melting and the migration of melts to the volcanic front. However, the quantitative details of fluid release, migration, melt generation and transport in the wedge remain poorly understood. In particular, there are two fundamental observations that defy quantitative modeling. The first is the location of the volcanic front with respect to intermediate depth earthquakes (e.g. 100+/-40 km; England et al., 2004, Syracuse and Abers, 2006) which is remarkably robust yet insensitive to subduction parameters. This is particularly surprising given new estimates on the variability of fluid release in global subduction zones (e.g. van Keken et al. 2011) which show great sensitivity of fluid release to slab thermal conditions. Reconciling these results implies some robust mechanism for focusing fluids and/or melts toward the wedge corner. The second observation is the global existence of thermally hot erupted basalts and andesites that, if derived from flux melting of the mantle requires sub-arc mantle temperatures of 1300 degrees C over shallow pressures of 1-2 GPa which are not that different from mid-ocean ridge conditions. These observations impose significant challenges for geodynamic models of subduction zones, and in particular for those that do not include the explicit transport of fluids and melts. We present a range of high-resolution models that include a more complete description of coupled fluid and solid mechanics (allowing the fluid to interact with solid rheological variations) together with rheologically consistent solution for temperature and solid flow. Focusing on end-members of a global suite of arc geometries and thermal histories we discuss how successful these interactions are at focusing both fluids and hot solids to sub-arc regions worldwide. We will also evaluate the efficacy of current wet melting parameterizations in these models. When driven by buoyancy alone, fluid migrates through the mantle wedge along a near vertical trajectory. Only interactions with the solid flow at very low values of permeability or high values of fluid viscosity can cause deviations from this path. However, in a viscous, permeable medium, additional pressure gradients are generated by volumetric deformation due to variations in fluid flux. These pressure gradients can significantly modify the fluid flow paths. At shallow depths, compaction channels form along the rheological contrast with the overriding plate while in the mantle wedge itself porosity waves concentrate the fluid. When considering multiple, distributed sources of fluid, interaction between layers in the slab itself can also cause significant focusing. As well as permeability, rheological controls and numerical regularizations place upper and lower bounds on the length-scales over which such interactions occur further modifying the degree of focusing seen. The wide range of behaviors described here is modeled using TerraFERMA (the Transparent Finite Element Rapid Model Assembler), which harnesses the advanced computational libraries FEniCS, PETSc and SPuD to provide the required numerical flexibility.

Upper mantle fluids evolution, diamond formation, and mantle metasomatism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, F.; Sverjensky, D. A.

2017-12-01

During mantle metasomatism, fluid-rock interactions in the mantle modify wall-rock compositions. Previous studies usually either investigated mineral compositions in xenoliths and xenocrysts brought up by magmas, or examined fluid compositions preserved in fluid inclusions in diamonds. However, a key study of Panda diamonds analysed both mineral and fluid inclusions in the diamonds [1] which we used to develop a quantitative characterization of mantle metasomatic processes. In the present study, we used an extended Deep Earth Water model [2] to simulate fluid-rock interactions at upper mantle conditions, and examine the fluids and mineral assemblages together simultaneously. Three types of end-member fluids in the Panda diamond fluid inclusions include saline, rich in Na+K+Cl; silicic, rich in Si+Al; and carbonatitic, rich in Ca+Mg+Fe [1, 3]. We used the carbonatitic end-member to represent fluid from a subducting slab reacting with an excess of peridotite + some saline fluid in the host environment. During simultaneous fluid mixing and reaction with the host rock, the logfO2 increased by about 1.6 units, and the pH increased by 0.7 units. The final minerals were olivine, garnet and diamond. The Mg# of olivine decreased from 0.92 to 0.85. Garnet precipitated at an early stage, and its Mg# also decreased with reaction progress, in agreement with the solid inclusions in the Panda diamonds. Phlogopite precipitated as an intermediate mineral and then disappeared. The aqueous Ca, Mg, Fe, Si and Al concentrations all increased, while Na, K, and Cl concentrations decreased during the reaction, consistent with trends in the fluid inclusion compositions. Our study demonstrates that fluids coming from subducting slabs could trigger mantle metasomatism, influence the compositions of sub-lithospherc cratonic mantle, precipitate diamonds, and change the oxygen fugacity and pH of the upper mantle fluids. [1] Tomlinson et al. EPSL (2006); [2] Sverjensky, DA et al., GCA (2014), Huang, F, Ph. D. thesis, Johns Hopkins University, (2017); [3] Shirey et al., Rev. Mineral. Geochem. (2013)

Foam rigidized inflatable structural assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tinker, Michael L. (Inventor); Schnell, Andrew R. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.

Assessing the Potential for Sediment Gravity-Driven Underflows at the Currently Active Mouth of the Huanghe Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullane, M.; Kumpf, L. L.; Kineke, G. C.

2017-12-01

The Huanghe (Yellow River), once known for extremely high suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs) that could produce hyperpycnal plumes (10s of g/l), has experienced a dramatic reduction in sediment load following the construction of several reservoirs, namely the Xiaolangdi reservoir completed in 1999. Except for managed flushing events, SSC in the lower river is now on the order of 1 g/l or less. Adaptations of the Chezy equation for gravity-driven transport show that dominant parameters driving hyperpycnal underflows include concentration (and therefore density), thickness of a sediment-laden layer and bed slope. The objectives of this research were to assess the potential for gravity-driven underflows given modern conditions at the active river mouth. Multiple shore-normal transects were conducted during research cruises in mid-July of 2016 and 2017 using a Knudsen dual-frequency echosounder to collect bathymetric data and to document the potential presence of fluid mud layers. An instrumented profiling tripod equipped with a CTD, optical backscatterance sensor and in-situ pump system were used to sample water column parameters. SSCs were determined from near-bottom and surface water samples. Echosounder data were analyzed for bed slopes at the delta-front and differences in depth of return for the two frequencies (50 and 200 kHz), which could indicate fluid muds. Bathymetric data analysis yielded bed slope measurements near or above threshold values to produce gravity-driven underflows (0.46°). The maximum observed thickness of a potential fluid mud layer was 0.7 m, and the highest sampled near-bed SSCs were nearly 14 g/l for both field campaigns. These results indicate that the modern delta maintains potential for sediment gravity-driven underflows, even during ambient conditions prior to maximum summer discharge. These results will inform future work quantitatively comparing the contributions of all sediment dispersal mechanisms near the active Huanghe delta environment, including advection of the buoyant river plume and wave resuspension and transport by tidal currents.

Raman spectroscopic characterization of gas mixtures. II. Quantitative composition and pressure determination of the CO2-CH4 system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Seitz, J.C.; Pasteris, J.D.; Chou, I.-Ming

1996-01-01

Raman spectral parameters were determined for the v1 band of CH4 and the v1 and 2v2 bands (Fermi diad) of CO2 in pure CO2 and CO2-CH4 mixtures at pressures up to 700 bars and room temperature. Peak position, area, height, and width were investigated as functions of pressure and composition. The peak positions of the CH4 and CO2 bands shift to lower relative wavenumbers as fluid pressure is increased. The peak position of the lower-wavenumber member of the Fermi diad for CO2 is sensitive to fluid composition, whereas the peak positions of the CH4 band and the upper Fermi diad member for CO2 are relatively insensitive in the CO2-CH4 system. The magnitude of the shifts in each of the three peak positions (as a function of pressure) is sufficient to be useful as a monitor of fluid pressure. The relative molar proportions in a CO2-CH4 mixture may be determined from the peak areas: the ratio of the peak areas of the CH4 band and the CO2 upper Fermi diad member is very sensitive to composition, whereas above about 100 bars, it is insensitive to pressure. Likewise, the peak height ratio is very sensitive to composition but also to fluid pressure. The individual peak widths of CO2 and CH4, as well as the ratios of the widths of the CH4 peak to the CO2 peaks are a sensitive function of pressure and, to a lesser extent, composition. Thus, upon determination of fluid composition, the peak width ratios may be used as a monitor of fluid pressure. The application of these spectral parameters to a suite of natural CO2-CH4 inclusions has yielded internally-consistent, quantitative determinations of the fluid composition and density.

Installation, Operation, and Operator's Maintenance of Diesel-Engine-Driven Generator Sets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marine Corps Inst., Washington, DC.

This student guide, one of a series of correspondence training courses designed to improve the job performance of members of the Marine Corps, contains three study units dealing with the skills needed by individuals responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of diesel engine-driven generator sets. The first two units cover…

The "Village" Model: A Consumer-Driven Approach for Aging in Place

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scharlach, Andrew; Graham, Carrie; Lehning, Amanda

2012-01-01

Purpose of the Study: This study examines the characteristics of the "Village" model, an innovative consumer-driven approach that aims to promote aging in place through a combination of member supports, service referrals, and consumer engagement. Design and Methods: Thirty of 42 fully operational Villages completed 2 surveys. One survey examined…

Experiments on pumping of liquids using arrays of microelectrodes subjected to travelling wave potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Sánchez, P.; Ramos, A.; Green, Nicolas G.; Morgan, H.

2008-12-01

Net fluid flow of electrolytes driven on an array of microelectrodes subjected to a travelling-wave potential is presented. Two sizes of platinum microelectrodes have been studied. In both arrays, at low voltages the liquid flows according to the prediction given by ac electroosmotic theory. At voltages above a threshold the fluid flow is reversed. Measurements of the electrical current when the microelectrode array is pumping the liquid are also reported. Transient behaviours in both electrical current and fluid velocity have been observed.

Quantification and visualization of injury and regeneration to the ciliated epithelium using quantitative flow imaging and speckle variance optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamm, Ute A.; Huang, Brendan K.; Mis, Emily K.; Khokha, Mustafa K.; Choma, Michael A.

2017-04-01

Mucociliary flow is an important defense mechanism in the lung to remove inhaled pathogens and pollutants. A disruption of ciliary flow can lead to respiratory infections. Even though patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) either have or are very susceptible to respiratory infections, mucociliary flow is not well understood in the ICU setting. We recently demonstrated that hyperoxia, a consequence of administering supplemental oxygen to a patient in respiratory failure, can lead to a significant reduction of cilia-driven fluid flow in mouse trachea. There are other factors that are relevant to ICU medicine that can damage the ciliated tracheal epithelium, including inhalation injury and endotracheal tube placement. In this study we use two animal models, Xenopus embryo and ex vivo mouse trachea, to analyze flow defects in the injured ciliated epithelium. Injury is generated either mechanically with a scalpel or chemically by calcium chloride (CaCl2) shock, which efficiently but reversibly deciliates the embryo skin. In this study we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) to quantify cilia driven fluid flow over the surface of the Xenopus embryo. We additionally visualized damage to the ciliated epithelium by capturing 3D speckle variance images that highlight beating cilia. Mechanical injury disrupted cilia-driven fluid flow over the injured site, which led to a reduction in cilia-driven fluid flow over the whole surface of the embryo (n=7). The calcium chloride shock protocol proved to be highly effective in deciliating embryos (n=6). 3D speckle variance images visualized a loss of cilia and cilia-driven flow was halted immediately after application. We also applied CaCl2-shock to cultured ex vivo mouse trachea (n=8) and found, similarly to effects in Xenopus embryo, an extensive loss of cilia with resulting cessation of flow. We investigated the regeneration of the ciliated epithelium after an 8 day incubation period, and found that cilia had regrown and flow was completely restored. In conclusion, OCT is a valuable tool to visualize injury of the ciliated epithelium and to quantify reduction of generated flow. This method allows for systematic investigation of focal and diffuse injury of the ciliated epithelium and the assessment of mechanisms to compensate for loss of flow.

Quantification and visualization of injury and regeneration in the developing ciliated epithelium using quantitative flow imaging and speckle variance optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamm, Ute A.; Huang, Brendan K.; Mis, Emily K.; Khokha, Mustafa K.; Choma, Michael A.

2017-02-01

Premature infants are at a high risk for respiratory diseases owing to an underdeveloped respiratory system that is very susceptible to infection and inflammation. One aspect of respiratory health is the state of the ciliated respiratory epithelium which lines the trachea and bronchi. The ciliated epithelium is responsible for trapping and removing pathogens and pollutants from the lungs and an impairment of ciliary functionality can lead to recurring respiratory infections and subsequent lung damage. Mechanisms of cilia-driven fluid flow itself but also factors influenced by development like ciliary density and flow generation are incompletely understood. Furthermore, medical interventions like intubation and accidental aspiration can lead to focal or diffuse loss of cilia and disruption of flow. In this study we use two animal models, Xenopus embryo and ex vivo mouse trachea, to analyze flow defects in the injured ciliated epithelium. Injury is generated either mechanically with a scalpel or chemically by calcium chloride (CaCl2) shock, which efficiently but reversibly deciliates the embryo skin. In this study we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) to quantify cilia driven fluid flow over the surface of the Xenopus embryo. We additionally visualized damage to the ciliated epithelium by capturing 3D speckle variance images that highlight beating cilia. Mechanical injury disrupted cilia-driven fluid flow over the injured site, which led to a reduction in cilia-driven fluid flow over the whole surface of the embryo (n=7). The calcium chloride shock protocol proved to be highly effective in deciliating embryos (n=6). 3D speckle variance images visualized a loss of cilia and cilia-driven flow was halted immediately after application. We also applied CaCl2-shock to cultured ex vivo mouse trachea (n=8) and found, similarly to effects in Xenopus embryo, an extensive loss of cilia with resulting cessation of flow. We investigated the regeneration of the ciliated epithelium after an 8 day incubation period, and found that cilia had regrown and flow was completely restored. In conclusion, OCT is a valuable tool to visualize injury of the ciliated epithelium and to quantify reduction of generated flow. This method allows for systematic investigation of focal and diffuse injury of the ciliated epithelium and the assessment of mechanisms to compensate for loss of flow.

Diffusion-driven fluid dynamics in ideal gases and plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vold, E. L.; Yin, L.; Taitano, W.; Molvig, K.; Albright, B. J.

2018-06-01

The classical transport theory based on Chapman-Enskog methods provides self-consistent approximations for the kinetic flux of mass, heat, and momentum in a fluid limit characterized with a small Knudsen number. The species mass fluxes relative to the center of mass, or "diffusive fluxes," are expressed as functions of known gradient quantities with kinetic coefficients evaluated using similar analyses for mixtures of gases or plasma components. The sum over species of the diffusive mass fluxes is constrained to be zero in the Lagrange frame, and thus results in a non-zero molar flux leading to a pressure perturbation. At an interface between two species initially in pressure equilibrium, the pressure perturbation driven by the diffusive molar flux induces a center of mass velocity directed from the species of greater atomic mass towards the lighter atomic mass species. As the ratio of the species particle masses increases, this center of mass velocity carries an increasingly greater portion of the mass across the interface and for a particle mass ratio greater than about two, the center of mass velocity carries more mass than the gradient driven diffusion flux. Early time transients across an interface between two species in a 1D plasma regime and initially in equilibrium are compared using three methods; a fluid code with closure in a classical transport approximation, a particle in cell simulation, and an implicit Fokker-Planck solver for the particle distribution functions. The early time transient phenomenology is shown to be similar in each of the computational simulation methods, including a pressure perturbation associated with the stationary "induced" component of the center of mass velocity which decays to pressure equilibrium during diffusion. At early times, the diffusive process generates pressure and velocity waves which propagate outward from the interface and are required to maintain momentum conservation. The energy in the outgoing waves dissipates as heat in viscous regions, and it is hypothesized that these diffusion driven waves may sustain fluctuations in less viscid finite domains after reflections from the boundaries. These fluid dynamic phenomena are similar in gases or plasmas and occur in flow transients with a moderate Knudsen number. The analysis and simulation results show how the kinetic flux, represented in the fluid transport closure, directly modifies the mass averaged flow described with the Euler equations.

Electro-osmotic mobility of non-Newtonian fluids

PubMed Central

Zhao, Cunlu; Yang, Chun

2011-01-01

Electrokinetically driven microfluidic devices are usually used to analyze and process biofluids which can be classified as non-Newtonian fluids. Conventional electrokinetic theories resulting from Newtonian hydrodynamics then fail to describe the behaviors of these fluids. In this study, a theoretical analysis of electro-osmotic mobility of non-Newtonian fluids is reported. The general Cauchy momentum equation is simplified by incorporation of the Gouy–Chapman solution to the Poisson–Boltzmann equation and the Carreau fluid constitutive model. Then a nonlinear ordinary differential equation governing the electro-osmotic velocity of Carreau fluids is obtained and solved numerically. The effects of the Weissenberg number (Wi), the surface zeta potential (ψ¯s), the power-law exponent(n), and the transitional parameter (β) on electro-osmotic mobility are examined. It is shown that the results presented in this study for the electro-osmotic mobility of Carreau fluids are quite general so that the electro-osmotic mobility for the Newtonian fluids and the power-law fluids can be obtained as two limiting cases. PMID:21503161

Salt tectonics and shallow subseafloor fluid convection: Models of coupled fluid-heat-salt transport

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, A.; Ruppel, C.

2007-01-01

Thermohaline convection associated with salt domes has the potential to drive significant fluid flow and mass and heat transport in continental margins, but previous studies of fluid flow associated with salt structures have focused on continental settings or deep flow systems of importance to petroleum exploration. Motivated by recent geophysical and geochemical observations that suggest a convective pattern to near-seafloor pore fluid flow in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoMex), we devise numerical models that fully couple thermal and chemical processes to quantify the effects of salt geometry and seafloor relief on fluid flow beneath the seafloor. Steady-state models that ignore halite dissolution demonstrate that seafloor relief plays an important role in the evolution of shallow geothermal convection cells and that salt at depth can contribute a thermal component to this convection. The inclusion of faults causes significant, but highly localized, increases in flow rates at seafloor discharge zones. Transient models that include halite dissolution show the evolution of flow during brine formation from early salt-driven convection to later geothermal convection, characteristics of which are controlled by the interplay of seafloor relief and salt geometry. Predicted flow rates are on the order of a few millimeters per year or less for homogeneous sediments with a permeability of 10−15 m2, comparable to compaction-driven flow rates. Sediment permeabilities likely fall below 10−15 m2 at depth in the GoMex basin, but such thermohaline convection can drive pervasive mass transport across the seafloor, affecting sediment diagenesis in shallow sediments. In more permeable settings, such flow could affect methane hydrate stability, seafloor chemosynthetic communities, and the longevity of fluid seeps.

Capillary-Driven Solute Transport and Precipitation in Porous Media during Dry-Out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ott, Holger; Andrew, Matthew; Blunt, Martin; Snippe, Jeroen

2014-05-01

The injection of dry or under-saturated gases or supercritical (SC) fluids into water bearing formations might lead to a formation dry-out in the vicinity of the injection well. The dry-out is caused by the evaporation/dissolution of formation water into the injected fluid and the subsequent transport of dissolved water in the injected fluid away from the injection well. Dry-out results in precipitation from solutes of the formation brine and consequently leads to a reduction of the rock's pore space (porosity) and eventually to a reduction of permeability near the injection well, or even to the loss of injectivity. Recently evidence has been found that the complexity of the pore space and the respective capillary driven solute transport plays a key role. While no effective-permeability (Keff) reduction was observed in a single-porosity sandstone, multi porosity carbonate rocks responded to precipitation with a strong reduction of Keff. The reason for the different response of Keff to salt precipitation is suspected to be in the exact location of the precipitate (solid salt) in the pore space. In this study, we investigate dry-out and salt precipitation due to supercritical CO2 injection in single and multi-porosity systems under near well-bore conditions. We image fluid saturation changes by means of μCT scanning during desaturation. We are able to observe capillary driven transport of the brine phase and the respective transport of solutes on the rock's pore scale. Finally we have access to the precipitated solid-salt phase and their distribution. The results can proof the thought models behind permeability porosity relationships K(φ) for injectivity modeling. The topic and the mechanisms we show are of general interest for drying processes in porous material such as soils and paper.

Magnetism of toroidal field in two-fluid equilibrium of CHI driven spherical torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanki, T.; Nagata, M.

2016-10-01

Double-pulsing CHI (D-CHI) experiment has been conducted in the HIST device to achieve a quasi-steady sustainment and good confinement of spherical torus (ST) plasmas. The feature of CHI driven ST such as diamagnetic toroidal field in the central open flux column (OFC) region and strong poloidal flow shear around the separatrix in the high field side suggests the two-fluid effect. The relationship between the magnetism of the toroidal field and the poloidal flow velocity is investigated by modelling the D-CHI (mainly driving the poloidal electron flow along the open flux) in the two-fluid equilibrium calculations. The poloidal component of Ampere's law leads that the toroidal field is related to the difference between the stream functions of ion ψi and electron ψe for the poloidal flow, indicating that the toroidal field with ψe >ψi results in a diamagnetic profile, while that with ψe <ψi results in a paramagnetic one. The gradient of the stream function determines the polarity and the strength of the poloidal flow velocity. It is found that the two-fluid equilibrium of CHI driven ST satisfies ψe > 0 and ψi < 0 in the OFC region, and ψe < 0 and ψi < 0 in the closed flux region. The toroidal field is a diamagnetic profile in the OFC region due to ψe >ψi and |uez | > |uiz | , where uez and uiz denote the poloidal electron and ion flow velocities, respectively. It becomes from a diamagnetic to a paramagnetic profile in the closed flux region, because ψe (uez) approaches ψi (uiz) around the magnetic axis. The poloidal ion flow shear is enhanced in the OFC region due to the ion inertial effect through the toroidal ion flow velocity.

Acoustic waveform of continuous bubbling in a non-Newtonian fluid.

PubMed

Vidal, Valérie; Ichihara, Mie; Ripepe, Maurizio; Kurita, Kei

2009-12-01

We study experimentally the acoustic signal associated with a continuous bubble bursting at the free surface of a non-Newtonian fluid. Due to the fluid rheological properties, the bubble shape is elongated, and, when bursting at the free surface, acts as a resonator. For a given fluid concentration, at constant flow rate, repetitive bubble bursting occurs at the surface. We report a modulation pattern of the acoustic waveform through time. Moreover, we point out the existence of a precursor acoustic signal, recorded on the microphone array, previous to each bursting. The time delay between this precursor and the bursting signal is well correlated with the bursting signal frequency content. Their joint modulation through time is driven by the fluid rheology, which strongly depends on the presence of small satellite bubbles trapped in the fluid due to the yield stress.

Quantitative optical coherence tomography imaging of intermediate flow defect phenotypes in ciliary physiology and pathophysiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Brendan K.; Gamm, Ute A.; Jonas, Stephan; Khokha, Mustafa K.; Choma, Michael A.

2015-03-01

Cilia-driven fluid flow is a critical yet poorly understood aspect of pulmonary physiology. Here, we demonstrate that optical coherence tomography-based particle tracking velocimetry can be used to quantify subtle variability in cilia-driven flow performance in Xenopus, an important animal model of ciliary biology. Changes in flow performance were quantified in the setting of normal development, as well as in response to three types of perturbations: mechanical (increased fluid viscosity), pharmacological (disrupted serotonin signaling), and genetic (diminished ciliary motor protein expression). Of note, we demonstrate decreased flow secondary to gene knockdown of kif3a, a protein involved in ciliogenesis, as well as a dose-response decrease in flow secondary to knockdown of dnah9, an important ciliary motor protein.

Magnetic effect for electrochemically driven cellular convection.

PubMed

Nakabayashi, S; Inokuma, K; Karantonis, A

1999-06-01

Hydrodynamic instability analogous to Rayleigh-Bénard convection is observed in an electrolytic solution between two parallel copper wire electrodes. The laser interferometric technique can reveal the dissipation structure created by the motion of the fluid, which is controlled electrochemically. It is shown that under the presence of horizontal magnetic field the roll cells move horizontally along the electrodes. The electrochemically driven convection is simply controlled and monitored by setting and measuring the electrochemical parameters and forms many kinds of spatiotemporal patterns, especially under the magnetic field. The phenomenon is modeled by considering a Boussinesq fluid under a concentration gradient. The stability of the resulting equations is studied by linear stability analysis. The time dependent nonlinear system is investigated numerically and the main features of the experimental response are reproduced.

A comparative study of the influence of buoyancy driven fluid flow on GaAs crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kafalas, J. A.; Bellows, A. H.

1988-01-01

A systematic investigation of the effect of gravity driven fluid flow on GaAs crystal growth was performed. It includes GaAs crystal growth in the microgravity environment aboard the Space Shuttle. The program involves a controlled comparative study of crystal growth under a variety of earth based conditions with variable orientation and applied magnetic field in addition to the microgravity growth. Earth based growth will be performed under stabilizing as well as destabilizing temperature gradients. The boules grown in space and on earth will be fully characterized to correlate the degree of convection with the distribution of impurities. Both macro- and micro-segregation will be determined. The space growth experiment will be flown in a self-contained payload container through NASA's Get Away Special program.

First-order particle acceleration in magnetically driven flows

DOE PAGES

Beresnyak, Andrey; Li, Hui

2016-03-02

In this study, we demonstrate that particles are regularly accelerated while experiencing curvature drift in flows driven by magnetic tension. Some examples of such flows include spontaneous turbulent reconnection and decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, where a magnetic field relaxes to a lower-energy configuration and transfers part of its energy to kinetic motions of the fluid. We show that this energy transfer, which normally causes turbulent cascade and heating of the fluid, also results in a first-order acceleration of non-thermal particles. Since it is generic, this acceleration mechanism is likely to play a role in the production of non-thermal particle distribution inmore » magnetically dominant environments such as the solar chromosphere, pulsar magnetospheres, jets from supermassive black holes, and γ-ray bursts.« less

Oral transfer of chemical cues, growth proteins and hormones in social insects

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Social insects frequently engage in oral fluid exchange between members of the same colony. This is often simply food sharing, but may also serve as a means of communicating information that directly influences colony organization. Analysis of the contents of the fluids exchanged by the Florida carp...

Pocket ECG electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lund, Gordon F. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

A low-noise electrode suited for sensing electrocardiograms when chronically and subcutaneously implanted in a free-ranging subject. The electrode comprises a pocket-shaped electrically conductive member with a single entrance adapted to receive body fluids. The exterior of the member and the entrance region is coated with electrical insulation so that the only electrolyte/electrode interface is within the member remote from artifact-generating tissue. Cloth straps are bonded to the member to permit the electrode to be sutured to tissue and to provide electrical lead flexure relief.

Pocket ECG electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lund, G. F. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A low noise electrode suited for sensing electrocardiograms when chronically and subcutaneously implanted in a free ranging subject is described. The electrode comprises a pocket shaped electrically conductive member with a single entrance adapted to receive body fluids. The exterior of the member and the entrance region is coated with electrical insulation so that the only electrolyte/electrode interface is within the member, remote from artifact-generating tissue. Cloth straps are bonded to the member to permit the electrode to be sutured to tissue and to provide electrical lead flexure relief.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation.

PubMed

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E; Dikalov, Sergey I; Harrison, David G; Müller, Dominik N; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C; Luft, Friedrich C; Wassermann, David H; Sands, Jeff M; Titze, Jens

2017-05-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter-driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation

PubMed Central

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D.; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E.; Dikalov, Sergey I.; Harrison, David G.; Müller, Dominik N.; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C.; Luft, Friedrich C.; Wasserman, David H.; Sands, Jeff M.

2017-01-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter–driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions. PMID:28414295

Reactive-brittle dynamics in peridotite alteration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, O.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Kelemen, P. B.

2017-12-01

The interactions between reactive fluids and brittle solids are critical in Earth dynamics. Implications of such processes are wide-ranging: from earthquake physics to geologic carbon sequestration and the cycling of fluids and volatiles through subduction zones. Peridotite alteration is a common feature in many of these processes, which - despite its obvious importance - is relatively poorly understood from a geodynamical perspective. In particular, alteration reactions are thought to be self-limiting in nature, contradicting observations of rocks that have undergone 100% hydration/carbonation. One potential explanation of this observation is the mechanism of "reaction-driven cracking": that volume changes associated with these reactions are large enough to fracture the surrounding rock, leading to a positive feedback where new reactive surfaces are exposed and fluid pathways are created. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative roles of reaction, elastic stresses and surface tension in alteration reactions. In this regard we derive a system of equations describing reactive fluid flow in an elastically deformable porous media, and explore them via a combination of analytic and numerical solutions. Using this model we show that the final stress state of a dry peridotite that has undergone reaction depends strongly on the rates of reaction versus fluid transport: significant fluid flow driven by pressure and/or surface tension gradients implies higher fractions of serpentinization, leaving behind a highly stressed residuum of partially reacted material. Using a model set-up that mimics a cylindrical triaxial apparatus we predict that the resulting stresses would lead to tensile failure and the generation of radially oriented cracks.

California Association of Professors of Educational Administration: Promoting Equity and Excellence in Educational Leader Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dell'Olio, Franca; Jones, Albert; Jindra, Susan; Jungwirth, Linda; Lindsey, Delores B.; Lindsey, Randall B.; Mirci, Philip; Purrington, Linda; Moore-Steward, Thelma; Thomas, Chris; Ward, Cheryl; Winkelman, Peg; Wise, Don

2014-01-01

This feature article charts the efforts of the California Association of Professors of Educational Administration (CAPEA) to move from primarily a policy-driven organization that lacked a significant number of diverse members and perspectives to a values-driven organization committed to equity and cultural competency. This is a chronicle of the…

Grief Counseling Groups for Adolescents Based on Re-Membering Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Granados, Stephanie; Winslade, John; De Witt, Megan; Hedtke, Lorraine

2009-01-01

Focusing on "re-membering" practices is new to grief counseling. Traditional approaches to grief counseling are guided by the concepts of stages or tasks, usually to move the person toward accepting the reality of loss and to "say goodbye" to their deceased loved one. This alternative approach to grief counseling, driven by…

Skylab fluid mechanics simulations: Oscillation, rotation, collision and coalescence of water droplets under low-gravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaughan, O. H., Jr.; Hung, R. J.

1975-01-01

Skylab 4 crew members performed a series of demonstrations showing the oscillations, rotations, as well as collision coalescence of water droplets which simulate various physical models of fluids under low gravity environment. The results from Skylab demonstrations provide information and illustrate the potential of an orbiting space-oriented research laboratory for the study of more sophisticated fluid mechanic experiments. Experiments and results are discussed.

Captured key electrical safety lockout system

DOEpatents

Darimont, D.E.

1995-10-31

A safety lockout apparatus for an electrical circuit includes an electrical switch, a key, a lock and a blocking mechanism. The electrical switch is movable between an ON position at which the electrical circuit is energized and an OFF position at which the electrical circuit is deactivated. The lock is adapted to receive the key and is rotatable among a plurality of positions by the key. The key is only insertable and removable when the lock is at a preselected position. The lock is maintained in the preselected position when the key is removed from the lock. The blocking mechanism physically maintains the switch in its OFF position when the key is removed from the lock. The blocking mechanism preferably includes a member driven by the lock between a first position at which the electrical switch is movable between its ON and OFF positions and a second position at which the member physically maintains the electrical switch in its OFF position. Advantageously, the driven member`s second position corresponds to the preselected position at which the key can be removed from and inserted into the lock. 7 figs.

Periodic folding of viscous sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribe, Neil M.

2003-09-01

The periodic folding of a sheet of viscous fluid falling upon a rigid surface is a common fluid mechanical instability that occurs in contexts ranging from food processing to geophysics. Asymptotic thin-layer equations for the combined stretching-bending deformation of a two-dimensional sheet are solved numerically to determine the folding frequency as a function of the sheet’s initial thickness, the pouring speed, the height of fall, and the fluid properties. As the buoyancy increases, the system bifurcates from “forced” folding driven kinematically by fluid extrusion to “free” folding in which viscous resistance to bending is balanced by buoyancy. The systematics of the numerically predicted folding frequency are in good agreement with laboratory experiments.

Fluid-driven Fractures and Backflow in a Multilayered Elastic Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smiddy, Samuel; Lai, Ching-Yao; Stone, Howard

2016-11-01

We study the dynamics when pressurized fluid is injected at a constant flow rate into a multi-layered elastic matrix. In particular, we report experiments of such crack propagation as a function of orientation and distance from the contact of the layers. Subsequently we study the shape and propagation of the fluid along the contact of layers as well as volume of fluid remaining in the matrix once the injection pressure is released and "flowback" occurs. The experiments presented here may mimic the interaction between hydraulic fractures and pre-existing fractures and the dynamics of flowback in hydraulic fracturing. Study made possible by the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment and the Fred Fox Fund.

Foot pedal operated fluid type exercising device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crum, G. W.; Sauter, R. J. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A foot pedal operated exercising device is reported that contains a dynamometer formed of a pair of cylinders each containing a piston. The pistons are linked to each other. The upper portions of the two cylinders are joined together by a common opening to provide a common fluid reservoir and each piston is provided with a one way check valve to maintain an adequate supply of working fluid. Fluid from the driven cylinder is transmitted to the other cylinder through separate constant force spring biased valves each valve takes the predominant portion of the pressure drop thereby providing a constant force hydraulic dynamometer. A device is provided to determine the amount of movement of piston travel.

Simulation of a Canard in Fluid Flow Driven by a Piezoelectric Beam with a Software Control Loop

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

The canard is actuated by a piezoelectric beam that bends as voltage is applied. The voltage is controlled by a software subroutine that measures...Dynamic system Modeling Co-simulation Simulation Abaqus Finite element analysis (FEA) Finite element method (FEM) Computational...is unlimited. i CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Model Description 1 Fluid Model 2 Structural Model 3 Control Subroutine 4 Results 4

Chemical environments of submarine hydrothermal systems. [supporting abiogenetic theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shock, Everett L.

1992-01-01

The paper synthesizes diverse information about the inorganic geochemistry of submarine hydrothermal systems, provides a description of the fundamental physical and chemical properties of these systems, and examines the implications of high-temperature, fluid-driven processes for organic synthesis. Emphasis is on a few general features, i.e., pressure, temperature, oxidation states, fluid composition, and mineral alteration, because these features will control whether organic synthesis can occur in hydrothermal systems.

A generalized two-fluid picture of non-driven collisionless reconnection and its relation to whistler waves

DOE PAGES

None, None

2017-05-05

A generalized, intuitive two-fluid picture of 2D non-driven collisionless magnetic reconnection is described using results from a full-3D numerical simulation. The relevant two-fluid equations simplify to the condition that the flux associated with canonical circulation Q=m e∇×u e+q eB is perfectly frozen into the electron fluid. In the reconnection geometry, flux tubes defined by Q are convected with the central electron current, effectively stretching the tubes and increasing the magnitude of Q exponentially. This, coupled with the fact that Q is a sum of two quantities, explains how the magnetic fields in the reconnection region reconnect and give rise tomore » strong electron acceleration. The Q motion provides an interpretation for other phenomena as well, such as spiked central electron current filaments. The simulated reconnection rate was found to agree with a previous analytical calculation having the same geometry. Energy analysis shows that the magnetic energy is converted and propagated mainly in the form of the Poynting flux, and helicity analysis shows that the canonical helicity ∫P·Q dV as a whole must be considered when analyzing reconnection. A mechanism for whistler wave generation and propagation is also described, with comparisons to recent spacecraft observations.« less

Current Driven Instabilities and Anomalous Mobility in Hall-effect Thrusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Jonathan; Eckhardt, Daniel; Martin, Robert

2017-10-01

Due to the extreme cost of fully resolving the Debye length and plasma frequency, hybrid plasma simulations utilizing kinetic ions and quasi-steady state fluid electrons have long been the principle workhorse methodology for Hall-effect thruster (HET) modeling. Plasma turbulence and the resulting anomalous electron transport in HETs is a promising candidate for developing predictive models for the observed anomalous transport. In this work, we investigate the implementation of an anomalous electron cross field transport model for hybrid HET simulations such a HPHall. A theory for anomalous transport in HETs and current driven instabilities has been recently studied by Lafleur et al. This work has shown collective electron-wave scattering due to large amplitude azimuthal fluctuations of the electric field. We will further adapt the previous results for related current driven instabilities to electric propulsion relevant mass ratios and conduct a preliminary study of resolving this instability with a modified hybrid (fluid electron and kinetic ion) simulation with the hope of integration with established hybrid HET simulations. This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research award FA9950-17RQCOR465.

Design and Construction of a Shock Tube Experiment for Multiphase Instability Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Middlebrooks, John; Black, Wolfgang; Avgoustopoulos, Constantine; Allen, Roy; Kathakapa, Raj; Guo, Qiwen; McFarland, Jacob

2016-11-01

Hydrodynamic instabilities are important phenomena that have a wide range of practical applications in engineering and physics. One such instability, the shock driven multiphase instability (SDMI), arises when a shockwave accelerates an interface between two particle-gas mixtures with differing multiphase properties. The SDMI is present in high energy explosives, scramjets, and supernovae. A practical way of studying shock wave driven instabilities is through experimentation in a shock tube laboratory. This poster presentation will cover the design and data acquisition process of the University of Missouri's Fluid Mixing Shock Tube Laboratory. In the shock tube, a pressure generated shockwave is passed through a multiphase interface, creating the SDMI instability. This can be photographed for observation using high speed cameras, lasers, and advance imaging techniques. Important experimental parameters such as internal pressure and temperature, and mass flow rates of gases can be set and recorded by remotely controlled devices. The experimental facility provides the University of Missouri's Fluid Mixing Shock Tube Laboratory with the ability to validate simulated experiments and to conduct further inquiry into the field of shock driven multiphase hydrodynamic instabilities. Advisor.

A numerical study of the benefits of driving jellyfish bells at their natural frequency.

PubMed

Hoover, Alexander; Miller, Laura

2015-06-07

A current question in swimming and flight is whether or not driving flexible appendages at their resonant frequency results in faster or more efficient locomotion. It has been suggested that jellyfish swim faster when the bell is driven at its resonant frequency. The goal of this study was to determine whether or not driving a jellyfish bell at its resonant frequency results in a significant increase in swimming velocity. To address this question, the immersed boundary method was used to solve the fully coupled fluid structure interaction problem of a flexible bell in a viscous fluid. Free vibration numerical experiments were used to determine the resonant frequency of the jellyfish bell. The jellyfish bells were then driven at frequencies ranging from above and below the resonant frequency. We found that jellyfish do swim fastest for a given amount of applied force when the bells are driven near their resonant frequency. Nonlinear effects were observed for larger deformations, shifting the optimal frequency to higher than the resonant frequency. We also found that the benefit of resonant forcing decreases for lower Reynolds numbers. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Dynamic Structure Factor and Transport Coefficients of a Homogeneously Driven Granular Fluid in Steady State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vollmayr-Lee, Katharina; Zippelius, Annette; Aspelmeier, Timo

2011-03-01

We study the dynamic structure factor of a granular fluid of hard spheres, driven into a stationary nonequilibrium state by balancing the energy loss due to inelastic collisions with the energy input due to driving. The driving is chosen to conserve momentum, so that fluctuating hydrodynamics predicts the existence of sound modes. We present results of computer simulations which are based on an event driven algorithm. The dynamic structure factor F (q , ω) is determined for volume fractions 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 and coefficients of normal restitution 0.8 and 0.9. We observe sound waves, and compare our results for F (q , ω) with the predictions of generalized fluctuating hydrodynamics which takes into account that temperature fluctuations decay either diffusively or with a finite relaxation rate, depending on wave number and inelasticity. We determine the speed of sound and the transport coefficients and compare them to the results of kinetic theory. K.V.L. thanks the Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Goettingen, for financial support and hospitality.

Cooling apparatus with a resilient heat conducting member

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

Chainer, Timothy J.; Parida, Pritish R.; Schultz, Mark D.

2016-06-14

A cooling structure including a thermally conducting central element having a channel formed therein, the channel being configured for flow of cooling fluid there through, a first pressure plate, and a first thermally conductive resilient member disposed between the thermally conducting central element and the first pressure plate, wherein the first pressure plate, the first thermally conductive resilient member, and the thermally conducting central element form a first heat transfer path.

Role of aquaporin and sodium channel in pleural water movement.

PubMed

Jiang, Jinjun; Hu, Jie; Bai, Chunxue

2003-12-16

The role of the ENaC sodium channel and aquaporin-1 (AQP1) water channel on pleural fluid dynamics in mice was investigated. 0.25 ml of hypertonic or isosmolar fluid was infused into the pleural space in anesthetized wildtype and AQP1 null mice. Pleural fluid was sampled at specified times to quantify the osmolality and volume. The sodium channel activator terbutaline increased isosmolar fluid clearance by 90% while the sodium channel inhibitor amiloride decreased it by 15%, but had no effect on osmotically driven water transport. AQP1 deletion significantly decreased osmotic water transport in pleural space by twofold, but it had no effect on isosmolar fluid clearance. Pretreatment with dexamethasone increased pleural osmotic fluid entry by 25%, while intravenous injection of HgCl2 decreased osmotic pleural water movement by 43%. These results provided evidence for a role of a sodium channel in pleural fluid absorption; AQP1 plays a major role in osmotic liquid transport but it does not affect isosmolar fluid clearance.

Density Relaxation of Liquid-Vapor Critical Fluids Examined in Earth's Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkinson, R. Allen

2000-01-01

This work shows quantitatively the pronounced differences between the density equilibration of very compressible dense fluids in Earth's gravity and those in microgravity. The work was performed onsite at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field and is complete. Full details are given in references 1 and 2. Liquid-vapor critical fluids (e.g., water) at their critical temperature and pressure, are very compressible. They collapse under their own weight in Earth's gravity, allowing only a thin meniscus-like layer with the critical pressure to survive. This critical layer, however, greatly slows down the equilibration process of the entire sample. A complicating feature is the buoyancy-driven slow flows of layers of heavier and lighter fluid. This work highlights the incomplete understanding of the hydrodynamics involved in these fluids.

Implementation of Finite Volume based Navier Stokes Algorithm Within General Purpose Flow Network Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schallhorn, Paul; Majumdar, Alok

2012-01-01

This paper describes a finite volume based numerical algorithm that allows multi-dimensional computation of fluid flow within a system level network flow analysis. There are several thermo-fluid engineering problems where higher fidelity solutions are needed that are not within the capacity of system level codes. The proposed algorithm will allow NASA's Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) to perform multi-dimensional flow calculation within the framework of GFSSP s typical system level flow network consisting of fluid nodes and branches. The paper presents several classical two-dimensional fluid dynamics problems that have been solved by GFSSP's multi-dimensional flow solver. The numerical solutions are compared with the analytical and benchmark solution of Poiseulle, Couette and flow in a driven cavity.

Surface acoustic wave diffraction driven mechanisms in microfluidic systems.

PubMed

Fakhfouri, Armaghan; Devendran, Citsabehsan; Albrecht, Thomas; Collins, David J; Winkler, Andreas; Schmidt, Hagen; Neild, Adrian

2018-06-26

Acoustic forces arising from high-frequency surface acoustic waves (SAW) underpin an exciting range of promising techniques for non-contact manipulation of fluid and objects at micron scale. Despite increasing significance of SAW-driven technologies in microfluidics, the understanding of a broad range of phenomena occurring within an individual SAW system is limited. Acoustic effects including streaming and radiation force fields are often assumed to result from wave propagation in a simple planar fashion. The propagation patterns of a single SAW emanating from a finite-width source, however, cause a far richer range of physical effects. In this work, we seek a better understanding of the various effects arising from the incidence of a finite-width SAW beam propagating into a quiescent fluid. Through numerical and experimental verification, we present five distinct mechanisms within an individual system. These cause fluid swirling in two orthogonal planes, and particle trapping in two directions, as well as migration of particles in the direction of wave propagation. For a range of IDT aperture and channel dimensions, the relative importance of these mechanisms is evaluated.

A computational model of amoeboid cell swimming in unbounded medium and through obstacles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Eric; Bagchi, Prosenjit

2017-11-01

Pseudopod-driven motility is commonly observed in eukaryotic cells. Pseudopodia are actin-rich protrusions of the cellular membrane which extend, bifurcate, and retract in cycles resulting in amoeboid locomotion. While actin-myosin interactions are responsible for pseudopod generation, cell deformability is crucial concerning pseudopod dynamics. Because pseudopodia are highly dynamic, cells are capable of deforming into complex shapes over time. Pseudopod-driven motility represents a multiscale and complex process, coupling cell deformation, protein biochemistry, and cytoplasmic and extracellular fluid motion. In this work, we present a 3D computational model of amoeboid cell swimming in an extracellular medium (ECM). The ECM is represented as a fluid medium with or without obstacles. The model integrates full cell deformation, a coarse-grain reaction-diffusion system for protein dynamics, and fluid interaction. Our model generates pseudopodia which bifurcate and retract, showing remarkable similarity to experimental observations. Influence of cell deformation, protein diffusivity and cytoplasmic viscosity on the swimming speed is analyzed in terms of altered pseudopod dynamics. Insights into the role of matrix porosity and obstacle size on cell motility are also provided. Funded by NSF CBET 1438255.

Ring waves as a mass transport mechanism in air-driven core-annular flows.

PubMed

Camassa, Roberto; Forest, M Gregory; Lee, Long; Ogrosky, H Reed; Olander, Jeffrey

2012-12-01

Air-driven core-annular fluid flows occur in many situations, from lung airways to engineering applications. Here we study, experimentally and theoretically, flows where a viscous liquid film lining the inside of a tube is forced upwards against gravity by turbulent airflow up the center of the tube. We present results on the thickness and mean speed of the film and properties of the interfacial waves that develop from an instability of the air-liquid interface. We derive a long-wave asymptotic model and compare properties of its solutions with those of the experiments. Traveling wave solutions of this long-wave model exhibit evidence of different mass transport regimes: Past a certain threshold, sufficiently large-amplitude waves begin to trap cores of fluid which propagate upward at wave speeds. This theoretical result is then confirmed by a second set of experiments that show evidence of ring waves of annular fluid propagating over the underlying creeping flow. By tuning the parameters of the experiments, the strength of this phenomenon can be adjusted in a way that is predicted qualitatively by the model.

Elasto-Aerodynamics-Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Scavenging Air-Flow Energy.

PubMed

Wang, Shuhua; Mu, Xiaojing; Wang, Xue; Gu, Alex Yuandong; Wang, Zhong Lin; Yang, Ya

2015-10-27

Efficient scavenging the kinetic energy from air-flow represents a promising approach for obtaining clean, sustainable electricity. Here, we report an elasto-aerodynamics-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on contact electrification. The reported TENG consists of a Kapton film with two Cu electrodes at each side, fixed on two ends in an acrylic fluid channel. The relationship between the TENG output power density and its fluid channel dimensions is systematically studied. TENG with a fluid channel size of 125 × 10 × 1.6 mm(3) delivers the maximum output power density of about 9 kW/m(3) under a loading resistance of 2.3 MΩ. Aero-elastic flutter effect explains the air-flow induced vibration of Kapton film well. The output power scales nearly linearly with parallel wiring of multiple TENGs. Connecting 10 TENGs in parallel gives an output power of 25 mW, which allows direct powering of a globe light. The TENG is also utilized to scavenge human breath induced air-flow energy to sustainably power a human body temperature sensor.

Multiscale modeling and simulation for polymer melt flows between parallel plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuda, Shugo; Yamamoto, Ryoichi

2010-03-01

The flow behaviors of polymer melt composed of short chains with ten beads between parallel plates are simulated by using a hybrid method of molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics. Three problems are solved: creep motion under a constant shear stress and its recovery motion after removing the stress, pressure-driven flows, and the flows in rapidly oscillating plates. In the creep/recovery problem, the delayed elastic deformation in the creep motion and evident elastic behavior in the recovery motion are demonstrated. The velocity profiles of the melt in pressure-driven flows are quite different from those of Newtonian fluid due to shear thinning. Velocity gradients of the melt become steeper near the plates and flatter at the middle between the plates as the pressure gradient increases and the temperature decreases. In the rapidly oscillating plates, the viscous boundary layer of the melt is much thinner than that of Newtonian fluid due to the shear thinning of the melt. Three different rheological regimes, i.e., the viscous fluid, viscoelastic liquid, and viscoelastic solid regimes, form over the oscillating plate according to the local Deborah numbers. The melt behaves as a viscous fluid in a region for ωτR≲1 , and the crossover between the liquidlike and solidlike regime takes place around ωτα≃1 (where ω is the angular frequency of the plate and τR and τα are Rouse and α relaxation time, respectively).

Multiscale modeling and simulation for polymer melt flows between parallel plates.

PubMed

Yasuda, Shugo; Yamamoto, Ryoichi

2010-03-01

The flow behaviors of polymer melt composed of short chains with ten beads between parallel plates are simulated by using a hybrid method of molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics. Three problems are solved: creep motion under a constant shear stress and its recovery motion after removing the stress, pressure-driven flows, and the flows in rapidly oscillating plates. In the creep/recovery problem, the delayed elastic deformation in the creep motion and evident elastic behavior in the recovery motion are demonstrated. The velocity profiles of the melt in pressure-driven flows are quite different from those of Newtonian fluid due to shear thinning. Velocity gradients of the melt become steeper near the plates and flatter at the middle between the plates as the pressure gradient increases and the temperature decreases. In the rapidly oscillating plates, the viscous boundary layer of the melt is much thinner than that of Newtonian fluid due to the shear thinning of the melt. Three different rheological regimes, i.e., the viscous fluid, viscoelastic liquid, and viscoelastic solid regimes, form over the oscillating plate according to the local Deborah numbers. The melt behaves as a viscous fluid in a region for omegatauR < approximately 1 , and the crossover between the liquidlike and solidlike regime takes place around omegataualpha approximately equal 1 (where omega is the angular frequency of the plate and tauR and taualpha are Rouse and alpha relaxation time, respectively).

Physics through the 1990s: Plasmas and fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The volume contains recommendations for programs in, and government support of, plasma and fluid physics. Four broad areas are covered: the physics of fluids, general plasma physics, fusion, and space and astrophysical plasmas. In the first section, the accomplishments of fluid physics and a detailed review of its sub-fields, such as combustion, non-Newtonian fluids, turbulence, aerodynamics, and geophysical fluid dynamics, are described. The general plasma physics section deals with the wide scope of the theoretical concepts involved in plasma research, and with the machines; intense beam systems, collective and laser-driven accelerators, and the associated diagnostics. The section on the fusion plasma research program examines confinement and heating systems, such as Tokamaks, magnetic mirrors, and inertial-confinement systems, and several others. Finally, theory and experiment in space and astrophysical plasma research is detailed, ranging from the laboratory to the solar system and beyond. A glossary is included.

Study of blood flow in several benchmark micro-channels using a two-fluid approach.

PubMed

Wu, Wei-Tao; Yang, Fang; Antaki, James F; Aubry, Nadine; Massoudi, Mehrdad

2015-10-01

It is known that in a vessel whose characteristic dimension (e.g., its diameter) is in the range of 20 to 500 microns, blood behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid, exhibiting complex phenomena, such as shear-thinning, stress relaxation, and also multi-component behaviors, such as the Fahraeus effect, plasma-skimming, etc. For describing these non-Newtonian and multi-component characteristics of blood, using the framework of mixture theory, a two-fluid model is applied, where the plasma is treated as a Newtonian fluid and the red blood cells (RBCs) are treated as shear-thinning fluid. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation incorporating the constitutive model was implemented using OpenFOAM® in which benchmark problems including a sudden expansion and various driven slots and crevices were studied numerically. The numerical results exhibited good agreement with the experimental observations with respect to both the velocity field and the volume fraction distribution of RBCs.

Tightness of Salt Rocks and Fluid Percolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüdeling, C.; Minkley, W.; Brückner, D.

2016-12-01

Salt formations are used for storage of oil and gas and as waste repositiories because of their excellent barrier properties. We summarise the current knowledge regarding fluid tightness of saliferous rocks, in particular rock salt. Laboratory results, in-situ observations and natural analogues, as well as theoretical and numerical investigations, indicate that pressure-driven percolation is the most important mechanism for fluid transport: If the fluid pressure exceeds the percolation threshold, i.e. the minor principal stress, the fluid can open up grain boundaries, create connected flow paths and initiate directed migration in the direction of major principal stress. Hence, this mechanism provides the main failure mode for rock salt barriers, where integrity can be lost if the minor principal stress is lowered, e.g. due to excavations or thermomechanical uplift. We present new laboratory experiments showing that there is no fluid permeation below the percolation threshold also at high temperatures and pressures, contrary to recent claims in the literature.

Concentric tube support assembly

DOEpatents

Rubio, Mark F.; Glessner, John C.

2012-09-04

An assembly (45) includes a plurality of separate pie-shaped segments (72) forming a disk (70) around a central region (48) for retaining a plurality of tubes (46) in a concentrically spaced apart configuration. Each segment includes a support member (94) radially extending along an upstream face (96) of the segment and a plurality of annularly curved support arms (98) transversely attached to the support member and radially spaced apart from one another away from the central region for receiving respective upstream end portions of the tubes in arc-shaped spaces (100) between the arms. Each segment also includes a radial passageway (102) formed in the support member for receiving a fluid segment portion (106) and a plurality of annular passageways (104) formed in the support arms for receiving respective arm portions (108) of the fluid segment portion from the radial passageway and for conducting the respective arm portions into corresponding annular spaces (47) formed between the tubes retained by the disk.

Review of end grain nail withdrawal research

Treesearch

Douglas R. Rammer; Samuel L. Zelinka

2004-01-01

This study reviewed the literature on static and impact withdrawal of nails driven into the end grain of wood members. From this, an empirical relationship was created relating the specific gravity of the wood, the diameter of the nail, and the depth of penetration of the nail to the static withdrawal capacity of nails driven into the wood and withdrawn immediately....

Transforming Barriers into Bridges: The Benefits of a Student-Driven Accessibility Planning Committee. Practice Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cragg, Stephanie J.; Carter, Irene; Nikolova, Kristina

2013-01-01

The School of Social Work and Disability Studies Accessibility Planning Committee (APC) is a student-driven initiative that has been in existence for over 10 years. This practice brief looked at the committee through interviews with faculty and student members. The investigation aimed to determine whether the benefits of having a student-driven…

Multimodal Task-Driven Dictionary Learning for Image Classification

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-18

1 Multimodal Task-Driven Dictionary Learning for Image Classification Soheil Bahrampour, Student Member, IEEE, Nasser M. Nasrabadi, Fellow, IEEE...Asok Ray, Fellow, IEEE, and W. Kenneth Jenkins, Life Fellow, IEEE Abstract— Dictionary learning algorithms have been suc- cessfully used for both...reconstructive and discriminative tasks, where an input signal is represented with a sparse linear combination of dictionary atoms. While these methods are

Racism? Administrative and Community Perspectives in Data-Driven Decision Making: Systemic Perspectives versus Technical-Rational Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khalifa, Muhammad A.; Jennings, Michael E.; Briscoe, Felecia; Oleszweski, Ashley M.; Abdi, Nimo

2014-01-01

This case study describes tensions that became apparent between community members and school administrators after a proposal to close a historically African American public high school in a large urban Southwestern city. When members of the city's longstanding African American community responded with outrage, the school district's senior…

Temperature-Driven Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohan, Richard J.; Vandegrift, Guy

2003-02-01

Warm air aloft is stable. This explains the lack of strong winds in a warm front and how nighttime radiative cooling can lead to motionless air that can trap smog. The stability of stratospheric air can be attributed to the fact that it is heated from above as ultraviolet radiation strikes the ozone layer. On the other hand, fluid heated from below is unstable and can lead to Bernard convection cells. This explains the generally turbulent nature of the troposphere, which receives a significant fraction of its heat directly from the Earth's warmer surface. The instability of cold fluid aloft explains the violent nature of a cold front, as well as the motion of Earth's magma, which is driven by radioactive heating deep within the Earth's mantle. This paper describes how both effects can be demonstrated using four standard beakers, ice, and a bit of food coloring.

Domain decomposition algorithms and computation fluid dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Tony F.

1988-01-01

In the past several years, domain decomposition was a very popular topic, partly motivated by the potential of parallelization. While a large body of theory and algorithms were developed for model elliptic problems, they are only recently starting to be tested on realistic applications. The application of some of these methods to two model problems in computational fluid dynamics are investigated. Some examples are two dimensional convection-diffusion problems and the incompressible driven cavity flow problem. The construction and analysis of efficient preconditioners for the interface operator to be used in the iterative solution of the interface solution is described. For the convection-diffusion problems, the effect of the convection term and its discretization on the performance of some of the preconditioners is discussed. For the driven cavity problem, the effectiveness of a class of boundary probe preconditioners is discussed.

Turbulent Heat Transfer from a Thermally Forced Boundary in a Stratified Fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, K. J.; Wells, A.; Flierl, G.

2017-12-01

When a marine-terminating glacier melts into a stratified ocean, a buoyancy-driven flow develops along the ice surface. The resulting turbulent heat and salt fluxes provide a key feedback on the ice melting rate. To build insight into such flows, we consider direct numerical simulations of an analogue problem with convection driven by a thermally forced sidewall in a stably stratified Boussinesq fluid. Our model considers vertical and inclined periodic channels in 2D with a constant background buoyancy gradient. When the lateral or upper boundary is given a sufficient thermal perturbation relative to the ambient, a confined and homogeneous turbulent plume emerges along the heated wall. We present a scaling analysis for the resulting heat transport across the plume, and compare it to simulations over a range of Rayleigh numbers, Prandtl numbers, and wall-inclination angles.

CUSHIONED BEARING

DOEpatents

Rushing, F.C.

1960-09-01

A vibration damping device effective to dampen vibrations occurring at the several critical speeds encountered in the operation of a high-speed centrifuge is described. A self-centering bearing mechanism is used to protect both the centrifuge shaft and the damping mechanism. The damping mechanism comprises spaced-apant, movable, and stationary sleeve members arranged concentrically of a rotating shaft with a fluid maintained between the members. The movable sleeve member is connected to the shaft for radial movement therewith.

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

Allen, M.F.

A freeze-thaw power cycle is described that includes a piston driven by the expansion power of a fluid such as water in a cyclinder on freezing and the thawing thereof with alternate, rapid freezing and thawing of the fluid by low and high temperature means with heat transfer rates facilitated by the use of heat pipes or tubes or other conductor means to produce a continuous single or multi cyclinder quick, polution free and noiseless freeze/thaw power cycle.

Constraints on hydrocarbon and organic acid abundances in hydrothermal fluids at the Von Damm vent field, Mid-Cayman Rise (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDermott, J. M.; Seewald, J.; German, C. R.; Sylva, S. P.

2013-12-01

The generation of organic compounds in vent fluids has been of interest since the discovery of seafloor hydrothermal systems, due to implications for the sustenance of present-day microbial populations and their potential role in the origin of life on early Earth. Possible sources of organic compounds in hydrothermal systems include microbial production, thermogenic degradation of organic material, and abiotic synthesis. Abiotic organic synthesis reactions may occur during active circulation of seawater-derived fluids through the oceanic crust or within olivine-hosted fluid inclusions containing carbon-rich magmatic volatiles. H2-rich end-member fluids at the Von Damm vent field on the Mid-Cayman Rise, where fluid temperatures reach 226°C, provide an exciting opportunity to examine the extent of abiotic carbon transformations in a highly reducing system. Our results indicate multiple sources of carbon compounds in vent fluids at Von Damm. An ultramafic-influenced hydrothermal system located on the Mount Dent oceanic core complex at 2350 m depth, Von Damm vent fluids contain H2, CH4, and C2+ hydrocarbons in high abundance relative to basalt-hosted vent fields, and in similar abundance to other ultramafic-hosted systems, such as Rainbow and Lost City. The CO2 content and isotopic composition in end-member fluids are virtually identical to bottom seawater, suggesting that seawater DIC is unchanged during hydrothermal circulation of seawater-derived fluids. Accordingly, end-member CH4 that is present in slightly greater abundance than CO2 cannot be generated from reduction of aqueous CO2 during hydrothermal circulation. We postulate that CH4 and C2+ hydrocarbons that are abundantly present in Von Damm vent fluids reflect leaching of fluids from carbon- and H2-rich fluid inclusions hosted in plutonic rocks. Geochemical modeling of carbon speciation in the Von Damm fluids suggests that the relative abundances of CH4, C2+ hydrocarbons, and CO2 are consistent with thermodynamic equilibrium at higher temperatures and more reducing conditions than those observed in the Von Damm vent fluids. These findings are consistent with a scenario in which n-alkanes form abiotically within a high-H2, carbon-rich olivine-hosted fluid inclusion, and are subsequently liberated and transported to the seafloor during hydrothermal alteration of the lower crustal rocks exposed at the Mount Dent oceanic core complex. Mixed fluids at Von Damm show depletions in CO2 and H2, relative to conservative mixing. Multiple S isotope measurements indicate that the H2 sink cannot be attributed to sulfate reduction. Thermodynamic constraints indicate that high-H2 conditions support the active formation of formate via reduction of dissolved CO2 during hydrothermal circulation - a process that has also been described at the Lost City vent field - and could account for the concurrent depletions in CO2 and H2. The transformation of inorganic carbon to organic compounds via two distinct pathways in modern seafloor hydrothermal vents validates theoretical and experimental conceptual models regarding processes occurring in the crust and during hydrothermal circulation, and is relevant to supporting life in vent ecosystems.

Dual mode fuel injection system and fuel injector for same

DOEpatents

Lawrence, Keith E.; Tian, Ye

2005-09-20

A fuel injection system has the ability to produce two different spray patterns depending on the positioning of a needle control valve member. Positioning of the needle control valve member determines which of the two needle control chambers are placed in a low pressure condition. First and second needle valve members have closing hydraulic surfaces exposed to fluid pressure in the two needle control chambers. The injector preferably includes a homogenous charge nozzle outlet set and a conventional nozzle outlet set controlled respectively, by the first and second needle valve members.

Technique for detecting liquid metal leaks

DOEpatents

Bauerle, James E.

1979-01-01

In a system employing flowing liquid metal as a heat transfer medium in contact with tubular members containing a working fluid, i.e., steam, liquid metal leaks through the wall of the tubular member are detected by dislodging the liquid metal compounds forming in the tubular member at the leak locations and subsequently transporting the dislodged compound in the form of an aerosol to a detector responsive to the liquid metal compound. In the application to a sodium cooled tubular member, the detector would consist of a sodium responsive device, such as a sodium ion detector.

Capturing poromechanical coupling effects of the reactive fracturing process in porous rock via a DEM-network model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulven, Ole Ivar; Sun, WaiChing

2016-04-01

Fluid transport in a porous medium has important implications for understanding natural geological processes. At a sufficiently large scale, a fluid-saturated porous medium can be regarded as a two-phase continuum, with the fluid constituent flowing in the Darcian regime. Nevertheless, a fluid mediated chemical reaction can in some cases change the permeability of the rock locally: Mineral dissolution can cause increased permeability, whereas mineral precipitation can reduce the permeability. This might trigger a complicated hydro-chemo-mechanical coupling effect that causes channeling of fluids or clogging of the system. If the fluid is injected or produced at a sufficiently high rate, the pressure might increase enough to cause the onset and propagation of fractures. Fractures in return create preferential flow paths that enhance permeability, localize fluid flow and chemical reaction, prevent build-up of pore pressure and cause anisotropy of the hydro-mechanical responses of the effective medium. This leads to a complex coupled process of solid deformation, chemical reaction and fluid transport enhanced by the fracture formation. In this work, we develop a new coupled numerical model to study the complexities of feedback among fluid pressure evolution, fracture formation and permeability changes due to a chemical process in a 2D system. We combine a discrete element model (DEM) previously used to study a volume expanding process[1, 2] with a new fluid transport model based on poroelasticity[3] and a fluid-mediated chemical reaction that changes the permeability of the medium. This provides new insights into the hydro-chemo-mechanical process of a transforming porous medium. References [1] Ulven, O. I., Storheim, H., Austrheim, H., and Malthe-Sørenssen, A. "Fracture Initiation During Volume Increasing Reactions in Rocks and Applications for CO2 Sequestration", Earth Planet. Sc. Lett. 389C, 2014a, pp. 132 - 142, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2013.12.039. [2] Ulven, O. I., Jamtveit, B., and Malthe-Sørenssen, A., "Reaction-driven fracturing of porous rock", J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth 119, 2014b, doi:10.1002/2014JB011102. [3] Ulven, O. I., and Sun, W.C., "A locally mass-conserving dual-graph lattice model for fluid-driven fracture", in prep.

Turbine disc sealing assembly

DOEpatents

Diakunchak, Ihor S.

2013-03-05

A disc seal assembly for use in a turbine engine. The disc seal assembly includes a plurality of outwardly extending sealing flange members that define a plurality of fluid pockets. The sealing flange members define a labyrinth flow path therebetween to limit leakage between a hot gas path and a disc cavity in the turbine engine.

Destabilization of confined granular packings due to fluid flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monloubou, Martin; Sandnes, Bjørnar

2016-04-01

Fluid flow through granular materials can cause fluidization when fluid drag exceeds the frictional stress within the packing. Fluid driven failure of granular packings is observed in both natural and engineered settings, e.g. soil liquefaction and flowback of proppants during hydraulic fracturing operations. We study experimentally the destabilization and flow of an unconsolidated granular packing subjected to a point source fluid withdrawal using a model system consisting of a vertical Hele-Shaw cell containing a water-grain mixture. The fluid is withdrawn from the cell at a constant rate, and the emerging flow patterns are imaged in time-lapse mode. Using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), we show that the granular flow gets localized in a narrow channel down the center of the cell, and adopts a Gaussian velocity profile similar to those observed in dry grain flows in silos. We investigate the effects of the experimental parameters (flow rate, grain size, grain shape, fluid viscosity) on the packing destabilization, and identify the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed complex flow behaviour.

Boiler and Pressure Balls Monopropellant Thermal Rocket Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greene, William D. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The proposed technology is a rocket engine cycle utilizing as the propulsive fluid a low molecular weight, cryogenic fluid, typically liquid hydrogen, pressure driven, heated, and expelled through a nozzle to generate high velocity and high specific impulse discharge gas. The proposed technology feeds the propellant through the engine cycle without the use of a separate pressurization fluid and without the use of turbomachinery. Advantages of the proposed technology are found in those elements of state-of-the-art systems that it avoids. It does not require a separate pressurization fluid or a thick-walled primary propellant tank as is typically required for a classical pressure-fed system. Further, it does not require the acceptance of intrinsic reliability risks associated with the use of turbomachinery

Basic fluid system trainer

DOEpatents

Semans, Joseph P.; Johnson, Peter G.; LeBoeuf, Jr., Robert F.; Kromka, Joseph A.; Goron, Ronald H.; Hay, George D.

1993-01-01

A trainer, mounted and housed within a mobile console, is used to teach and reinforce fluid principles to students. The system trainer has two centrifugal pumps, each driven by a corresponding two-speed electric motor. The motors are controlled by motor controllers for operating the pumps to circulate the fluid stored within a supply tank through a closed system. The pumps may be connected in series or in parallel. A number of valves are also included within the system to effect different flow paths for the fluid. In addition, temperature and pressure sensing instruments are installed throughout the closed system for measuring the characteristics of the fluid, as it passes through the different valves and pumps. These measurements are indicated on a front panel mounted to the console, as a teaching aid, to allow the students to observe the characteristics of the system.

Deep permeable fault-controlled helium transport and limited mantle flux in two extensional geothermal systems in the Great Basin, United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Banerjee, Amlan; Person, Mark; Hofstra, Albert; Sweetkind, Donald S.; Cohen, Denis; Sabin, Andrew; Unruh, Jeff; Zyvoloski, George; Gable, Carl W.; Crossey, Laura; Karlstrom, Karl

2011-01-01

This study assesses the relative importance of deeply circulating meteoric water and direct mantle fluid inputs on near-surface 3He/4He anomalies reported at the Coso and Beowawe geothermal fields of the western United States. The depth of meteoric fluid circulation is a critical factor that controls the temperature, extent of fluid-rock isotope exchange, and mixing with deeply sourced fluids containing mantle volatiles. The influence of mantle fluid flux on the reported helium anomalies appears to be negligible in both systems. This study illustrates the importance of deeply penetrating permeable fault zones (10-12 to 10-15 m2) in focusing groundwater and mantle volatiles with high 3He/4He ratios to shallow crustal levels. These continental geothermal systems are driven by free convection.

A computational model of amoeboid cell swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Eric J.; Bagchi, Prosenjit

2017-10-01

Amoeboid cells propel by generating pseudopods that are finger-like protrusions of the cell body that continually grow, bifurcate, and retract. Pseudopod-driven motility of amoeboid cells represents a complex and multiscale process that involves bio-molecular reactions, cell deformation, and cytoplasmic and extracellular fluid motion. Here we present a 3D model of pseudopod-driven swimming of an amoeba suspended in a fluid without any adhesion and in the absence of any chemoattractant. Our model is based on front-tracking/immersed-boundary methods, and it combines large deformation of the cell, a coarse-grain model for molecular reactions, and cytoplasmic and extracellular fluid flow. The predicted shapes of the swimming cell from our model show similarity with experimental observations. We predict that the swimming behavior changes from random-like to persistent unidirectional motion, and that the swimming speed increases, with increasing cell deformability and protein diffusivity. The unidirectionality in cell swimming is observed without any external cues and as a direct result of a change in pseudopod dynamics. We find that pseudopods become preferentially focused near the front of the cell and appear in greater numbers with increasing cell deformability and protein diffusivity, thereby increasing the swimming speed and making the cell shape more elongated. We find that the swimming speed is minimum when the cytoplasm viscosity is close to the extracellular fluid viscosity. We further find that the speed increases significantly as the cytoplasm becomes less viscous compared with the extracellular fluid, resembling the viscous fingering phenomenon observed in interfacial flows. While these results support the notion that softer cells migrate more aggressively, they also suggest a strong coupling between membrane elasticity, membrane protein diffusivity, and fluid viscosity.

Gravity-Driven Thin Film Flow of an Ellis Fluid.

PubMed

Kheyfets, Vitaly O; Kieweg, Sarah L

2013-12-01

The thin film lubrication approximation has been studied extensively for moving contact lines of Newtonian fluids. However, many industrial and biological applications of the thin film equation involve shear-thinning fluids, which often also exhibit a Newtonian plateau at low shear. This study presents new numerical simulations of the three-dimensional (i.e. two-dimensional spreading), constant-volume, gravity-driven, free surface flow of an Ellis fluid. The numerical solution was validated with a new similarity solution, compared to previous experiments, and then used in a parametric study. The parametric study centered around rheological data for an example biological application of thin film flow: topical drug delivery of anti-HIV microbicide formulations, e.g. hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) polymer solutions. The parametric study evaluated how spreading length and front velocity saturation depend on Ellis parameters. A lower concentration polymer solution with smaller zero shear viscosity ( η 0 ), τ 1/2 , and λ values spread further. However, when comparing any two fluids with any possible combinations of Ellis parameters, the impact of changing one parameter on spreading length depends on the direction and magnitude of changes in the other two parameters. In addition, the isolated effect of the shear-thinning parameter, λ , on the front velocity saturation depended on τ 1/2 . This study highlighted the relative effects of the individual Ellis parameters, and showed that the shear rates in this flow were in both the shear-thinning and plateau regions of rheological behavior, emphasizing the importance of characterizing the full range of shear-rates in rheological measurements. The validated numerical model and parametric study provides a useful tool for future steps to optimize flow of a fluid with rheological behavior well-described by the Ellis constitutive model, in a range of industrial and biological applications.

Solid catalyzed isoparaffin alkylation at supercritical fluid and near-supercritical fluid conditions

DOEpatents

Ginosar, Daniel M.; Fox, Robert V.; Kong, Peter C.

2000-01-01

This invention relates to an improved method for the alkylation reaction of isoparaffins with olefins over solid catalysts including contacting a mixture of an isoparaffin, an olefin and a phase-modifying material with a solid acid catalyst member under alkylation conversion conditions at either supercritical fluid, or near-supercritical fluid conditions, at a temperature and a pressure relative to the critical temperature(T.sub.c) and the critical pressure(P.sub.c) of the reaction mixture. The phase-modifying phase-modifying material is employed to promote the reaction's achievement of either a supercritical fluid state or a near-supercritical state while simultaneously allowing for decreased reaction temperature and longer catalyst life.

Nanoliter-droplet acoustic streaming via ultra high frequency surface acoustic waves.

PubMed

Shilton, Richie J; Travagliati, Marco; Beltram, Fabio; Cecchini, Marco

2014-08-06

The relevant length scales in sub-nanometer amplitude surface acoustic wave-driven acoustic streaming are demonstrated. We demonstrate the absence of any physical limitations preventing the downscaling of SAW-driven internal streaming to nanoliter microreactors and beyond by extending SAW microfluidics up to operating frequencies in the GHz range. This method is applied to nanoliter scale fluid mixing. © 2014 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Community understanding of Respondent-Driven Sampling in a medical research setting in Uganda: importance for the use of RDS for public health research.

PubMed

McCreesh, Nicky; Tarsh, Matilda Nadagire; Seeley, Janet; Katongole, Joseph; White, Richard G

2013-01-01

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a widely-used variant of snowball sampling. Respondents are selected not from a sampling frame, but from a social network of existing members of the sample. Incentives are provided for participation and for the recruitment of others. Ethical and methodological criticisms have been raised about RDS. Our purpose was to evaluate whether these criticisms were justified. In this study RDS was used to recruit male household heads in rural Uganda. We investigated community members' understanding and experience of the method, and explored how these may have affected the quality of the RDS survey data. Our findings suggest that because participants recruit participants, the use of RDS in medical research may result in increased difficulties in gaining informed consent, and data collected using RDS may be particularly susceptible to bias due to differences in the understanding of key concepts between researchers and members of the community.

Electrostatic waves driven by electron beam in lunar wake plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreeraj, T.; Singh, S. V.; Lakhina, G. S.

2018-05-01

A linear analysis of electrostatic waves propagating parallel to the ambient field in a four component homogeneous, collisionless, magnetised plasma comprising fluid protons, fluid He++, electron beam, and suprathermal electrons following kappa distribution is presented. In the absence of electron beam streaming, numerical analysis of the dispersion relation shows six modes: two electron acoustic modes (modes 1 and 6), two fast ion acoustic modes (modes 2 and 5), and two slow ion acoustic modes (modes 3 and 4). The modes 1, 2 and 3 and modes 4, 5, and 6 have positive and negative phase speeds, respectively. With an increase in electron beam speed, the mode 6 gets affected the most and the phase speed turns positive from negative. The mode 6 thus starts to merge with modes 2 and 3 and generates the electron beam driven fast and slow ion acoustic waves unstable with a finite growth. The electron beam driven slow ion-acoustic waves occur at lower wavenumbers, whereas fast ion-acoustic waves occur at a large value of wavenumbers. The effect of various other parameters has also been studied. We have applied this analysis to the electrostatic waves observed in lunar wake during the first flyby of the ARTEMIS mission. The analysis shows that the low (high) frequency waves observed in the lunar wake could be the electron beam driven slow (fast) ion-acoustic modes.

Hydromechanical planer with cutting and breaking heads

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

Goris, H.; Gunther, R.; Ogorek, K.

1980-12-16

A hydromatic planer particularly for mining materials in a mining seam is comprised of a planer housing which advantageously has a cutting and breaking head on each end thereof, each of which includes a substantially identical construction. Each cutting head includes a vertically arranged support member which is mounted on the housing of the planer by a parallel linkage so that it may be moved upwardly and downwardly under the control of an adjustment means such as a fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder combination. Each cutting and breaking head also includes a first substantially vertically arranged support member whichmore » is connected by the linkage for upward and downward movement relative to the housing and a second support member which is movable relative to the first and mounted on this first in vertical guides for upward and downward movement. A second fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder combination is connected between first and second support members so that they may be shifted relative to each other. A second support member advantageously carries a cutting and breaking wedge which is oriented to engage the mining seam, for example, on a side thereof, and which may be adjusted relative to a similarly oriented cutting and breaking wedge carried by the first member. In addition, a separate cutting and breaking wedge is carried by the first member and it may be engaged for example against the floor thereof in a plane different from the other two wedges.« less

Chemical reaction path modeling of hydrothermal processes on Mars: Preliminary results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Ridley, W. Ian

1992-01-01

Hydrothermal processes are thought to have had significant roles in the development of surficial mineralogies and morphological features on Mars. For example, a significant proportion of the Martian soil could consist of the erosional products of hydrothermally altered impact melt sheets. In this model, impact-driven, vapor-dominated hydrothermal systems hydrothermally altered the surrounding rocks and transported volatiles such as S and Cl to the surface. Further support for impact-driven hydrothermal alteration on Mars was provided by studies of the Ries crater, Germany, where suevite deposits were extensively altered to montmorillonite clays by inferred low-temperature (100-130 C) hydrothermal fluids. It was also suggested that surface outflow from both impact-driven and volcano-driven hydrothermal systems could generate the valley networks, thereby eliminating the need for an early warm wet climate. We use computer-driven chemical reaction path calculation to model chemical processes which were likely associated with postulated Martian hydrothermal systems.

Ductile shear zones beneath strike-slip faults: Implications for the thermomechanics of the San Andreas fault zone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thatcher, W.; England, P.C.

1998-01-01

We have carried out two-dimensional (2-D) numerical experiments on the bulk flow of a layer of fluid that is driven in a strike-slip sense by constant velocities applied at its boundaries. The fluid has the (linearized) conventional rheology assumed to apply to lower crust/upper mantle rocks. The temperature dependence of the effective viscosity of the fluid and the shear heating that accompanies deformation have been incorporated into the calculations, as has thermal conduction in an overlying crustal layer. Two end-member boundary conditions have been considered, corresponding to a strong upper crust driving a weaker ductile substrate and a strong ductile layer driving a passive, weak crust. In many cases of practical interest, shear heating is concentrated close to the axial plane of the shear zone for either boundary condition. For these cases, the resulting steady state temperature field is well approximated by a cylindrical heat source embedded in a conductive half-space at a depth corresponding to the top of the fluid layer. This approximation, along with the application of a theoretical result for one-dimensional shear zones, permits us to obtain simple analytical approximations to the thermal effects of 2-D ductile shear zones for a range of assumed rheologies and crustal geotherms, making complex numerical calculations unnecessary. Results are compared with observable effects on heat flux near the San Andreas fault using constraints on the slip distribution across the entire fault system. Ductile shearing in the lower crust or upper mantle can explain the observed increase in surface heat flux southeast of the Mendocino triple junction and match the amplitude of the regional heat flux anomaly in the California Coast Ranges. Because ductile dissipation depends only weakly on slip rate, faults moving only a few millimeters per year can be important heat sources, and the superposition of effects of localized ductile shearing on both currently active and now inactive strands of the San Andreas system can explain the breadth of the heat flux anomaly across central California.

A new model of reaction-driven cracking: fluid volume consumption and tensile failure during serpentinization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichenbaum-Pikser, J. M.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Kelemen, P. B.; Wilson, C. R.

2013-12-01

Reactive fluid flow plays an important role in a wide range of geodynamic processes, such as melt migration, formation of hydrous minerals on fault surfaces, and chemical weathering. These processes are governed by the complex coupling between fluid transport, reaction, and solid deformation. Reaction-driven cracking is a potentially critical feedback mechanism, by which volume change associated with chemical reaction drives fracture in the surrounding rock. It has been proposed to play a role in both serpentinization and carbonation of peridotite, motivating consideration of its application to mineral carbon sequestration. Previous studies of reactive cracking have focused on the increase in solid volume, and as such, have considered failure in compression. However, if the consumption of fluid is considered in the overall volume budget, the reaction can be net volume reducing, potentially leading to failure in tension. To explore these problems, we have formulated and solved a 2-D model of coupled porous flow, reaction kinetics, and elastic deformation using the finite element model assembler TerraFERMA (Wilson et al, G3 2013 submitted). The model is applied to the serpentinization of peridotite, which can be reasonably approximated as the transfer of a single reactive component (H2O) between fluid and solid phases, making it a simple test case to explore the process. The behavior of the system is controlled by the competition between the rate of volume consumption by the reaction, and the rate of volume replacement by fluid transport, as characterized by a nondimensional parameter χ, which depends on permeability, reaction rate, and the bulk modulus of the solid. Large values of χ correspond to fast fluid transport relative to reaction rate, resulting in a low stress, volume replacing regime. At smaller values of χ, fluid transport cannot keep up with the reaction, resulting in pore fluid under-pressure and tensile solid stresses. For the range of χ relevant to the serpentinization of peridotite, these stresses can reach hundreds of MPa, exceeding the tensile strength of peridotite.

Economics of fluid therapy in critically ill patients.

PubMed

Lyu, Peter F; Murphy, David J

2014-08-01

Fluid therapy practices are an ongoing debate in critical care as evidence continues to emerge on the clinical effectiveness of different fluids and regimens. Although fluid therapy is a frequent and often costly treatment in the ICU, cost considerations have been largely absent from these studies. To facilitate a more structured approach to understanding fluid therapy costs and their role in clinical practice, we summarize currently available options and describe a framework for identifying and organizing relevant costs. Fluid therapy is a complex area of care that has been rarely studied from a cost-effectiveness perspective. We identify seven cost areas that capture fluid therapy-related costs during preutilization, point-of-utilization, and postutilization periods. These costs are driven by decisions on the type of fluid and administration strategy. Although estimates for some cost areas could be informed by medical literature, other cost areas remain unclear and require further investigation. Given the growing emphasis on the value of care, providers must recognize the important cost consequences of clinical decisions in fluid therapy. Future research into fluid therapy costs is needed and can be guided by this framework. Developing a complete cost picture is an initial and necessary step for improving values for patients, hospitals, and healthcare systems.

Infiltration of late Palaeozoic evaporative brines in the reelfoot rift: A possible salt source for Illinois Basin formation waters and MVT mineralizing fluids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowan, E.L.; De Marsily, G.

2001-01-01

Salinities and homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits provide important insights into the regional hydrology of the Illinois basin/Reelfoot rift system in late Palaeozoic time. Although the thermal regime of this basin system has been plausibly explained, the origin of high salinities in the basin fluids remains enigmatic. Topographically driven flow appears to have been essential in forming these MVT districts, as well as many other districts worldwide. However, this type of flow is recharged by fresh water making it difficult to account for the high salinities of the mineralizing fluids over extended time periods. Results of numerical experiments carried out in this study provide a possible solution to the salinity problem presented by the MVT zinc-lead and fluorite districts at the margins of the basin system. Evaporative concentration of surface water and subsequent infiltration into the subsurface are proposed to account for large volumes of brine that are ultimately responsible for mineralization of these districts. This study demonstrates that under a range of geologically reasonable conditions, brine infiltration into an aquifer in the deep subsurface can coexist with topographically driven flow. Infiltration combined with regional flow and local magmatic heat sources in the Reelfoot rift explain the brine concentrations as well as the temperatures observed in the Southern Illinois and Upper Mississippi Valley districts.

Directed Fluid Transport and Mixing with Biomimetic Cilia Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, A. R.; Evans, B. A.; Carstens, B. L.; Falvo, M. R.; Washburn, S.; Superfine, R.

2009-03-01

We present results on the long-range, directed fluid transport and fluidic mixing produced by the collective beating of arrays of biomimetic cilia. These artificial cilia are arrays of free-standing nanorods roughly the size of biological cilia, which we fabricate from a polymer-magnetic nanoparticle composite material and actuate with permanent magnets to mimic biological cilia. Biological cilia have evolved to produce microscale fluid transport and are increasingly being recognized as critical components in a wide range of biological systems. However, despite much effort cilia generated fluid flows remain an area of active study. In the last decade, cilia-driven fluid flow in the embryonic node of vertebrates has been implicated as the initial left-right symmetry breaking event in these embryos. With silia we generate directional fluid transport by mimicking the tilted conical beating of these nodal cilia. By seeding fluorescent microparticles into the fluid we have noted the existence of two distinct flow regimes. The fluid flow is directional and coherent above the cilia tips, while between the cilia tips and the floor particle motion is complicated and suggestive of chaotic advection.

Geochemistry of hydrothermal vent fluids and its implications for subsurface processes at the active Longqi hydrothermal field, Southwest Indian Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Fuwu; Zhou, Huaiyang; Yang, Qunhui; Gao, Hang; Wang, Hu; Lilley, Marvin D.

2017-04-01

The Longqi hydrothermal field at 49.6°E on the Southwest Indian Ridge was the first active hydrothermal field found at a bare-rock ultra-slow spreading mid-ocean ridge. Here we report the chemistry of the hydrothermal fluids, for the first time, that were collected from the S zone and the M zone of the Longqi field by gas-tight isobaric samplers by the HOV "Jiaolong" diving cruise in January 2015. According to H2, CH4 and other chemical data of the vent fluid, we suggest that the basement rock at the Longqi field is dominantly mafic. This is consistent with the observation that the host rock of the active Longqi Hydrothermal field is dominated by extensively distributed basaltic rock. It was very interesting to detect simultaneously discharging brine and vapor caused by phase separation at vents DFF6, DFF20, and DFF5 respectively, in a distance of about 400 m. Based on the end-member fluid chemistry and distance between the vents, we propose that there is a single fluid source at the Longqi field. The fluid branches while rising to the seafloor, and two of the branches reach S zone and M zone and phase separate at similar conditions of about 28-30.2 MPa and 400.6-408.3 °C before they discharge from the vents. The end-member fluid compositions of these vents are comparable with or within the range of variation of known global seafloor hydrothermal fluid chemical data from fast, intermediate and slow spreading ridges, which confirms that the spreading rate is not the key factor that directly controls hydrothermal fluid chemistry. The composition of basement rock, water-rock interaction and phase separation are the major factors that control the composition of the vent fluids in the Longqi field.

Fluid injection microvalve

DOEpatents

Renzi, Ronald F.

2005-11-22

A microvalve for extracting small volume samples into analytical devices, e.g., high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) column, includes: a first body having a first interior surface and two or more outlet ports at the first interior surface that are in fluid communication with two or more first channels; a second body having a second interior surface and two or more inlet ports at the second interior surface that are in fluid communication with two or more second channels wherein the outlet ports of the first body are coaxial with the corresponding inlet ports of the second body such that there are at least two sets of coaxial port outlets and port inlets; a plate member, which has a substantially planar first mating surface and a substantially planar second mating surface, that is slidably positioned between the first interior surface and the second interior surface wherein the plate member has at least one aperture that traverses the height of the plate member, and wherein the aperture can be positioned to be coaxial with any of the at least two sets of coaxial port outlets and port inlets; and means for securing the first surface of the first body against the first mating surface and for securing the second surface of the second body against the second mating surface.

Relaxation Oscillations in the Nearly Inviscid Faraday System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knobloch, Edgar; Higuera, Maria

2004-11-01

The amplitude equations for nearly inviscid Faraday waves couple to a streaming flow driven by oscillatory viscous boundary layers at the rigid walls and the free surface produced by the waves. This flow is driven most efficiently by mixed mode oscillations created in secondary bifurcations from standing waves, and these occur at small amplitude in containers that are almost symmetric.(M. Higuera, J.M. Vega and E. Knobloch. J. Nonlin. Sci. 12, 505, 2002.) Among the new dynamical behavior that results are relaxation oscillations involving abrupt transitions between standing and mixed mode oscillations. Such oscillations are present both in almost circular and in almost square containers. The origin of these oscillations will be explained and the results related to experiments.(F. Simonelli and J. P. Gollub, J. Fluid Mech. 199, 471, 1989.)footnote[3]Z.C. Feng and P.R. Sethna, J. Fluid Mech. 199, 495, 1989.

Microfluidic converging/diverging channels optimised for homogeneous extensional deformation.

PubMed

Zografos, K; Pimenta, F; Alves, M A; Oliveira, M S N

2016-07-01

In this work, we optimise microfluidic converging/diverging geometries in order to produce constant strain-rates along the centreline of the flow, for performing studies under homogeneous extension. The design is examined for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional flows where the effects of aspect ratio and dimensionless contraction length are investigated. Initially, pressure driven flows of Newtonian fluids under creeping flow conditions are considered, which is a reasonable approximation in microfluidics, and the limits of the applicability of the design in terms of Reynolds numbers are investigated. The optimised geometry is then used for studying the flow of viscoelastic fluids and the practical limitations in terms of Weissenberg number are reported. Furthermore, the optimisation strategy is also applied for electro-osmotic driven flows, where the development of a plug-like velocity profile allows for a wider region of homogeneous extensional deformation in the flow field.

A dilation-driven vortex flow in sheared granular materials explains a rheometric anomaly.

PubMed

Krishnaraj, K P; Nott, Prabhu R

2016-02-11

Granular flows occur widely in nature and industry, yet a continuum description that captures their important features is yet not at hand. Recent experiments on granular materials sheared in a cylindrical Couette device revealed a puzzling anomaly, wherein all components of the stress rise nearly exponentially with depth. Here we show, using particle dynamics simulations and imaging experiments, that the stress anomaly arises from a remarkable vortex flow. For the entire range of fill heights explored, we observe a single toroidal vortex that spans the entire Couette cell and whose sense is opposite to the uppermost Taylor vortex in a fluid. We show that the vortex is driven by a combination of shear-induced dilation, a phenomenon that has no analogue in fluids, and gravity flow. Dilatancy is an important feature of granular mechanics, but not adequately incorporated in existing models.

Power generation plant integrating concentrated solar power receiver and pressurized heat exchanger

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

Sakadjian, Bartev B; Flynn, Thomas J; Hu, Shengteng

A power plant includes a solar receiver heating solid particles, a standpipe receiving solid particles from the solar receiver, a pressurized heat exchanger heating working fluid by heat transfer through direct contact with heated solid particles flowing out of the bottom of the standpipe, and a flow path for solid particles from the bottom of the standpipe into the pressurized heat exchanger that is sealed by a pressure P produced at the bottom of the standpipe by a column of heated solid particles of height H. The flow path may include a silo or surge tank comprising a pressure vesselmore » connected to the bottom of the standpipe, and a non-mechanical valve. The power plant may further include a turbine driven by heated working fluid discharged from the pressurized heat exchanger, and a compressor driven by the turbine.« less

Maximum initial growth-rate of strong-shock-driven Richtmyer-Meshkov instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abarzhi, Snezhana I.; Bhowmich, Aklant K.; Dell, Zachary R.; Pandian, Arun; Stanic, Milos; Stellingwerf, Robert F.; Swisher, Nora C.

2017-10-01

We focus on classical problem of dependence on the initial conditions of the initial growth-rate of strong shocks driven Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) by developing a novel empirical model and by employing rigorous theories and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations to describe the simulations data with statistical confidence in a broad parameter regime. For given values of the shock strength, fluids' density ratio, and wavelength of the initial perturbation of the fluid interface, we find the maximum value of RMI initial growth-rate, the corresponding amplitude scale of the initial perturbation, and the maximum fraction of interfacial energy. This amplitude scale is independent of the shock strength and density ratio, and is characteristic quantity of RMI dynamics. We discover the exponential decay of the ratio of the initial and linear growth-rates of RMI with the initial perturbation amplitude that excellently agrees with available data. National Science Foundation, USA.

Maximum initial growth-rate of strong-shock-driven Richtmyer-Meshkov instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abarzhi, Snezhana I.; Bhowmich, Aklant K.; Dell, Zachary R.; Pandian, Arun; Stanic, Milos; Stellingwerf, Robert F.; Swisher, Nora C.

2017-11-01

We focus on classical problem of dependence on the initial conditions of the initial growth-rate of strong shocks driven Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) by developing a novel empirical model and by employing rigorous theories and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations to describe the simulations data with statistical confidence in a broad parameter regime. For given values of the shock strength, fluids' density ratio, and wavelength of the initial perturbation of the fluid interface, we find the maximum value of RMI initial growth-rate, the corresponding amplitude scale of the initial perturbation, and the maximum fraction of interfacial energy. This amplitude scale is independent of the shock strength and density ratio, and is characteristic quantity of RMI dynamics. We discover the exponential decay of the ratio of the initial and linear growth-rates of RMI with the initial perturbation amplitude that excellently agrees with available data. National Science Foundation, USA.

Drift wave turbulence simulations in LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovich, P.; Umansky, M.; Carter, T. A.; Auerbach, D. W.; Friedman, B.; Schaffner, D.; Vincena, S.

2009-11-01

We present numerical simulations of turbulence in LAPD plasmas using the 3D electromagnetic code BOUT (BOUndary Turbulence). BOUT solves a system of fluid moment equations in a general toroidal equlibrium geometry near the plasma boundary. The underlying assumptions for the validity of the fluid model are well satisfied for drift waves in LAPD plasmas (typical plasma parameters ne˜1x10^12cm-3, Te˜10eV, and B ˜1kG), which makes BOUT a perfect tool for simulating LAPD. We have adapted BOUT for the cylindrical geometry of LAPD and have extended the model to include the background flows required for simulations of recent bias-driven rotation experiments. We have successfully verified the code for several linear instabilities, including resistive drift waves, Kelvin-Helmholtz and rotation-driven interchange. We will discuss first non-linear simulations and quasi-stationary solutions with self-consistent plasma flows and saturated density profiles.

Microfluidic converging/diverging channels optimised for homogeneous extensional deformation

PubMed Central

Zografos, K.; Oliveira, M. S. N.

2016-01-01

In this work, we optimise microfluidic converging/diverging geometries in order to produce constant strain-rates along the centreline of the flow, for performing studies under homogeneous extension. The design is examined for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional flows where the effects of aspect ratio and dimensionless contraction length are investigated. Initially, pressure driven flows of Newtonian fluids under creeping flow conditions are considered, which is a reasonable approximation in microfluidics, and the limits of the applicability of the design in terms of Reynolds numbers are investigated. The optimised geometry is then used for studying the flow of viscoelastic fluids and the practical limitations in terms of Weissenberg number are reported. Furthermore, the optimisation strategy is also applied for electro-osmotic driven flows, where the development of a plug-like velocity profile allows for a wider region of homogeneous extensional deformation in the flow field. PMID:27478523

Dehydration-driven stress transfer triggers intermediate-depth earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrand, Thomas P.; Hilairet, Nadège; Incel, Sarah; Deldicque, Damien; Labrousse, Loïc; Gasc, Julien; Renner, Joerg; Wang, Yanbin; Green, Harry W., II; Schubnel, Alexandre

2017-05-01

Intermediate-depth earthquakes (30-300 km) have been extensively documented within subducting oceanic slabs, but their mechanics remains enigmatic. Here we decipher the mechanism of these earthquakes by performing deformation experiments on dehydrating serpentinized peridotites (synthetic antigorite-olivine aggregates, minerals representative of subduction zones lithologies) at upper mantle conditions. At a pressure of 1.1 gigapascals, dehydration of deforming samples containing only 5 vol% of antigorite suffices to trigger acoustic emissions, a laboratory-scale analogue of earthquakes. At 3.5 gigapascals, acoustic emissions are recorded from samples with up to 50 vol% of antigorite. Experimentally produced faults, observed post-mortem, are sealed by fluid-bearing micro-pseudotachylytes. Microstructural observations demonstrate that antigorite dehydration triggered dynamic shear failure of the olivine load-bearing network. These laboratory analogues of intermediate-depth earthquakes demonstrate that little dehydration is required to trigger embrittlement. We propose an alternative model to dehydration-embrittlement in which dehydration-driven stress transfer, rather than fluid overpressure, causes embrittlement.

Thermal modulation for gas chromatography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waite, J. Hunter (Inventor); Libardoni, Mark (Inventor); Stewart, Kristine (Inventor); Block, Bruce P. (Inventor); Sacks, Richard D. (Inventor); Hasselbrink, Ernest F. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A thermal modulator device for gas chromatography and associated methods. The thermal modulator device includes a recirculating fluid cooling member, an electrically conductive capillary in direct thermal contact with the cooling member, and a power supply electrically coupled to the capillary and operable for controlled resistive heating of the capillary. The capillary can include more than one separate thermally modulated sections.

The Earth: Kinda like a Mai Tai?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jellinek, M.

2005-12-01

Many problems in the Earth sciences involve fluid flow. Examples include the formation and differentiation of planets, mantle convection, plate tectonics, the generation of planetary magnetic fields, the generation, rise, and chemical differentiation of magmas, crystal nucleation and growth, sedimentation and mechanical erosion at riverbeds, and circulation in the atmosphere and oceans. In each of these situations fluid motions arise as a result of balances among body forces (e.g. effects of gravitational and magnetic fields) and (or) surface forces (e.g. effects of surface tension, shear and pressure gradients). Processes in which such force balance arise naturally are examples of ``Natural convection''. Familiar examples of natural convection include thermally-driven motions above a radiator in a cold room or inside a pot of pasta sauce warmed on a stove. Analog fluid mechanics experiments are a useful and fun way to isolate and learn about the mechanics of such processes. Experiments need not be done in a fluid dynamics laboratory. Indeed some of the most interesting occur in your favorite cocktails. In this demonstration I first use household materials from the kitchen and from the liquor cabinet to isolate and build understanding of individual examples of convection driven by thermal, compositional and surface tension effects over a range of conditions. Next, using more complicated experiments with actual and analog bar drinks I will present and analyze a number of coupled convective processes and also address the role of the rheology of the working fluids. In particular, the structure, transport and mixing properties of the motions are investigated.

Fault zone hydrogeologic properties and processes revealed by borehole temperature monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulton, P. M.; Brodsky, E. E.

2015-12-01

High-resolution borehole temperature monitoring can provide valuable insight into the hydrogeologic structure of fault zones and transient processes that affect fault zone stability. Here we report on results from a subseafloor temperature observatory within the Japan Trench plate boundary fault. In our efforts to interpret this unusual dataset, we have developed several new methods for probing hydrogeologic properties and processes. We illustrate how spatial variations in the thermal recovery of the borehole after drilling and other spectral characteristics provide a measure of the subsurface permeability architecture. More permeable zones allow for greater infiltration of cool drilling fluids, are more greatly thermally disturbed, and take longer to recover. The results from the JFAST (Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project) observatory are consistent with geophysical logs, core data, and other hydrologic observations and suggest a permeable damage zone consisting of steeply dipping faults and fractures overlays a low-permeability clay-rich plate boundary fault. Using high-resolution time series data, we have also developed methods to map out when and where fluid advection occurs in the subsurface over time. In the JFAST data, these techniques reveal dozens of transient earthquake-driven fluid pulses that are spatially correlated and consistently located around inferred permeable areas of the fault damage zone. These observations are suspected to reflect transient fluid flow driven by pore pressure changes in response to dynamic and/or static stresses associated with nearby earthquakes. This newly recognized hydrologic phenomenon has implications for understanding subduction zone heat and chemical transport as well as the redistribution of pore fluid pressure which influences fault stability and can trigger other earthquakes.

Paleohydrogeology of the San Joaquin basin, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, A.M.; Garven, G.; Boles, J.R.

1999-01-01

Mass transport can have a significant effect on chemical diagenetic processes in sedimentary basins. This paper presents results from the first part of a study that was designed to explore the role of an evolving hydrodynamic system in driving mass transport and chemical diagenesis, using the San Joaquin basin of California as a field area. We use coupled hydrogeologic models to establish the paleohydrogeology, thermal history, and behavior of nonreactive solutes in the basin. These models rely on extensive geological information and account for variable-density fluid flow, heat transport, solute transport, tectonic uplift, sediment compaction, and clay dehydration. In our numerical simulations, tectonic uplift and ocean regression led to large-scale changes in fluid flow and composition by strengthening topography-driven fluid flow and allowing deep influx of fresh ground water in the San Joaquin basin. Sediment compaction due to rapid deposition created moderate overpressures, leading to upward flow from depth. The unusual distribution of salinity in the basin reflects influx of fresh ground water to depths of as much as 2 km and dilution of saline fluids by dehydration reactions at depths greater than ???2.5 km. Simulations projecting the future salinity of the basin show marine salinities persisting for more than 10 m.y. after ocean regression. Results also show a change from topography-to compaction-driven flow in the Stevens Sandstone at ca. 5 Ma that coincides with an observed change in the diagenetic sequence. Results of this investigation provide a framework for future hydrologic research exploring the link between fluid flow and diagenesis.

Magnetothermal Convection in Nonconducting Diamagnetic and Paramagnetic Fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Boyd F.; Gray, Donald D.; Huang, Jie

1996-01-01

Nonuniform magnetic fields exert a magnetic body force on electrically nonconducting classical fluids. These include paramagnetic fluids such as gaseous and liquid oxygen and diamagnetic fluids such as helium. Recent experiments show that this force can overwhelm the force of gravity even at the surface of the earth; it can levitate liquids and gases, quench candle flames, block gas flows, and suppress heat transport. Thermal gradients render the magnetic force nonuniform through the temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility. These thermal gradients can therefore drive magnetic convection analogous to buoyancy-driven convection. This magnetothermal convection can overwhelm convection driven by gravitational buoyancy in terrestrial experiments. The objectives of the proposed ground-based theoretical study are (a) to supply the magnetothermohydrodynamic theory necessary to understand these recent experiments and (b) to explore the consequences of nonuniform magnetic fields in microgravity. Even the linear theory for the onset of magnetothermal convection is lacking in the literature. We intend to supply the linear and nonlinear theory based on the thermohydrodynamic equations supplemented by the magnetic body force. We intend to investigate the effect of magnetic fields on gas blockage and heat transport in microgravity. Since magnetic fields provide a means of creating arbitrary, controllable body force distributions, we intend to investigate the possibility of using magnetic fields to position and control fluids in microgravity. We also intend to investigate the possibility of creating stationary terrestrial microgravity environments by using the magnetic force to effectively cancel gravity. These investigations may aid in the design of space-based heat-transfer, combustion, and human-life-support equipment.

Gravitationally Driven Wicking for Enhanced Condensation Heat Transfer.

PubMed

Preston, Daniel J; Wilke, Kyle L; Lu, Zhengmao; Cruz, Samuel S; Zhao, Yajing; Becerra, Laura L; Wang, Evelyn N

2018-04-17

Vapor condensation is routinely used as an effective means of transferring heat or separating fluids. Filmwise condensation is prevalent in typical industrial-scale systems, where the condensed fluid forms a thin liquid film due to the high surface energy associated with many industrial materials. Conversely, dropwise condensation, where the condensate forms discrete liquid droplets which grow, coalesce, and shed, results in an improvement in heat transfer performance of an order of magnitude compared to filmwise condensation. However, current state-of-the-art dropwise technology relies on functional hydrophobic coatings, for example, long chain fatty acids or polymers, which are often not robust and therefore undesirable in industrial conditions. In addition, low surface tension fluid condensates, such as hydrocarbons, pose a unique challenge because common hydrophobic condenser coatings used to shed water (with a surface tension of 73 mN/m) often do not repel fluids with lower surface tensions (<25 mN/m). We demonstrate a method to enhance condensation heat transfer using gravitationally driven flow through a porous metal wick, which takes advantage of the condensate's affinity to wet the surface and also eliminates the need for condensate-phobic coatings. The condensate-filled wick has a lower thermal resistance than the fluid film observed during filmwise condensation, resulting in an improved heat transfer coefficient of up to an order of magnitude and comparable to that observed during dropwise condensation. The improved heat transfer realized by this design presents the opportunity for significant energy savings in natural gas processing, thermal management, heating and cooling, and power generation.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Flows in an Oxidation Ditch Driven by a New Surface Aerator.

PubMed

Huang, Weidong; Li, Kun; Wang, Gan; Wang, Yingzhe

2013-11-01

In this article, we present a newly designed inverse umbrella surface aerator, and tested its performance in driving flow of an oxidation ditch. Results show that it has a better performance in driving the oxidation ditch than the original one with higher average velocity and more uniform flow field. We also present a computational fluid dynamics model for predicting the flow field in an oxidation ditch driven by a surface aerator. The improved momentum source term approach to simulate the flow field of the oxidation ditch driven by an inverse umbrella surface aerator was developed and validated through experiments. Four kinds of turbulent models were investigated with the approach, including the standard k - ɛ model, RNG k - ɛ model, realizable k - ɛ model, and Reynolds stress model, and the predicted data were compared with those calculated with the multiple rotating reference frame approach (MRF) and sliding mesh approach (SM). Results of the momentum source term approach are in good agreement with the experimental data, and its prediction accuracy is better than MRF, close to SM. It is also found that the momentum source term approach has lower computational expenses, is simpler to preprocess, and is easier to use.

Differential Cloud Particles Evolution Algorithm Based on Data-Driven Mechanism for Applications of ANN

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Computational scientists have designed many useful algorithms by exploring a biological process or imitating natural evolution. These algorithms can be used to solve engineering optimization problems. Inspired by the change of matter state, we proposed a novel optimization algorithm called differential cloud particles evolution algorithm based on data-driven mechanism (CPDD). In the proposed algorithm, the optimization process is divided into two stages, namely, fluid stage and solid stage. The algorithm carries out the strategy of integrating global exploration with local exploitation in fluid stage. Furthermore, local exploitation is carried out mainly in solid stage. The quality of the solution and the efficiency of the search are influenced greatly by the control parameters. Therefore, the data-driven mechanism is designed for obtaining better control parameters to ensure good performance on numerical benchmark problems. In order to verify the effectiveness of CPDD, numerical experiments are carried out on all the CEC2014 contest benchmark functions. Finally, two application problems of artificial neural network are examined. The experimental results show that CPDD is competitive with respect to other eight state-of-the-art intelligent optimization algorithms. PMID:28761438

Profile modifications in laser-driven temperature fronts using flux-limiters and delocalization models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colombant, Denis; Manheimer, Wallace; Busquet, Michel

2004-11-01

A simple steady-state model using flux-limiters by Day et al [1] showed that temperature profiles could formally be double-valued. Stability of temperature profiles in laser-driven temperature fronts using delocalization models was also discussed by Prasad and Kershaw [2]. We have observed steepening of the front and flattening of the maximum temperature in laser-driven implosions [3]. Following the simple model first proposed in [1], we solve for a two-boundary value steady-state heat flow problem for various non-local heat transport models. For the more complicated models [4,5], we obtain the steady-state solution as the asymptotic limit of the time-dependent solution. Solutions will be shown and compared for these various models. 1.M.Day, B.Merriman, F.Najmabadi and R.W.Conn, Contrib. Plasma Phys. 36, 419 (1996) 2.M.K.Prasad and D.S.Kershaw, Phys. Fluids B3, 3087 (1991) 3.D.Colombant, W.Manheimer and M.Busquet, Bull. Amer. Phys. Soc. 48, 326 (2003) 4.E.M.Epperlein and R.W.Short, Phys. Fluids B3, 3092 (1991) 5.W.Manheimer and D.Colombant, Phys. Plasmas 11, 260 (2004)

Fluid-driven fracture propagation in heterogeneous media: Probability distributions of fracture trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillán, David; Mosquera, Juan-Carlos; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

2017-11-01

Hydraulic fracture trajectories in rocks and other materials are highly affected by spatial heterogeneity in their mechanical properties. Understanding the complexity and structure of fluid-driven fractures and their deviation from the predictions of homogenized theories is a practical problem in engineering and geoscience. We conduct a Monte Carlo simulation study to characterize the influence of heterogeneous mechanical properties on the trajectories of hydraulic fractures propagating in elastic media. We generate a large number of random fields of mechanical properties and simulate pressure-driven fracture propagation using a phase-field model. We model the mechanical response of the material as that of an elastic isotropic material with heterogeneous Young modulus and Griffith energy release rate, assuming that fractures propagate in the toughness-dominated regime. Our study shows that the variance and the spatial covariance of the mechanical properties are controlling factors in the tortuousness of the fracture paths. We characterize the deviation of fracture paths from the homogenous case statistically, and conclude that the maximum deviation grows linearly with the distance from the injection point. Additionally, fracture path deviations seem to be normally distributed, suggesting that fracture propagation in the toughness-dominated regime may be described as a random walk.

Fluid-driven fracture propagation in heterogeneous media: Probability distributions of fracture trajectories.

PubMed

Santillán, David; Mosquera, Juan-Carlos; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

2017-11-01

Hydraulic fracture trajectories in rocks and other materials are highly affected by spatial heterogeneity in their mechanical properties. Understanding the complexity and structure of fluid-driven fractures and their deviation from the predictions of homogenized theories is a practical problem in engineering and geoscience. We conduct a Monte Carlo simulation study to characterize the influence of heterogeneous mechanical properties on the trajectories of hydraulic fractures propagating in elastic media. We generate a large number of random fields of mechanical properties and simulate pressure-driven fracture propagation using a phase-field model. We model the mechanical response of the material as that of an elastic isotropic material with heterogeneous Young modulus and Griffith energy release rate, assuming that fractures propagate in the toughness-dominated regime. Our study shows that the variance and the spatial covariance of the mechanical properties are controlling factors in the tortuousness of the fracture paths. We characterize the deviation of fracture paths from the homogenous case statistically, and conclude that the maximum deviation grows linearly with the distance from the injection point. Additionally, fracture path deviations seem to be normally distributed, suggesting that fracture propagation in the toughness-dominated regime may be described as a random walk.

Elastic stress transfer as a diffusive process due to aseismic fault slip in response to fluid injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viesca, R. C.

2015-12-01

Subsurface fluid injection is often followed by observations of an enlarging cloud of microseismicity. The cloud's diffusive growth is thought to be a direct response to the diffusion of elevated pore fluid pressure reaching pre-stressed faults, triggering small instabilities; the observed high rates of this growth are interpreted to reflect a relatively high permeability of a fractured subsurface [e.g., Shapiro, GJI 1997]. We investigate an alternative mechanism for growing a microseismic cloud: the elastic transfer of stress due to slow, aseismic slip on a subset of the pre-existing faults in this damaged subsurface. We show that the growth of the slipping region of the fault may be self-similar in a diffusive manner. While this slip is driven by fluid injection, we show that, for critically stressed faults, the apparent diffusion of this slow slip may quickly exceed the poroelastically driven diffusion of the elevated pore fluid pressure. Under these conditions, microseismicity can be first triggered by the off-fault stress perturbation due to the expanding region of slip on principal faults. This provides an alternative interpretation of diffusive growth rates in terms of the subsurface stress state rather than an enhanced hydraulic diffusivity. That such aseismic slip may occur, outpace fluid diffusion, and in turn trigger microseismic events, is also suggested by on- and near-fault observations in past and recently reported fluid injection experiments [e.g., Cornet et al., PAGEOPH 1997; Guglielmi et al., Science 2015]. The model of injection-induced slip assumes elastic off-fault behavior and a fault strength determined by the product of a constant friction coefficient and the local effective normal stress. The sliding region is enlarged by the pore pressure increase resolved on the fault plane. Remarkably, the rate of self-similar expansion may be determined by a single parameter reflecting both the initial stress state and the magnitude of the pore pressure increase.

The potential for free and mixed convection in sedimentary basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Raffensperger, Jeff P.; Vlassopoulos, D.

1999-01-01

Free thermal convection and mixed convection are considered as potential mechanisms for mass and heat transport in sedimentary basins. Mixed convection occurs when horizontal flows (forced convection) are superimposed on thermally driven flows. In cross section, mixed convection is characterized by convection cells that migrate laterally in the direction of forced convective flow. Two-dimensional finite-element simulations of variable-density groundwater flow and heat transport in a horizontal porous layer were performed to determine critical mean Rayleigh numbers for the onset of free convection, using both isothermal and semi-conductive boundaries. Additional simulations imposed a varying lateral fluid flux on the free-convection pattern. Results from these experiments indicate that forced convection becomes dominant, completely eliminating buoyancy-driven circulation, when the total forced-convection fluid flux exceeds the total flux possible due to free convection. Calculations of the thermal rock alteration index (RAI=q????T) delineate the patterns of potential diagenesis produced by fluid movement through temperature gradients. Free convection produces a distinct pattern of alternating positive and negative RAIs, whereas mixed convection produces a simpler layering of positive and negative values and in general less diagenetic alteration. ?? Springer-Verlag.

Simulating shock-bubble interactions at water-gelatin interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adami, Stefan; Kaiser, Jakob; Bermejo-Moreno, Ivan; Adams, Nikolaus

2016-11-01

Biomedical problems are often driven by fluid dynamics, as in vivo organisms are usually composed of or filled with fluids that (strongly) affected their physics. Additionally, fluid dynamical effects can be used to enhance certain phenomena or destroy organisms. As examples, we highlight the benign potential of shockwave-driven kidney-stone lithotripsy or sonoporation (acoustic cavitation of microbubbles) to improve drug delivery into cells. During the CTR SummerProgram 2016 we have performed axisymmetric three-phase simulations of a shock hitting a gas bubble in water near a gelatin interface mimicking the fundamental process during sonoporation. We used our multi-resolution finite volume method with sharp interface representation (level-set), WENO-5 shock capturing and interface scale-separation and compared the results with a diffuse-interface method. Qualitatively our simulation results agree well with the reference. Due to the interface treatment the pressure profiles are sharper in our simulations and bubble collapse dynamics are predicted at shorter time-scales. Validation with free-field collapse (Rayleigh collapse) shows very good agreement. The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No 667483).

Wall Driven Cavity Approach to Slug Flow Modeling In a Micro channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Avinash; Kulkarni, Shekhar; Pushpavanam, Subramaniam; Pushpavanam Research League Team, Prof.

2014-03-01

Slug flow is a commonly observed stable regime and occurs at relatively low flow rates of the fluids. Wettability of channel decides continuous and discrete phases. In these types of biphasic flows, the fluid - fluid interface acts as a barrier that prohibits species movement across the interface. The flow inside a slug is qualitatively similar to the well known shallow cavity flow. In shallow cavities the flow mimics the ``fully developed'' internal circulation in slug flows. Another approach to slug flow modeling can be in a moving reference frame. Here the wall boundary moves in the direction opposite to that of the flow, hence induces circulations within the phases which is analogous to the well known Lid Driven Cavity. The two parallel walls are moved in the opposite directions which generate circulation patterns, equivalent to the ones regularly observed in slug flow in micro channels. A fourth order stream function equation is solved using finite difference approach. The flow field obtained using the two approaches will be used to analyze the effect on mass transfer and chemical reactions in the micro channel. The internal circulations and the performance of these systems will be validated experimentally.

CFD Analysis and Design of Detailed Target Configurations for an Accelerator-Driven Subcritical System

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

Kraus, Adam; Merzari, Elia; Sofu, Tanju

2016-08-01

High-fidelity analysis has been utilized in the design of beam target options for an accelerator driven subcritical system. Designs featuring stacks of plates with square cross section have been investigated for both tungsten and uranium target materials. The presented work includes the first thermal-hydraulic simulations of the full, detailed target geometry. The innovative target cooling manifold design features many regions with complex flow features, including 90 bends and merging jets, which necessitate three-dimensional fluid simulations. These were performed using the commercial computational fluid dynamics code STAR-CCM+. Conjugate heat transfer was modeled between the plates, cladding, manifold structure, and fluid. Steady-statemore » simulations were performed but lacked good residual convergence. Unsteady simulations were then performed, which converged well and demonstrated that flow instability existed in the lower portion of the manifold. It was established that the flow instability had little effect on the peak plate temperatures, which were well below the melting point. The estimated plate surface temperatures and target region pressure were shown to provide sufficient margin to subcooled boiling for standard operating conditions. This demonstrated the safety of both potential target configurations during normal operation.« less

Rational design of capillary-driven flows for paper-based microfluidics.

PubMed

Elizalde, Emanuel; Urteaga, Raúl; Berli, Claudio L A

2015-05-21

The design of paper-based assays that integrate passive pumping requires a precise programming of the fluid transport, which has to be encoded in the geometrical shape of the substrate. This requirement becomes critical in multiple-step processes, where fluid handling must be accurate and reproducible for each operation. The present work theoretically investigates the capillary imbibition in paper-like substrates to better understand fluid transport in terms of the macroscopic geometry of the flow domain. A fluid dynamic model was derived for homogeneous porous substrates with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes, which allows one to determine the cross-sectional profile required for a prescribed fluid velocity or mass transport rate. An extension of the model to slit microchannels is also demonstrated. Calculations were validated by experiments with prototypes fabricated in our lab. The proposed method constitutes a valuable tool for the rational design of paper-based assays.

Activity induces traveling waves, vortices and spatiotemporal chaos in a model actomyosin layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramaswamy, Rajesh; Jülicher, Frank

2016-02-01

Inspired by the actomyosin cortex in biological cells, we investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of a model describing a contractile active polar fluid sandwiched between two external media. The external media impose frictional forces at the interface with the active fluid. The fluid is driven by a spatially-homogeneous activity measuring the strength of the active stress that is generated by processes consuming a chemical fuel. We observe that as the activity is increased over two orders of magnitude the active polar fluid first shows spontaneous flow transition followed by transition to oscillatory dynamics with traveling waves and traveling vortices in the flow field. In the flow-tumbling regime, the active polar fluid also shows transition to spatiotemporal chaos at sufficiently large activities. These results demonstrate that level of activity alone can be used to tune the operating point of actomyosin layers with qualitatively different spatiotemporal dynamics.

Arc-driven rail accelerator research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Pradosh K.

1987-01-01

Arc-driven rail accelerator research is analyzed by considering wall ablation and viscous drag in the plasma. Plasma characteristics are evaluated through a simple fluid-mechanical analysis considering only wall ablation. By equating the energy dissipated in the plasma with the radiation heat loss, the average properties of the plasma are determined as a function of time and rate of ablation. Locations of two simultaneously accelerating arcs were determined by optical and magnetic probes and fron streak camera photographs. All three measurements provide consistent results.

Metal-Organic Frameworks in Adsorption-Driven Heat Pumps: The Potential of Alcohols as Working Fluids.

PubMed

de Lange, Martijn F; van Velzen, Benjamin L; Ottevanger, Coen P; Verouden, Karlijn J F M; Lin, Li-Chiang; Vlugt, Thijs J H; Gascon, Jorge; Kapteijn, Freek

2015-11-24

A large fraction of global energy is consumed for heating and cooling. Adsorption-driven heat pumps and chillers could be employed to reduce this consumption. MOFs are often considered to be ideal adsorbents for heat pumps and chillers. While most published works to date on this topic have focused on the use of water as a working fluid, the instability of many MOFs to water and the fact that water cannot be used at subzero temperatures pose certain drawbacks. The potential of using alcohol-MOF pairs in adsorption-driven heat pumps and chillers is investigated. To this end, 18 different selected MOF structures in combination with either methanol or ethanol as a working fluid are considered, and their potential is assessed on the basis of adsorption measurements and thermodynamic efficiencies. If alcohols are used instead of water, then (1) adsorption occurs at lower relative pressures for methanol and even lower pressure for ethanol, (2) larger pores can be utilized efficiently, as hysteresis is absent for pores smaller than 3.4 nm (2 nm for water), (3) larger pore sizes need to be employed to ensure the desired stepwise adsorption, (4) the effect of (polar/apolar) functional groups in the MOF is far less pronounced, (5) the energy released or taken up per cycle is lower, but heat and mass transfer may be enhanced, (6) stability of MOFs seems to be less of an issue, and (7) cryogenic applications (e.g., ice making) become feasible. From a thermodynamic perspective, UiO-67, CAU-3, and ZIF-8 seem to be the most promising MOFs for both methanol and ethanol as working fluids. Although UiO-67 might not be completely stable, both CAU-3 and ZIF-8 have the potential to be applied, especially in subzero-temperature adsorption chillers (AC).

Extended MHD Modeling of Tearing-Driven Magnetic Relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauppe, Joshua

2016-10-01

Driven plasma pinch configurations are characterized by the gradual accumulation and episodic release of free energy in discrete relaxation events. The hallmark of this relaxation in a reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasma is flattening of the parallel current density profile effected by a fluctuation-induced dynamo emf in Ohm's law. Nonlinear two-fluid modeling of macroscopic RFP dynamics has shown appreciable coupling of magnetic relaxation and the evolution of plasma flow. Accurate modeling of RFP dynamics requires the Hall effect in Ohm's law as well as first order ion finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects, represented by the Braginskii ion gyroviscous stress tensor. New results find that the Hall dynamo effect from < J × B > / ne can counter the MHD effect from - < V × B > in some of the relaxation events. The MHD effect dominates these events and relaxes the current profile toward the Taylor state, but the opposition of the two dynamos generates plasma flow in the direction of equilibrium current density, consistent with experimental measurements. Detailed experimental measurements of the MHD and Hall emf terms are compared to these extended MHD predictions. Tracking the evolution of magnetic energy, helicity, and hybrid helicity during relaxation identifies the most important contributions in single-fluid and two-fluid models. Magnetic helicity is well conserved relative to the magnetic energy during relaxation. The hybrid helicity is dominated by magnetic helicity in realistic low-beta pinch conditions and is also well conserved. Differences of less than 1 % between magnetic helicity and hybrid helicity are observed with two-fluid modeling and result from cross helicity evolution through ion FLR effects, which have not been included in contemporary relaxation theories. The kinetic energy driven by relaxation in the computations is dominated by velocity components perpendicular to the magnetic field, an effect that had not been predicted. Work performed at University of Wisconsin-Madison. LA-UR-16-24727.

Helium 2 slosh in low gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Graham O.

1994-01-01

This paper describes the status and plans for the work being performed under NASA NRA contract NASW-4803 so that members of the Microgravity Fluid Dynamics Discipline Working Group are aware of this program. The contract is a cross-disciplinary research program and is administered under the Low Temperature Microgravity Research Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The purpose of the project is to perform low-gravity verification experiments on the slosh behavior of He II to use in the development of a CFD model that incorporates the two-fluid physics of He II. The two-fluid code predicts a different fluid motion response in low-gravity environment from that predicted by a single-fluid model, while the 1g response is identical for the both types of model.

A New Mechanism for Upper Crustal Fluid Flow Driven by Solitary Porosity Waves in Rigid Reactive Media?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Sumit

2017-10-01

The equations governing the interaction of viscous deformation with porous flow of fluids give rise to wave-like solutions. Such solutions have been explored in the context of melt and fluid flow in the mantle and crust at high temperatures, where ductile behavior occurs. Now it has been shown that the coupling of the kinetics of chemical reactions with fluid flow may give rise to similar solutions. This opens intriguing new possibilities. Porosity waves may arise in low-temperature regimes, and may become more accessible to observation, or they may remain mathematical curiosities because other modes of transport dominate in such settings. A number of possibilities, questions, and future courses of research have been opened up by Omlin et al. (2017).

Interface instabilities during displacements of two miscible fluids in a vertical pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoffoni, J.; Lajeunesse, E.; Homsy, G. M.

2001-03-01

We study experimentally the downward vertical displacement of one miscible fluid by another in a vertical pipe at sufficiently high velocities for diffusive effects to be negligible. For certain viscosity ratios and flow rates, the interface between the two fluids can destabilize. We determine the dimensionless flow rate Uc above which the instability is triggered and its dependence on the viscous ratio M, resulting in a stability map Uc=Uc(M). Two different instability modes have been observed: an asymmetric "corkscrew" mode and an axisymmetric one. We remark that the latter is always eventually disturbed by "corkscrew" type instabilities. We speculate that these instabilities are driven by the viscosity stratification and are analogous to those already observed in core annular flows of immiscible fluids.

Development of three-dimensional integrated microchannel-electrode system to understand the particles' movement with electrokinetics

PubMed Central

Obara, H.; Sapkota, A.; Takei, M.

2016-01-01

An optical transparent 3-D Integrated Microchannel-Electrode System (3-DIMES) has been developed to understand the particles' movement with electrokinetics in the microchannel. In this system, 40 multilayered electrodes are embedded at the 2 opposite sides along the 5 square cross-sections of the microchannel by using Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems technology in order to achieve the optical transparency at the other 2 opposite sides. The concept of the 3-DIMES is that the particles are driven by electrokinetic forces which are dielectrophoretic force, thermal buoyancy, electrothermal force, and electroosmotic force in a three-dimensional scope by selecting the excitation multilayered electrodes. As a first step to understand the particles' movement driven by electrokinetic forces in high conductive fluid (phosphate buffer saline (PBS)) with the 3-DIMES, the velocities of particles' movement with one pair of the electrodes are measured three dimensionally by Particle Image Velocimetry technique in PBS; meanwhile, low conductive fluid (deionized water) is used as a reference. Then, the particles' movement driven by the electrokinetic forces is discussed theoretically to estimate dominant forces exerting on the particles. Finally, from the theoretical estimation, the particles' movement mainly results from the dominant forces which are thermal buoyancy and electrothermal force, while the velocity vortex formed at the 2 edges of the electrodes is because of the electroosmotic force. The conclusions suggest that the 3-DIMES with PBS as high conductive fluid helps to understand the three-dimensional advantageous flow structures for cell manipulation in biomedical applications. PMID:27042247

Mathematical Models of Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems Driven by Serpentinization of Peridotite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowell, R. P.; Rona, P. A.; Germanovich, L. N.

2001-12-01

Most seafloor hydrothermal systems are driven by heat transfer from subsurface magma bodies. At slow spreading ridges of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, however, magma supply is low; and tectonic activity brings mantle rocks to shallow depths in the crust. Then, the heat of formation released upon serpentinization of peridotite provides the energy source for hydrothermal circulation. This latter class of system has been relatively unstudied, but recent discoveries of peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge suggest that such systems may play an important role in geochemical cycling and biogeochemical processes. The likelihood that peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems was more prevalent during the Archean further suggests that such systems may have played a role in the origin of life. We present the first mathematical models of seafloor hydrothermal systems driven by heat released upon serpentinization of peridotite. We assume seawater circulates through a major crack network in the host-peridotite and that cooling of the host-rock leads to the formation of microcracks through which the fluid infiltrates. Reaction of the fluid in microcracks with the host rock results in serpentinization and the heat released upon serpentinization is transported to the seafloor by the fluid circulating in the main crack network. The temperature and heat output of the resulting hydrothermal system is a function of the main network permeability and the rate at which the serpentinization reaction proceeds via diffusion and propagation of the microcracks. Although the temperature of such a system can be quite variable, vent temperatures between 10° C and 100° C are likely for typical crustal parameters.

Microelectromechanical ratcheting apparatus

DOEpatents

Barnes, Stephen M.; Miller, Samuel L.; Jensen, Brian D.; Rodgers, M. Steven; Burg, Michael S.

2001-01-01

A microelectromechanical (MEM) ratcheting apparatus is disclosed which includes an electrostatic or thermal actuator that drives a moveable member in the form of a ring gear, stage, or rack. Motion is effected by one or more reciprocating pawls driven by the actuator in a direction that is parallel to, in line with, or tangential to the path. The reciprocating pawls engage indexing elements (e.g. teeth or pins) on the moveable member to incrementally move the member along a curved or straight path with the ability to precisely control and determine the position of the moveable member. The MEM apparatus can be formed on a silicon substrate by conventional surface micromachining methods.

Apparatus and methods for splicing conduits and hoses subsea

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

Slocum, Alexander Henry; Gutierrez, Luis Javier

A hose connection system comprises a body including an internal cavity and a port in fluid communication with a portion of the internal cavity. In addition, the system comprises a hose end fitting positioned in the cavity. The hose end fitting includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member concentrically disposed about the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial slits. Further, the system comprises a plurality of wedge members arranged circumferentially about the outer tubular member. Still further, the system comprises an annular piston movably disposed within the internal cavitymore » of the body. An end of the piston has an inner frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the plurality of wedge members. The piston is configured to move axially through the body and compress the wedge members and the outer tubular member radially inward.« less

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

Ozaki, N.; Nellis, W. J.; Mashimo, T.

Materials at high pressures and temperatures are of great current interest for warm dense matter physics, planetary sciences, and inertial fusion energy research. Shock-compression equation-of-state data and optical reflectivities of the fluid dense oxide, Gd 3Ga 5O 12 (GGG), were measured at extremely high pressures up to 2.6 TPa (26 Mbar) generated by high-power laser irradiation and magnetically-driven hypervelocity impacts. Above 0.75 TPa, the GGG Hugoniot data approach/reach a universal linear line of fluid metals, and the optical reflectivity most likely reaches a constant value indicating that GGG undergoes a crossover from fluid semiconductor to poor metal with minimum metallicmore » conductivity (MMC). These results suggest that most fluid compounds, e.g., strong planetary oxides, reach a common state on the universal Hugoniot of fluid metals (UHFM) with MMC at sufficiently extreme pressures and temperatures. Lastly, the systematic behaviors of warm dense fluid would be useful benchmarks for developing theoretical equation-of-state and transport models in the warm dense matter regime in determining computational predictions.« less

Intracellular fluid flow in rapidly moving cells

PubMed Central

Keren, Kinneret; Yam, Patricia T.; Kinkhabwala, Anika; Mogilner, Alex; Theriot, Julie A.

2010-01-01

Cytosolic fluid dynamics have been implicated in cell motility1–5 because of the hydrodynamic forces they induce and because of their influence on transport of components of the actin machinery to the leading edge. To investigate the existence and the direction of fluid flow in rapidly moving cells, we introduced inert quantum dots into the lamellipodia of fish epithelial keratocytes and analysed their distribution and motion. Our results indicate that fluid flow is directed from the cell body towards the leading edge in the cell frame of reference, at about 40% of cell speed. We propose that this forward-directed flow is driven by increased hydrostatic pressure generated at the rear of the cell by myosin contraction, and show that inhibition of myosin II activity by blebbistatin reverses the direction of fluid flow and leads to a decrease in keratocyte speed. We present a physical model for fluid pressure and flow in moving cells that quantitatively accounts for our experimental data. PMID:19767741

Study of blood flow in several benchmark micro-channels using a two-fluid approach

PubMed Central

Wu, Wei-Tao; Yang, Fang; Antaki, James F.; Aubry, Nadine; Massoudi, Mehrdad

2015-01-01

It is known that in a vessel whose characteristic dimension (e.g., its diameter) is in the range of 20 to 500 microns, blood behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid, exhibiting complex phenomena, such as shear-thinning, stress relaxation, and also multi-component behaviors, such as the Fahraeus effect, plasma-skimming, etc. For describing these non-Newtonian and multi-component characteristics of blood, using the framework of mixture theory, a two-fluid model is applied, where the plasma is treated as a Newtonian fluid and the red blood cells (RBCs) are treated as shear-thinning fluid. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation incorporating the constitutive model was implemented using OpenFOAM® in which benchmark problems including a sudden expansion and various driven slots and crevices were studied numerically. The numerical results exhibited good agreement with the experimental observations with respect to both the velocity field and the volume fraction distribution of RBCs. PMID:26240438

Mechanisms of fluid production in smooth adhesive pads of insects

PubMed Central

Dirks, Jan-Henning; Federle, Walter

2011-01-01

Insect adhesion is mediated by thin fluid films secreted into the contact zone. As the amount of fluid affects adhesive forces, a control of secretion appears probable. Here, we quantify for the first time the rate of fluid secretion in adhesive pads of cockroaches and stick insects. The volume of footprints deposited during consecutive press-downs decreased exponentially and approached a non-zero steady state, demonstrating the presence of a storage volume. We estimated its size and the influx rate into it from a simple compartmental model. Influx was independent of step frequency. Fluid-depleted pads recovered maximal footprint volumes within 15 min. Pads in stationary contact accumulated fluid along the perimeter of the contact zone. The initial fluid build-up slowed down, suggesting that flow is driven by negative Laplace pressure. Freely climbing stick insects left hardly any traceable footprints, suggesting that they save secretion by minimizing contact area or by recovering fluid during detachment. However, even the highest fluid production rates observed incur only small biosynthesis costs, representing less than 1 per cent of the resting metabolic rate. Our results show that fluid secretion in insect wet adhesive systems relies on simple physical principles, allowing for passive control of fluid volume within the contact zone. PMID:21208970

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-15

Fluid Physics is study of the motion of fluids and the effects of such motion. When a liquid is heated from the bottom to the boiling point in Earth's microgravity, small bubbles of heated gas form near the bottom of the container and are carried to the top of the liquid by gravity-driven convective flows. In the same setup in microgravity, the lack of convection and buoyancy allows the heated gas bubbles to grow larger and remain attached to the container's bottom for a significantly longer period.

Ultrasonically bonded value assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salvinski, R. J. (Inventor)

1975-01-01

A valve apparatus capable of maintaining a fluid-tight seal over a relatively long period of time by releasably bonding a valve member to its seat is described. The valve member is bonded or welded to the seat and then released by the application of the same energy to the bond joint. The valve member is held in place during the bonding by a clamping device. An appropriate force device can activate the opening and closing of the valve member. Various combinations of material for the valve member and valve seat can be utilized to provide an adequate sealing bond. Aluminum oxide, stainless steel, inconel, tungsten carbide as hard materials and copper, aluminum, titanium, silver, and gold as soft materials are suggested.

Magnetically suspended miniature fluid pump and method of designing the same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antaki, James F. (Inventor); Paden, Bradley (Inventor); Burgreen, Gregory (Inventor); Groom, Nelson (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A rotary pump for pumping fluids through a patient having a housing with an internal region, a stator member and an impeller positioned within the housing and having impeller blades, wherein the impeller is magnetically suspended and rotated, and wherein the geometric configuration of the rotary pump is sized and proportioned to minimize stagnant and traumatic fluid flow within the rotary pump. The plurality of magnetic impeller blades are preferably rare earth, high-energy-density magnets selected from the group consisting of samarium cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron alloy.

Additives and method for controlling clathrate hydrates in fluid systems

DOEpatents

Sloan, Jr., Earle Dendy; Christiansen, Richard Lee; Lederhos, Joseph P.; Long, Jin Ping; Panchalingam, Vaithilingam; Du, Yahe; Sum, Amadeu Kun Wan

1997-01-01

Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from detrimentally impeding the possible flow of a fluid susceptible to clathrate hydrate formation. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include polymers having lactam rings. Additives can also contain polyelectrolytes that are believed to improve conformance of polymer additives through steric hinderance and/or charge repulsion. Also, polymers having an amide on which a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 group is attached to the nitrogen and/or the carbonyl carbon of the amide may be used alone, or in combination with ring-containing polymers for enhanced effectiveness. Polymers having at least some repeating units representative of polymerizing at least one of an oxazoline, an N-substituted acrylamide and an N-vinyl alkyl amide are preferred.

Additives and method for controlling clathrate hydrates in fluid systems

DOEpatents

Sloan, E.D. Jr.; Christiansen, R.L.; Lederhos, J.P.; Long, J.P.; Panchalingam, V.; Du, Y.; Sum, A.K.W.

1997-06-17

Discussed is a process for preventing clathrate hydrate masses from detrimentally impeding the possible flow of a fluid susceptible to clathrate hydrate formation. The process is particularly useful in the natural gas and petroleum production, transportation and processing industry where gas hydrate formation can cause serious problems. Additives preferably contain one or more five member, six member and/or seven member cyclic chemical groupings. Additives include polymers having lactam rings. Additives can also contain polyelectrolytes that are believed to improve conformance of polymer additives through steric hindrance and/or charge repulsion. Also, polymers having an amide on which a C{sub 1}-C{sub 4} group is attached to the nitrogen and/or the carbonyl carbon of the amide may be used alone, or in combination with ring-containing polymers for enhanced effectiveness. Polymers having at least some repeating units representative of polymerizing at least one of an oxazoline, an N-substituted acrylamide and an N-vinyl alkyl amide are preferred.

Vibrissa Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-30

environment. The vibrissa is joined to a cantilever body having magnets positioned thereon. Cantilever body is supported by a resilient support member... Magnetic sensors corresponding to the magnets on the body are positioned on the housing for detecting movement of the body caused by the vibrissa...In various embodiments, the support member can be a membrane shielding the housing interior from environmental fluid flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF

Microbial Life in Ridge Flank Crustal Fluids at Baby Bare Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, J. A.; Johnson, H. P.; Butterfield, D. A.; Baross, J. A.

2005-12-01

To determine the microbial community diversity within old oceanic crust, a novel sampling strategy was used to collect crustal fluids at Baby Bare Seamount, a 3.5 Ma old outcrop located in the northeast Pacific Ocean on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Stainless steel probes were driven directly into the igneous ocean crust to obtain samples of ridge flank crustal fluids. Genetic signatures and enrichment cultures of microorganisms demonstrate that these crustal fluids host a microbial community composed of species indigenous to the subseafloor, including anaerobic thermophiles, and species from other deep-sea habitats, such as seawater and sediments. Evidence using molecular techniques indicates the presence of a relatively small but active microbial population, dominated by bacteria. The microbial community diversity found in the crustal fluids may indicate habitat variability in old oceanic crust, with inputs of nutrients from seawater, sediment pore-water fluids and possibly hydrothermal sources. This report further supports the presence of an indigenous microbial community in ridge flank crustal fluids and advances our understanding of the potential physiological and phylogenetic diversity of this community.

Temporal dynamics of halogenated organic compounds in Marcellus Shale flowback.

PubMed

Luek, Jenna L; Harir, Mourad; Schmitt-Kopplin, Philippe; Mouser, Paula J; Gonsior, Michael

2018-06-01

The chemistry of hydraulic fracturing fluids and wastewaters is complex and is known to vary by operator, geologic formation, and fluid age. A time series of hydraulic fracturing fluids, flowback fluids, and produced waters was collected from two adjacent Marcellus Shale gas wells for organic chemical composition analyses using ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Hierarchical clustering was used to compare and extract ions related to different fluid ages and many halogenated organic molecular ions were identified in flowback fluids and early produced waters based on exact mass. Iodinated organic compounds were the dominant halogen class in these clusters and were nearly undetectable in hydraulic fracturing fluid prior to injection. The iodinated ions increased in flowback and remained elevated after ten months of well production. We suggest that these trends are mainly driven by dissolved organic matter reacting with reactive halogen species formed abiotically through oxidizing chemical additives applied to the well and biotically via iodide-oxidizing bacteria. Understanding the implications of these identified halogenated organic compounds will require future investigation in to their structures and environmental fate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interfacial waves generated by electrowetting-driven contact line motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Jonghyun; Park, Jaebum; Kim, Yunhee; Shin, Bongsu; Bae, Jungmok; Kim, Ho-Young

2016-10-01

The contact angle of a liquid-fluid interface can be effectively modulated by the electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) technology. Rapid movement of the contact line can be achieved by swift changes of voltage at the electrodes, which can give rise to interfacial waves under the strong influence of surface tension. Here we experimentally demonstrate EWOD-driven interfacial waves of overlapping liquids and compare their wavelength and decay length with the theoretical results obtained by a perturbation analysis. Our theory also allows us to predict the temporal evolution of the interfacial profiles in either rectangular or cylindrical containers, as driven by slipping contact lines. This work builds a theoretical framework to understand and predict the dynamics of capillary waves of a liquid-liquid interface driven by EWOD, which has practical implications on optofluidic devices used to guide light.

Modelling of hydrothermal fluid flow and structural architecture in an extensional basin, Ngakuru Graben, Taupo Rift, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kissling, W. M.; Villamor, P.; Ellis, S. M.; Rae, A.

2018-05-01

Present-day geothermal activity on the margins of the Ngakuru graben and evidence of fossil hydrothermal activity in the central graben suggest that a graben-wide system of permeable intersecting faults acts as the principal conduit for fluid flow to the surface. We have developed numerical models of fluid and heat flow in a regional-scale 2-D cross-section of the Ngakuru Graben. The models incorporate simplified representations of two 'end-member' fault architectures (one symmetric at depth, the other highly asymmetric) which are consistent with the surface locations and dips of the Ngakuru graben faults. The models are used to explore controls on buoyancy-driven convective fluid flow which could explain the differences between the past and present hydrothermal systems associated with these faults. The models show that the surface flows from the faults are strongly controlled by the fault permeability, the fault system architecture and the location of the heat source with respect to the faults in the graben. In particular, fault intersections at depth allow exchange of fluid between faults, and the location of the heat source on the footwall of normal faults can facilitate upflow along those faults. These controls give rise to two distinct fluid flow regimes in the fault network. The first, a regular flow regime, is characterised by a nearly unchanging pattern of fluid flow vectors within the fault network as the fault permeability evolves. In the second, complex flow regime, the surface flows depend strongly on fault permeability, and can fluctuate in an erratic manner. The direction of flow within faults can reverse in both regimes as fault permeability changes. Both flow regimes provide insights into the differences between the present-day and fossil geothermal systems in the Ngakuru graben. Hydrothermal upflow along the Paeroa fault seems to have occurred, possibly continuously, for tens of thousands of years, while upflow in other faults in the graben has switched on and off during the same period. An asymmetric graben architecture with the Paeroa being the major boundary fault will facilitate the predominant upflow along this fault. Upflow on the axial faults is more difficult to explain with this modelling. It occurs most easily with an asymmetric graben architecture and heat sources close to the graben axis (which could be associated with remnant heat from recent eruptions from Okataina Volcanic Centre). Temporal changes in upflow can also be associated with acceleration and deceleration of fault activity if this is considered a proxy for fault permeability. Other explanations for temporal variations in hydrothermal activity not explored here are different permeability on different faults, and different permeability along fault strike.

NASA Physical Sciences - Presentation to Annual Two Phase Heat Transfer International Topical Team Meeting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiaramonte, Francis; Motil, Brian; McQuillen, John

2014-01-01

The Two-phase Heat Transfer International Topical Team consists of researchers and members from various space agencies including ESA, JAXA, CSA, and RSA. This presentation included descriptions various fluid experiments either being conducted by or planned by NASA for the International Space Station in the areas of two-phase flow, flow boiling, capillary flow, and crygenic fluid storage.

The deep atmosphere of Venus and the possible role of density-driven separation of CO2 and N2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebonnois, Sebastien; Schubert, Gerald

2017-07-01

With temperatures around 700 K and pressures of around 75 bar, the deepest 12 km of the atmosphere of Venus are so hot and dense that the atmosphere behaves like a supercritical fluid. The Soviet VeGa-2 probe descended through the atmosphere in 1985 and obtained the only reliable temperature profile for the deep Venusian atmosphere thus far. In this temperature profile, the atmosphere appears to be highly unstable at altitudes below 7 km, contrary to expectations. We argue that the VeGa-2 temperature profile could be explained by a change in the atmospheric gas composition, and thus molecular mass, with depth. We propose that the deep atmosphere consists of a non-homogeneous layer in which the abundance of N2--the second most abundant constituent of the Venusian atmosphere after CO2--gradually decreases to near-zero at the surface. It is difficult to explain a decline in N2 towards the surface with known nitrogen sources and sinks for Venus. Instead we suggest, partly based on experiments on supercritical fluids, that density-driven separation of N2 from CO2 can occur under the high pressures of Venus's deep atmosphere, possibly by molecular diffusion, or by natural density-driven convection. If so, the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere of Venus is 15% lower than commonly assumed. We suggest that similar density-driven separation could occur in other massive planetary atmospheres.

U-TH-PA-RA study of the Kamchatka arc: new constraints on the genesis of arc lavas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dosseto, Anthony; Bourdon, Bernard; Joron, Jean-Louis; Dupré, Bernard

2003-08-01

The 238U- 230Th- 226Ra and 235U- 231Pa disequilibria have been measured by mass spectrometry in historic lavas from the Kamchatka arc. The samples come from three closely located volcanoes in the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD), the most active region of subducted-related volcanism in the world. The large excesses of 226Ra over 230Th found in the CKD lavas are believed to be linked to slab dehydration. Moreover, the samples show the uncommon feature of ( 230Th/ 238U) activity ratios both lower and higher than 1. The U-series disequilibria are characterized by binary trends between activity ratios, with ( 231Pa/ 235U) ratios all >1. It is shown that these correlations cannot be explained by a simple process involving a combination of slab dehydration and melting. We suggest that they are more likely to reflect mixing between two end-members: a high-magnesia basalt (HMB) end-member with a clear slab fluid signature and a high-alumina andesite (HAA) end-member reflecting the contribution of a slab-derived melt. The U-Th-Ra characteristics of the HMB end-member can be explained either by a two-step fluid addition with a time lag of 150 ka between each event or by continuous dehydration. The inferred composition for the dehydrating slab is a phengite-bearing eclogite. Equilibrium transport or dynamic melting can both account for 231Pa excess over 235U in HMB end-member. Nevertheless, dynamic melting is preferred as equilibrium transport melting requires unrealistically high upwelling velocities to preserve fluid-derived 226Ra/ 230Th. A continuous flux melting model is also tested. In this model, 231Pa- 235U is quickly dominated by fluid addition and, for realistic extents of melting, this process cannot account for ( 231Pa/ 235U) ratios as high as 1.6, as observed in the HMB end-member. The involvement of a melt derived from the subducted oceanic crust is more likely for explaining the HAA end-member compositions than crustal assimilation. Melting of the oceanic crust is believed to occur in presence of residual phengite and rutile, resulting in no 226Ra- 230Th disequilibrium and low 231Pa excess over 235U in the high-alumina andesites. Consequently, it appears that high-alumina andesites and high-magnesia basalts have distinct origins: the former being derived from melting of the subducted oceanic crust and the latter from hydrated mantle. It seems that there is no genetic link between these two magma types, in contrast with what was previously believed.

Pressure driven laminar flow of a power-law fluid in a T-channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dyakova, O. A.; Frolov, O. Yu

2017-10-01

Planar flow of a non-Newtonian fluid in a T-channel is investigated. The viscosity is determined by the Ostwald-de Waele power law. Motion of the fluid is caused by pressure drop given in boundary sections of the T-channel. On the solid walls, the no slip boundary condition is used. The problem is numerically solved with using a finite difference method based on the SIMPLE procedure. As a result of this study, characteristic flow regimes have been found. Influence of main parameters on the flow pattern has been demonstrated. Criteria dependences describing basic characteristics of the flow under conditions of the present work have been shown.

Surface capillary currents: Rediscovery of fluid-structure interaction by forced evolving boundary theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunbai; Mitra, Ambar K.

2016-01-01

Any boundary surface evolving in viscous fluid is driven with surface capillary currents. By step function defined for the fluid-structure interface, surface currents are found near a flat wall in a logarithmic form. The general flat-plate boundary layer is demonstrated through the interface kinematics. The dynamics analysis elucidates the relationship of the surface currents with the adhering region as well as the no-slip boundary condition. The wall skin friction coefficient, displacement thickness, and the logarithmic velocity-defect law of the smooth flat-plate boundary-layer flow are derived with the advent of the forced evolving boundary method. This fundamental theory has wide applications in applied science and engineering.

A semi-implicit level set method for multiphase flows and fluid-structure interaction problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cottet, Georges-Henri; Maitre, Emmanuel

2016-06-01

In this paper we present a novel semi-implicit time-discretization of the level set method introduced in [8] for fluid-structure interaction problems. The idea stems from a linear stability analysis derived on a simplified one-dimensional problem. The semi-implicit scheme relies on a simple filter operating as a pre-processing on the level set function. It applies to multiphase flows driven by surface tension as well as to fluid-structure interaction problems. The semi-implicit scheme avoids the stability constraints that explicit scheme need to satisfy and reduces significantly the computational cost. It is validated through comparisons with the original explicit scheme and refinement studies on two-dimensional benchmarks.

Fluid Physics and Macromolecular Crystal Growth in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pusey, M.; Snell, E.; Judge, R.; Chayen, N.; Boggon, T.; Helliwell, J.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The molecular structure of biological macromolecules is important in understanding how these molecules work and has direct application to rational drug design for new medicines and for the improvement and development of industrial enzymes. In order to obtain the molecular structure, large, well formed, single macromolecule crystals are required. The growth of macromolecule crystals is a difficult task and is often hampered on the ground by fluid flows that result from the interaction of gravity with the crystal growth process. One such effect is the bulk movement of the crystal through the fluid due to sedimentation. A second is buoyancy driven convection close to the crystal surface. On the ground the crystallization process itself induces both of these flows.

Challenges in realizing a self-contained hydraulically-driven contractile fiber actuator.

PubMed

Smela, Elisabeth

2017-07-01

The field of soft robots would benefit from electrically controlled contractile actuators in the form of fibers that achieve a strain of 20% in less than a second while exerting high force. This work explores possible designs for achieving this goal using self-contained electroosmotic fluid pumping within a tube-shaped structure. The most promising configuration is a combination of a bellows and a McKibben-type muscle, since pumping fluid from the former to the latter results in contraction of both portions. Realizing such a device entails challenges in fabrication and electrokinetic fluid pumping in closed systems. Further studies of electroosmotic flow in salt-free organic solvents are needed.

Acoustically Driven Fluid and Particle Motion in Confined and Leaky Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnkob, Rune; Nama, Nitesh; Ren, Liqiang; Huang, Tony Jun; Costanzo, Francesco; Kähler, Christian J.

2018-01-01

The acoustic motion of fluids and particles in confined and acoustically leaky systems is receiving increasing attention for its use in medicine and biotechnology. A number of contradicting physical and numerical models currently exist, but their validity is uncertain due to the unavailability of hard-to-access experimental data for validation. We provide experimental benchmarking data by measuring 3D particle trajectories and demonstrate that the particle trajectories can be described numerically without any fitting parameter by a reduced-fluid model with leaky impedance-wall conditions. The results reveal the hitherto unknown existence of a pseudo-standing wave that drives the acoustic streaming as well as the acoustic radiation force on suspended particles.

Bernoulli's Principle Applied to Brain Fluids: Intracranial Pressure Does Not Drive Cerebral Perfusion or CSF Flow.

PubMed

Schmidt, Eric; Ros, Maxime; Moyse, Emmanuel; Lorthois, Sylvie; Swider, Pascal

2016-01-01

In line with the first law of thermodynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that the total energy in a fluid is the same at all points. We applied Bernoulli's principle to understand the relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP) and intracranial fluids. We analyzed simple fluid physics along a tube to describe the interplay between pressure and velocity. Bernoulli's equation demonstrates that a fluid does not flow along a gradient of pressure or velocity; a fluid flows along a gradient of energy from a high-energy region to a low-energy region. A fluid can even flow against a pressure gradient or a velocity gradient. Pressure and velocity represent part of the total energy. Cerebral blood perfusion is not driven by pressure but by energy: the blood flows from high-energy to lower-energy regions. Hydrocephalus is related to increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resistance (i.e., energy transfer) at various points. Identification of the energy transfer within the CSF circuit is important in understanding and treating CSF-related disorders. Bernoulli's principle is not an abstract concept far from clinical practice. We should be aware that pressure is easy to measure, but it does not induce resumption of fluid flow. Even at the bedside, energy is the key to understanding ICP and fluid dynamics.

Mantle Flow and Melting Processes Beneath Back-Arc Basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, P. S.

2007-12-01

The chemical systematics of back-arc basin basalts suggest that multiple mechanisms of melt generation and transport operate simultaneously beneath the back-arc, resulting in a continuum of melts ranging from a relatively dry, MORB-like end-member to a wet, slab-influenced end-member [e.g., Kelley et al., 2006; Langmuir et al., 2006]. Potential melting processes at work include adiabatic decompression melting akin to that at mid-ocean ridges, diapiric upwelling of hydrous and/or partially molten mantle from above the subducting lithospheric slab [e.g., Marsh, 1979; Hall and Kincaid, 2001; Gerya and Yuen, 2003], and melting of back-arc mantle due to a continuous flux of slab-derived hydrous fluid [Kelley et al., 2006]. In this study, we examine the potential for each of these melting mechanisms to contribute to the observed distribution of melts in back-arc basins within the context of upper mantle flow (driven by plate motions) beneath back-arcs, which ultimately controls temperatures within the melting region. Mantle velocities and temperatures are derived from numerical geodynamic models of subduction with back-arc spreading that explicitly include adiabatic decompression melting through a Lagrangian particle scheme and a parameterization of hydrous melting. Dynamical feedback from the melting process occurs through latent heating and viscosity increases related to dehydration. A range of parameters, including subduction rate and trench-back-arc separation distances, is explored. The thermal evolution of individual diapirs is modeled numerically as they traverse the mantle, from nucleation above the subducting slab to melting beneath the back-arc spreading center, and a range of diapir sizes and densities and considered.

Barriers in adopting blended learning in a private university of Pakistan and East Africa: faculty members' perspective.

PubMed

Rizvi, Nusrat Fatima; Gulzar, Saleema; Nicholas, Wachira; Nkoroi, Beatrice

2017-01-01

Education methods have undergone transformation over the centuries. Use of technology is the cornerstone for innovation in teaching methods. Hence, blended learning which includes face to face and online modalities is being increasingly explored as effective method for learning. This pilot study determines the perceptions of faculty members in a private international university on barriers influencing adoption of technology for teaching and learning. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through a self-reported questionnaire using 'survey monkey'. The data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Frequencies and proportions are reported. Findings indicated that 51.6% faculty members perceived the importance of integration of technology in their teaching. Around 54% of the participants recognized that they do possess the ability and accessibility to integrate information communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning, but there is a need to hone the basic information technology (IT) skills to initiate technology driven teaching. Findings revealed that 55% faculty members acknowledged the constraint of not getting protective time to develop and deliver technology driven courses. Further, results showed that 45% faculty members perceived that their innovation efforts in terms of teaching as blended learning do not count towards their professional promotion or recognition, as usually priority is given to research over teaching innovation. The findings also indicated that 54.5% participants asserted that university lack mentorship in the field of blended learning. Therefore, study suggests that universities should provide adequate mentorship programmes for the faculty members in enhancing their skills of integrating technology in their teaching.

Pressure-driven flow of a Herschel-Bulkley fluid with pressure-dependent rheological parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panaseti, Pandelitsa; Damianou, Yiolanda; Georgiou, Georgios C.; Housiadas, Kostas D.

2018-03-01

The lubrication flow of a Herschel-Bulkley fluid in a symmetric long channel of varying width, 2h(x), is modeled extending the approach proposed by Fusi et al. ["Pressure-driven lubrication flow of a Bingham fluid in a channel: A novel approach," J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 221, 66-75 (2015)] for a Bingham plastic. Moreover, both the consistency index and the yield stress are assumed to be pressure-dependent. Under the lubrication approximation, the pressure at zero order depends only on x and the semi-width of the unyielded core is found to be given by σ(x) = -(1 + 1/n)h(x) + C, where n is the power-law exponent and the constant C depends on the Bingham number and the consistency-index and yield-stress growth numbers. Hence, in a channel of constant width, the width of the unyielded core is also constant, despite the pressure dependence of the yield stress, and the pressure distribution is not affected by the yield-stress function. With the present model, the pressure is calculated numerically solving an integro-differential equation and then the position of the yield surface and the two velocity components are computed using analytical expressions. Some analytical solutions are also derived for channels of constant and linearly varying widths. The lubrication solutions for other geometries are calculated numerically. The implications of the pressure-dependence of the material parameters and the limitations of the method are discussed.

Superfluid helium sloshing dynamics induced oscillations and fluctuations of angular momentum, force and moment actuated on spacecraft driven by gravity gradient or jitter acceleration associated with slew motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, R. J.

1994-01-01

The generalized mathematical formulation of sloshing dynamics for partially filled liquid of cryogenic superfluid helium II in dewar containers driven by the gravity gradient and jitter accelerations associated with slew motion for the purpose to perform scientific observation during the normal spacecraft operation are investigated. An example is given with the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility-Spectroscopy (AXAF-S) for slew motion which is responsible for the sloshing dynamics. The jitter accelerations include slew motion, spinning motion, atmospheric drag on the spacecraft, spacecraft attitude motions arising from machinery vibrations, thruster firing, pointing control of spacecraft, crew motion, etc. Explicit mathematical expressions to cover these forces acting on the spacecraft fluid systems are derived. The numerical computation of sloshing dynamics is based on the non-inertia frame spacecraft bound coordinate, and solve time-dependent, three-dimensional formulations of partial differential equations subject to initial and boundary conditions. The explicit mathematical expressions of boundary conditions to cover capillary force effect on the liquid-vapor interface in microgravity environments are also derived. The formulations of fluid moment and angular moment fluctuations in fluid profiles induced by the sloshing dynamics, together with fluid stress and moment fluctuations exerted on the spacecraft dewar containers have also been derived. Examples are also given for cases applicable to the AXAF-S spacecraft sloshing dynamics associated with slew motion.

Theoretical and experimental studies in support of the geophysical fluid flow experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, J.; Toomre, J.

1985-01-01

Meteorologists and astrophysicists interested in large scale planetary and solar circulations have come to recognize the importance of rotation and stratification in determining the character of these flows. In particular, the effect of latitude-dependent Coriolis force on nonlinear convection is thought to play a crucial role in such phenomena as differential rotation on the Sun, cloud band orientation on Jupiter, and the generation of magnetic fields in thermally driven dynamos. The continuous low-gravity environment of the orbiting space shuttle offers a unique opportunity to make laboratory studies of such large-scale thermally driven flows under the constraint imposed by rotation and sphericity. This is possible because polarization forces in a dielectric liquid, which are linearly dependent on fluid temperature, give rise to an effectively radial buoyancy force when a radial electrostatic field is imposed. The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC) is an implementation of this ideal in which fluid is contained between two rotating hemispheres that are differentially heated and stressed with a large a-c voltage. The experiment, to be flown on Spacelab III (currently set for launch April 29, 1985), will explore non-linear mode selection and high Rayleigh number turbulence in a rotating convecting spherical shell of liquid. Experiments will be carried out in a low driving parameter range where some limited numerical experimentation is currently feasible, as well as in a parameter range significantly beyond numerical computation for many years.

Directed Fluid Transport with Biomimetic ``Silia'' Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, A. R.; Evans, B. A.; Carstens, B. L.; Falvo, M. R.; Washburn, S.; Superfine, R.

2008-10-01

We present results on the long-range, directed fluid transport produced by the collective beating of arrays of biomimetic ``silia.'' Silia are arrays of free-standing nanorods roughly the size of biological cilia, which we fabricate from a polymer-magnetic nanoparticle composite material. With external permanent magnets we actuate our silia such that their motion mimics the beating of biological cilia. Biological cilia have evolved to produce microscale fluid transport and are increasingly being recognized as critical components in a wide range of biological systems. However, despite much effort cilia generated fluid flows remain an area of active study. In the last decade, cilia-driven fluid flow in the embryonic node of vertebrates has been implicated as the initial left-right symmetry breaking event in these embryos. With silia we generate directional fluid transport by mimicking the tilted conical beating of these nodal cilia and seek to answer open questions about the nature of particle advection in such a system. By seeding fluorescent microparticles into the fluid we have noted the existence of two distinct flow regimes. The fluid flow is directional and coherent above the tips of the silia, while between the silia tips and floor particle motion is complicated and suggestive of chaotic advection.

Closed-loop feedback control for microfluidic systems through automated capacitive fluid height sensing.

PubMed

Soenksen, L R; Kassis, T; Noh, M; Griffith, L G; Trumper, D L

2018-03-13

Precise fluid height sensing in open-channel microfluidics has long been a desirable feature for a wide range of applications. However, performing accurate measurements of the fluid level in small-scale reservoirs (<1 mL) has proven to be an elusive goal, especially if direct fluid-sensor contact needs to be avoided. In particular, gravity-driven systems used in several microfluidic applications to establish pressure gradients and impose flow remain open-loop and largely unmonitored due to these sensing limitations. Here we present an optimized self-shielded coplanar capacitive sensor design and automated control system to provide submillimeter fluid-height resolution (∼250 μm) and control of small-scale open reservoirs without the need for direct fluid contact. Results from testing and validation of our optimized sensor and system also suggest that accurate fluid height information can be used to robustly characterize, calibrate and dynamically control a range of microfluidic systems with complex pumping mechanisms, even in cell culture conditions. Capacitive sensing technology provides a scalable and cost-effective way to enable continuous monitoring and closed-loop feedback control of fluid volumes in small-scale gravity-dominated wells in a variety of microfluidic applications.

Captured key electrical safety lockout system

DOEpatents

Darimont, Daniel E.

1995-01-01

A safety lockout apparatus for an electrical circuit includes an electrical switch, a key, a lock and a blocking mechanism. The electrical switch is movable between an ON position at which the electrical circuit is energized and an OFF position at which the electrical circuit is deactivated. The lock is adapted to receive the key and is rotatable among a plurality of positions by the key. The key is only insertable and removable when the lock is at a preselected position. The lock is maintained in the preselected position when the key is removed from the lock. The blocking mechanism physically maintains the switch in its OFF position when the key is removed from the lock. The blocking mechanism preferably includes a member driven by the lock between a first position at which the electrical switch is movable between its ON and OFF positions and a second position at which the member physically maintains the electrical switch in its OFF position. Advantageously, the driven member's second position corresponds to the preselected position at which the key can be removed from and inserted into the lock.

Understanding and Mitigating Reservoir Compaction: an Experimental Study on Sand Aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimmel, M.; Hangx, S.; Spiers, C. J.

2016-12-01

Fossil fuels continue to provide a source for energy, fuels for transport and chemicals for everyday items. However, adverse effects of decades of hydrocarbons production are increasingly impacting society and the environment. Production-driven reduction in reservoir pore pressure leads to a poro-elastic response of the reservoir, and in many occasions to time-dependent compaction (creep) of the reservoir. In turn, reservoir compaction may lead to surface subsidence and could potentially result in induced (micro)seismicity. To predict and mitigate the impact of fluid extraction, we need to understand production-driven reservoir compaction in highly porous siliciclastic rocks and explore potential mitigation strategies, for example, by using compaction-inhibiting injection fluids. As a first step, we investigate the effect of chemical environment on the compaction behaviour of sand aggregates, comparable to poorly consolidated, highly porous sandstones. The sand samples consist of loose aggregates of Beaujean quartz sand, sieved into a grainsize fraction of 180-212 µm. Uniaxial compaction experiments are performed at an axial stress of 35 MPa and temperature of 80°C, mimicking conditions of reservoirs buried at three kilometres depth. The chemical environment during creep is either vacuum-dry or CO2-dry, or fluid-saturated, with fluids consisting of distilled water, acid solution (CO2-saturated water), alkaline solution (pH 9), aluminium solution (pH 3) and solution with surfactants (i.e., AMP). Preliminary results show that compaction of quartz sand aggregates is promoted in a wet environment compared to a dry environment. It is inferred that deformation is controlled by subcritical crack growth when dry and stress corrosion cracking when wet, both resulting in grain failure and subsequent grain rearrangement. Fluids inhibiting these processes, have the potential to inhibit aggregate compaction.

Crustal migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids recorded by tree-ring radiocarbon and seismicity at Mammoth Mountain, CA, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lewicki, Jennifer L.; Hilley, George E.; Shelly, David R.; King, John C.; McGeehin, John P.; Mangan, Margaret T.; Evans, William C.

2014-01-01

Unrest at Mammoth Mountain over the past several decades, manifest by seismicity, ground deformation, diffuse CO2 emissions, and elevated 3He/4He ratios in fumarolic gases has been driven by the release of CO2-rich fluids from basaltic intrusions in the middle to lower crust. Recent unrest included the occurrence of three lower-crustal (32–19 km depth) seismic swarms beneath Mammoth Mountain in 2006, 2008 and 2009 that were consistently followed by peaks in the occurrence rate of shallow (≤10 km depth) earthquakes. We measured 14C in the growth rings (1998–2012) of a tree growing in the largest (∼0.3 km2) area of diffuse CO2 emissions on Mammoth Mountain (the Horseshoe Lake tree kill; HLTK) and applied atmospheric CO2 concentration source area modeling to confirm that the tree was a reliable integrator of magmatic CO2 emissions over most of this area. The tree-ring 14C record implied that magmatic CO2 emissions from the HLTK were relatively stable from 1998 to 2009, nearly doubled from 2009 to 2011, and then declined by the 2012 growing season. The initial increase in CO2 emissions was detected during the growing season that immediately followed the largest (February 2010) peak in the occurrence rate of shallow earthquakes. Migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids may have driven observed patterns of elevated deep, then shallow seismicity, while the relationship between pore fluid pressures within a shallow (upper 3 km of crust) fluid reservoir and permeability structure of the reservoir cap rock may have controlled the temporal pattern of surface CO2 emissions.

β-Liddle mutation of the epithelial sodium channel increases alveolar fluid clearance and reduces the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in mice

PubMed Central

Randrianarison, Nadia; Escoubet, Brigitte; Ferreira, Chrystophe; Fontayne, Alexandre; Fowler-Jaeger, Nicole; Clerici, Christine; Hummler, Edith; Rossier, Bernard C; Planès, Carole

2007-01-01

Transepithelial sodium transport via alveolar epithelial Na+ channels and Na+,K+-ATPase constitutes the driving force for removal of alveolar oedema fluid. Decreased activity of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in the apical membrane of alveolar epithelial cells impairs sodium-driven alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and predisposes to pulmonary oedema. We hypothesized that hyperactivity of ENaC in the distal lung could improve AFC and facilitate the resolution of pulmonary oedema. AFC and lung fluid balance were studied at baseline and under conditions of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in the β-Liddle (L) mouse strain harbouring a gain-of-function mutation (R566stop) within the Scnn1b gene. As compared with wild-type (+/+), baseline AFC was increased by 2- and 3-fold in heterozygous (+/L) and homozygous mutated (L/L) mice, respectively, mainly due to increased amiloride-sensitive AFC. The β2-agonist terbutaline stimulated AFC in +/+ and +/L mice, but not in L/L mice. Acute volume overload induced by saline infusion (40% of body weight over 2 h) significantly increased extravascular (i.e. interstitial and alveolar) lung water as assessed by the bloodless wet-to-dry lung weight ratio in +/+ and L/L mice, as compared with baseline. However, the increase was significantly larger in +/+ than in L/L groups (P= 0.01). Volume overload also increased the volume of the alveolar epithelial lining fluid in +/+ mice, indicating the presence of alveolar oedema, but not in L/L mice. Cardiac function as evaluated by echocardiography was comparable in both groups. These data show that constitutive ENaC activation improved sodium-driven AFC in the mouse lung, and attenuated the severity of hydrostatic pulmonary oedema. PMID:17430990

Liandratite from Karkonosze pegmatites, Sudetes, Southwestern Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matyszczak, Witold

2018-06-01

The chemical composition of liandratite, U6+(Nb,Ta)2O8, was determined from material collected in Niobium, Yttrium, Fluorine type (NYF) pegmatites of the Karkonosze intrusion (Sudetes, SW Poland). Liandratite occurs mainly as rims, up to 40 µm thick, and fracture infillings in fergusonite-(Y) and other Nb-Ta-Ti minerals. Its formation was related to the fluid-driven alteration of primary minerals by three potential mechanisms: (i) direct replacement of a primary mineral by liandratite; (ii) breakdown of the primary mineral to liandratite and a product with the composition of minerals of the pyrochlore group; (iii) multistage alteration, which involved: removal of A-site cations (mostly Y + REE with the exception of U4+) and formation of phases with the composition of pyrochlore group minerals; then crystallization of U-, Bi-, Pb-rich pyrochlores and their replacement by liandratite. The chemical compositions of liandratite formed by the breakdown of different primary minerals are also different, mainly in their U, Ti and Nb contents. Excess Ti, relative to the U6+Nb2O8 end-member, is incorporated into the structure together with additional U. The Ti content of liandratite, and partially through this the U content, are dependent on the nature of the precursor mineral.

Microbial Community Structure in a Serpentine-Hosted Abiotic Gas Seepage at the Chimaera Ophiolite, Turkey

PubMed Central

Sun, Li; Müller, Bettina; Ivarsson, Magnus; Hosgörmez, Hakan; Özcan, Dogacan; Broman, Curt; Schnürer, Anna

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The surface waters at the ultramafic ophiolitic outcrop in Chimaera, Turkey, are characterized by high pH values and high metal levels due to the percolation of fluids through areas of active serpentinization. We describe the influence of the liquid chemistry, mineralogy, and H2 and CH4 levels on the bacterial community structure in a semidry, exposed, ultramafic environment. The bacterial and archaeal community structures were monitored using Illumina sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene. At all sampling points, four phyla, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria, accounted for the majority of taxa. Members of the Chloroflexi phylum dominated low-diversity sites, whereas Proteobacteria dominated high-diversity sites. Methane, nitrogen, iron, and hydrogen oxidizers were detected as well as archaea and metal-resistant bacteria. IMPORTANCE Our study is a comprehensive microbial investigation of the Chimaera ophiolite. DNA has been extracted from 16 sites in the area and has been studied from microbial and geochemical points of view. We describe a microbial community structure that is dependent on terrestrial, serpentinization-driven abiotic H2, which is poorly studied due to the rarity of these environments on Earth. PMID:28389534

Microbial Community Structure in a Serpentine-Hosted Abiotic Gas Seepage at the Chimaera Ophiolite, Turkey.

PubMed

Neubeck, Anna; Sun, Li; Müller, Bettina; Ivarsson, Magnus; Hosgörmez, Hakan; Özcan, Dogacan; Broman, Curt; Schnürer, Anna

2017-06-15

The surface waters at the ultramafic ophiolitic outcrop in Chimaera, Turkey, are characterized by high pH values and high metal levels due to the percolation of fluids through areas of active serpentinization. We describe the influence of the liquid chemistry, mineralogy, and H 2 and CH 4 levels on the bacterial community structure in a semidry, exposed, ultramafic environment. The bacterial and archaeal community structures were monitored using Illumina sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene. At all sampling points, four phyla, Proteobacteria , Actinobacteria , Chloroflexi , and Acidobacteria , accounted for the majority of taxa. Members of the Chloroflexi phylum dominated low-diversity sites, whereas Proteobacteria dominated high-diversity sites. Methane, nitrogen, iron, and hydrogen oxidizers were detected as well as archaea and metal-resistant bacteria. IMPORTANCE Our study is a comprehensive microbial investigation of the Chimaera ophiolite. DNA has been extracted from 16 sites in the area and has been studied from microbial and geochemical points of view. We describe a microbial community structure that is dependent on terrestrial, serpentinization-driven abiotic H 2 , which is poorly studied due to the rarity of these environments on Earth. Copyright © 2017 Neubeck et al.

Forced imbibition through model porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odier, Celeste; Levache, Bertrand; Bartolo, Denis

2016-11-01

A number of industrial and natural process ultimately rely on two-phase flow in heterogeneous media. One of the most prominent example is oil recovery which has driven fundamental and applied research in this field for decades. Imbibition occurs when a wetting fluid displaces an immiscible fluid e.g. in a porous media. Using model microfluidic experiment we control both the geometry and wetting properties of the heterogenous media, and show that the typical front propagation picture fails when imbibition is forced and the displacing fluid is less viscous than the non-wetting fluid. We identify and quantitatively characterize four different flow regimes at the pore scale yielding markedly different imbibition patterns at large scales. In particular we will discuss the transition from a conventional 2D-front propagation scenario to a regime where the meniscus dynamics is an intrinsically 3D process.

Controlling Viscous Fingering Using Time-Dependent Strategies

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

Stone, Howard; Zheng, Zhong; Kim, Hyoungsoo

Control and stabilization of viscous fingering of immiscible fluids impacts a wide variety of pressure-driven multiphase flows. Here, we report theoretical and experimental results on time-dependent control strategy by manipulating the gap thickness b(t) in a lifting Hele-Shaw cell in the power-law form b(t) = b 1t 1/7. Experimental results show good quantitative agreement with the predictions of linear stability analysis. Furthermore, by choosing the value of a single time-independent control parameter we can either totally suppress the viscous fingering instability or maintain a series of non-splitting viscous fingers during the fluid displacement process. Besides the gap thickness of amore » Hele-Shaw cell, in principle, time-dependent control strategies can also be placed on the injection rate, viscosity of the displaced fluid, and interfacial tensions between the two fluids.« less

Controlling Viscous Fingering Using Time-Dependent Strategies

DOE PAGES

Stone, Howard; Zheng, Zhong; Kim, Hyoungsoo

2015-10-20

Control and stabilization of viscous fingering of immiscible fluids impacts a wide variety of pressure-driven multiphase flows. Here, we report theoretical and experimental results on time-dependent control strategy by manipulating the gap thickness b(t) in a lifting Hele-Shaw cell in the power-law form b(t) = b 1t 1/7. Experimental results show good quantitative agreement with the predictions of linear stability analysis. Furthermore, by choosing the value of a single time-independent control parameter we can either totally suppress the viscous fingering instability or maintain a series of non-splitting viscous fingers during the fluid displacement process. Besides the gap thickness of amore » Hele-Shaw cell, in principle, time-dependent control strategies can also be placed on the injection rate, viscosity of the displaced fluid, and interfacial tensions between the two fluids.« less

Extreme concentration fluctuations due to local reversibility of mixing in turbulent flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Hua; Francois, Nicolas; Punzmann, Horst; Szewc, Kamil; Shats, Michael

2018-05-01

Mixing of a passive scalar in a fluid (e.g. a radioactive spill in the ocean) is the irreversible process towards homogeneous distribution of a substance. In a moving fluid, due to the chaotic advection [H. Aref, J. Fluid Mech. 143 (1984) 1; J. M. Ottino, The Kinematics of Mixing: Stretching,Chaos and Transport (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1989)] mixing is much faster than if driven by molecular diffusion only. Turbulence is known as the most efficient mixing flow [B. I. Shraiman and E. D. Siggia, Nature 405 (2000) 639]. We show that in contrast to spatially periodic flows, two-dimensional turbulence exhibits local reversibility in mixing, which leads to the generation of unpredictable strong fluctuations in the scalar concentration. These fluctuations can also be detected from the analysis of the fluid particle trajectories of the underlying flow.

A numerical method for electro-kinetic flow with deformable fluid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booty, Michael; Ma, Manman; Siegel, Michael

2013-11-01

We consider two-phase flow of ionic fluids whose motion is driven by an imposed electric field. At a fluid interface, a screening cloud of ions develops and forms an electro-chemical double layer or Debye layer. The imposed field acts on this induced charge distribution, resulting in a strong slip flow near the interface. We formulate a ``hybrid'' or multiscale numerical method in the thin Debye layer limit that incorporates an asymptotic analysis of the electrostatic potential and fluid dynamics in the Debye layer into a boundary integral solution of the full moving boundary problem. Results of the method are presented that show time-dependent deformation and steady state drop interface shapes when the timescale for charge-up of the Debye layer is either much less than or comparable to the timescale of the flow.

Reconstruction techniques of holograms from Spacelab 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witherow, William K.

1987-01-01

Fluid transport effects in a ground-based laboratory are fairly well known. Bouyancy driven transport occurs when there is a local density change in the fluid. In a low-g environment these density changes become less important, and other transport mechanisms dominate. To better understand fluid flows in a low-g environment, a fluid experiment system (FES) was designed to fly aboard the Shuttle orbiter in Spacelab. The FES is a holographic system designed for acquisition of the maximum amount of data from an experiment. The FES flew for the first time in May 1985 on Spacelab 3 for investigation of triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystal growth in low-g. This paper describes the FES optical system. The reconstruction techniques of the holograms are examined in detail, and the multiuser and reflight capabilities are discussed. Proposed future experiments are mentioned.

Special wrench for B-nuts reduces torque stress in tubing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, J. A.

1970-01-01

Gear-driven torque wrench with bearing support is used to tighten B-nut connection of partially supported fluid line with minimum stress to adjacent tubing and fittings. Wrench is useful for working with weak or brittle lines such as glass tubing.

GRADFLEX: Fluctuations in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vailati, A.; Cerbino, R.; Mazzoni, S.; Giglio, M.; Nikolaenko, G.; Cannell, D. S.; Meyer, W. V.; Smart, A. E.

2004-01-01

We present the results of experimental investigations of gradient driven fluctuations induced in a liquid mixture with a concentration gradient and in a single-component fluid with a temperature gradient. We also describe the experimental apparatus being developed to carry out similar measurement under microgravity conditions.

Connector Mechanism Has Smaller Stroke

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milam, M. Bruce

1992-01-01

System for connecting electrical and/or fluid lines includes mechanism reducing length of stroke necessary to make or break connections. Feature enables connection and disconnection in confined space, and compensates for misalignment between connectors. Connector in active member moves upward at twice the speed of downward stroke of passive member. Stroke amplified within connector system. Applications include connections between modular electronic units, coupled vehicles, and hydraulic systems.

AAAS Symposium: Community-driven Citizen Science for Health and the Environment

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Panelists will reflect various viewpoints, from funders, to researchers, to members of impacted communities. They will address policy considerations and contributions, broadening participation of underrepresented groups, project design, and outcomes.

Thermally Driven Josephson Effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penanen, Konstantin; Chui, Talso

2008-01-01

A concept is proposed of the thermally driven Josephson effect in superfluid helium. Heretofore, the Josephson effect in a superfluid has been recognized as an oscillatory flow that arises in response to a steady pressure difference between two superfluid reservoirs separated by an array of submicron-sized orifices, which act in unison as a single Josephson junction. Analogously, the thermally driven Josephson effect is an oscillatory flow that arises in response to a steady temperature difference. The thermally driven Josephson effect is partly a consequence of a quantum- mechanical effect known as the fountain effect, in which a temperature difference in a superfluid is accompanied by a pressure difference. The thermally driven Josephson effect may have significance for the development of a high-resolution gyroscope based on the Josephson effect in a superfluid: If the pressure-driven Josephson effect were used, then the fluid on the high-pressure side would become depleted, necessitating periodic interruption of operation to reverse the pressure difference. If the thermally driven Josephson effect were used, there would be no net flow and so the oscillatory flow could be maintained indefinitely by maintaining the required slightly different temperatures on both sides of the junction.

Fluid driven fracture mechanics in highly anisotropic shale: a laboratory study with application to hydraulic fracturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gehne, Stephan; Benson, Philip; Koor, Nick; Enfield, Mark

2017-04-01

The finding of considerable volumes of hydrocarbon resources within tight sedimentary rock formations in the UK led to focused attention on the fundamental fracture properties of low permeability rock types and hydraulic fracturing. Despite much research in these fields, there remains a scarcity of available experimental data concerning the fracture mechanics of fluid driven fracturing and the fracture properties of anisotropic, low permeability rock types. In this study, hydraulic fracturing is simulated in a controlled laboratory environment to track fracture nucleation (location) and propagation (velocity) in space and time and assess how environmental factors and rock properties influence the fracture process and the developing fracture network. Here we report data on employing fluid overpressure to generate a permeable network of micro tensile fractures in a highly anisotropic shale ( 50% P-wave velocity anisotropy). Experiments are carried out in a triaxial deformation apparatus using cylindrical samples. The bedding planes are orientated either parallel or normal to the major principal stress direction (σ1). A newly developed technique, using a steel guide arrangement to direct pressurised fluid into a sealed section of an axially drilled conduit, allows the pore fluid to contact the rock directly and to initiate tensile fractures from the pre-defined zone inside the sample. Acoustic Emission location is used to record and map the nucleation and development of the micro-fracture network. Indirect tensile strength measurements at atmospheric pressure show a high tensile strength anisotropy ( 60%) of the shale. Depending on the relative bedding orientation within the stress field, we find that fluid induced fractures in the sample propagate in two of the three principal fracture orientations: Divider and Short-Transverse. The fracture progresses parallel to the bedding plane (Short-Transverse orientation) if the bedding plane is aligned (parallel) with the direction of σ1. Conversely, the crack plane develops perpendicular to the bedding plane, if the bedding plane is orientated normal to σ1. Fracture initiation pressures are higher in the Divider orientation ( 24MPa) than in the Short-Transverse orientation ( 14MPa) showing a tensile strength anisotropy ( 42%) comparable to ambient tensile strength results. We then use X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) 3D-images to evaluate the evolved fracture network in terms of fracture pattern, aperture and post-test water permeability. For both fracture orientations, very fine, axial fractures evolve over the entire length of the sample. For the fracturing in the Divider orientation, it has been observed, that in some cases, secondary fractures are branching of the main fracture. Test data from fluid driven fracturing experiments suggest that fracture pattern, fracture propagation trajectories and fracturing fluid pressure (initiation and propagation pressure) are predominantly controlled by the interaction between the anisotropic mechanical properties of the shale and the anisotropic stress environment. The orientation of inherent rock anisotropy relative to the principal stress directions seems to be the main control on fracture orientation and required fracturing pressure.

Film bonded fuel cell interface configuration

DOEpatents

Kaufman, Arthur; Terry, Peter L.

1989-01-01

The present invention relates to improved elements for use in fuel cell stacks, and more particularly, to a stack having a corrosion-resistant, electrally conductive, fluid-impervious interface member therein.

Experimental Testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Maple Seeds and Performance Analysis as a Wind Turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holden, Jacob R.

Descending maple seeds generate lift to slow their fall and remain aloft in a blowing wind; have the wings of these seeds evolved to descend as slowly as possible? A unique energy balance equation, experimental data, and computational fluid dynamics simulations have all been developed to explore this question from a turbomachinery perspective. The computational fluid dynamics in this work is the first to be performed in the relative reference frame. Maple seed performance has been analyzed for the first time based on principles of wind turbine analysis. Application of the Betz Limit and one-dimensional momentum theory allowed for empirical and computational power and thrust coefficients to be computed for maple seeds. It has been determined that the investigated species of maple seeds perform near the Betz limit for power conversion and thrust coefficient. The power coefficient for a maple seed is found to be in the range of 48-54% and the thrust coefficient in the range of 66-84%. From Betz theory, the stream tube area expansion of the maple seed is necessary for power extraction. Further investigation of computational solutions and mechanical analysis find three key reasons for high maple seed performance. First, the area expansion is driven by maple seed lift generation changing the fluid momentum and requiring area to increase. Second, radial flow along the seed surface is promoted by a sustained leading edge vortex that centrifuges low momentum fluid outward. Finally, the area expansion is also driven by the spanwise area variation of the maple seed imparting a radial force on the flow. These mechanisms result in a highly effective device for the purpose of seed dispersal. However, the maple seed also provides insight into fundamental questions about how turbines can most effectively change the momentum of moving fluids in order to extract useful power or dissipate kinetic energy.

Data Driven Model Development for the Supersonic Semispan Transport (S(sup 4)T)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kukreja, Sunil L.

2011-01-01

We investigate two common approaches to model development for robust control synthesis in the aerospace community; namely, reduced order aeroservoelastic modelling based on structural finite-element and computational fluid dynamics based aerodynamic models and a data-driven system identification procedure. It is shown via analysis of experimental Super- Sonic SemiSpan Transport (S4T) wind-tunnel data using a system identification approach it is possible to estimate a model at a fixed Mach, which is parsimonious and robust across varying dynamic pressures.

Data-Driven Model Reduction and Transfer Operator Approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klus, Stefan; Nüske, Feliks; Koltai, Péter; Wu, Hao; Kevrekidis, Ioannis; Schütte, Christof; Noé, Frank

2018-06-01

In this review paper, we will present different data-driven dimension reduction techniques for dynamical systems that are based on transfer operator theory as well as methods to approximate transfer operators and their eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, and eigenmodes. The goal is to point out similarities and differences between methods developed independently by the dynamical systems, fluid dynamics, and molecular dynamics communities such as time-lagged independent component analysis, dynamic mode decomposition, and their respective generalizations. As a result, extensions and best practices developed for one particular method can be carried over to other related methods.

On geodynamo integrations conserving momentum flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, C.; Roberts, P. H.

2012-12-01

The equations governing the geodynamo are most often integrated by representing the magnetic field and fluid velocity by toroidal and poloidal scalars (for example, MAG code [1]). This procedure does not automatically conserve the momentum flux. The results can, particularly for flows with large shear, introduce significant errors, unless the viscosity is artificially increased. We describe a method that evades this difficulty, by solving the momentum equation directly while properly conserving momentum. It finds pressure by FFT and cyclic reduction, and integrates the governing equations on overlapping grids so avoiding the pole problem. The number of operations per time step is proportional to N3 where N is proportional to the number of grid points in each direction. This contrasts with the order N4 operations of standard spectral transform methods. The method is easily parallelized. It can also be easily adapted to schemes such as the Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) method [2], a flux based procedure based on upwinding that is numerically stable even for zero explicit viscosity. The method has been successfully used to investigate the generation of magnetic fields by flows confined to spheroidal containers and driven by precessional and librational forcing [3, 4]. For spherical systems it satisfies dynamo benchmarks [5]. [1] MAG, http://www.geodynamics.org/cig/software/mag [2] Liu, XD, Osher, S and Chan, T, Weighted Essentially Nonoscillatory Schemes, J. Computational Physics, 115, 200-212, 1994. [3] Wu, CC and Roberts, PH, On a dynamo driven by topographic precession, Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 103, 467-501, (DOI: 10.1080/03091920903311788), 2009. [4] Wu, CC and Roberts, PH, On a dynamo driven topographically by longitudinal libration, Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, DOI:10.1080/03091929.2012.682990, 2012. [5] Christensen, U, et al., A numerical dynamo benchmark, Phys. Earth Planet Int., 128, 25-34, 2001.

Perilymph Kinetics of FITC-Dextran Reveals Homeostasis Dominated by the Cochlear Aqueduct and Cerebrospinal Fluid.

PubMed

Salt, A N; Gill, R M; Hartsock, J J

2015-06-01

Understanding how drugs are distributed in perilymph following local applications is important as local drug therapies are increasingly used to treat disorders of the inner ear. The potential contribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) entry to perilymph homeostasis has been controversial for over half a century, largely due to artifactual contamination of collected perilymph samples with CSF. Measures of perilymph flow and of drug distribution following round window niche applications have both suggested a slow, apically directed flow occurs along scala tympani (ST) in the normal, sealed cochlea. In the present study, we have used fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran as a marker to study perilymph kinetics in guinea pigs. Dextran is lost from perilymph more slowly than other substances so far quantified. Dextran solutions were injected from pipettes sealed into the lateral semicircular canal (SCC), the cochlear apex, or the basal turn of ST. After varying delays, sequential perilymph samples were taken from the cochlear apex or lateral SCC, allowing dextran distribution along the perilymphatic spaces to be quantified. Variability was low and findings were consistent with the injection procedure driving volume flow towards the cochlear aqueduct, and with volume flow during perilymph sampling driven by CSF entry at the aqueduct. The decline of dextran with time in the period between injection and sampling was consistent with both a slow volume influx of CSF (~30 nL/min) entering the basal turn of ST at the cochlear aqueduct and a CSF-perilymph exchange driven by pressure-driven fluid oscillation across the cochlear aqueduct. Sample data also allowed contributions of other processes, such as communications with adjacent compartments, to be quantified. The study demonstrates that drug kinetics in the basal turn of ST is complex and is influenced by a considerable number of interacting processes.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Flows in an Oxidation Ditch Driven by a New Surface Aerator

PubMed Central

Huang, Weidong; Li, Kun; Wang, Gan; Wang, Yingzhe

2013-01-01

Abstract In this article, we present a newly designed inverse umbrella surface aerator, and tested its performance in driving flow of an oxidation ditch. Results show that it has a better performance in driving the oxidation ditch than the original one with higher average velocity and more uniform flow field. We also present a computational fluid dynamics model for predicting the flow field in an oxidation ditch driven by a surface aerator. The improved momentum source term approach to simulate the flow field of the oxidation ditch driven by an inverse umbrella surface aerator was developed and validated through experiments. Four kinds of turbulent models were investigated with the approach, including the standard k−ɛ model, RNG k−ɛ model, realizable k−ɛ model, and Reynolds stress model, and the predicted data were compared with those calculated with the multiple rotating reference frame approach (MRF) and sliding mesh approach (SM). Results of the momentum source term approach are in good agreement with the experimental data, and its prediction accuracy is better than MRF, close to SM. It is also found that the momentum source term approach has lower computational expenses, is simpler to preprocess, and is easier to use. PMID:24302850

Internally driven inertial waves in geodynamo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan, A.; Davidson, P. A.; Christensen, U. R.; Wicht, J.

2018-05-01

Inertial waves are oscillations in a rotating fluid, such as the Earth's outer core, which result from the restoring action of the Coriolis force. In an earlier work, it was argued by Davidson that inertial waves launched near the equatorial regions could be important for the α2 dynamo mechanism, as they can maintain a helicity distribution which is negative (positive) in the north (south). Here, we identify such internally driven inertial waves, triggered by buoyant anomalies in the equatorial regions in a strongly forced geodynamo simulation. Using the time derivative of vertical velocity, ∂uz/∂t, as a diagnostic for traveling wave fronts, we find that the horizontal movement in the buoyancy field near the equator is well correlated with a corresponding movement of the fluid far from the equator. Moreover, the azimuthally averaged spectrum of ∂uz/∂t lies in the inertial wave frequency range. We also test the dispersion properties of the waves by computing the spectral energy as a function of frequency, ϖ, and the dispersion angle, θ. Our results suggest that the columnar flow in the rotation-dominated core, which is an important ingredient for the maintenance of a dipolar magnetic field, is maintained despite the chaotic evolution of the buoyancy field on a fast timescale by internally driven inertial waves.

The Junior Faculty Laboratory: An Innovative Model of Peer Mentoring

PubMed Central

Johnson, Kimberly S.; Hastings, S. Nicole; Purser, Jama L; Whitson, Heather E

2013-01-01

Mentoring in academic medicine has been shown to contribute to the success of junior faculty, resulting in increased productivity, career satisfaction, and opportunities for networking. Although traditional dyadic mentoring, involving one senior faculty member and one junior protégé, is the dominant model for mentoring in the academic environment, there is increasing recognition that the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experiences among peers may also contribute to the career development of junior faculty. The authors describe the structure, activities, and outcomes of the Junior Faculty Laboratory (JFL), a self-organized, flexible, and dynamic peer mentoring model within the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development. As an innovative mentoring model, JFL is entirely peer-driven and its activities are determined by the real-time needs of members. In contrast to some other peer mentoring models, JFL lacks senior faculty input or a structured curriculum, members are multidisciplinary, meeting times are project-driven rather than preset, and participation in collaborative projects is optional based on the interests and needs of group members. Additionally, JFL was not formed as a substitute for, but as a complement to the dyadic mentoring relationships enjoyed by its members. The model, now in its fifth year, has demonstrated success and sustainability. The authors present the JFL as an innovative, mentoring model that can be reproduced by other junior faculty seeking to foster collegial relationships with peers while simultaneously enhancing their career development. PMID:22030756

The Junior Faculty Laboratory: an innovative model of peer mentoring.

PubMed

Johnson, Kimberly S; Hastings, S Nicole; Purser, Jama L; Whitson, Heather E

2011-12-01

Mentoring in academic medicine has been shown to contribute to the success of junior faculty, resulting in increased productivity, career satisfaction, and opportunities for networking. Although traditional dyadic mentoring, involving one senior faculty member and one junior protégé, is the dominant model for mentoring in the academic environment, there is increasing recognition that the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experiences among peers may also contribute to the career development of junior faculty. The authors describe the structure, activities, and outcomes of the Junior Faculty Laboratory (JFL), a self-organized, flexible, and dynamic peer-mentoring model within the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development. As an innovative mentoring model, JFL is entirely peer driven, and its activities are determined by the real-time needs of members. In contrast to some other peer-mentoring models, JFL lacks senior faculty input or a structured curriculum, members are multidisciplinary, meeting times are project driven rather than preset, and participation in collaborative projects is optional based on the interests and needs of group members. Additionally, JFL was not formed as a substitute for, but as a complement to, the dyadic mentoring relationships enjoyed by its members. The model, now in its fifth year, has demonstrated success and sustainability. The authors present the JFL as an innovative, mentoring model that can be reproduced by other junior faculty seeking to foster collegial relationships with peers while simultaneously enhancing their career development.

Volatile composition of microinclusions in diamonds from the Panda kimberlite, Canada: Implications for chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgess, Ray; Cartigny, Pierre; Harrison, Darrell; Hobson, Emily; Harris, Jeff

2009-03-01

In order to better investigate the compositions and the origins of fluids associated with diamond growth, we have carried-out combined noble gas (He and Ar), C and N isotope, K, Ca and halogen (Cl, Br, I) determinations on fragments of individual microinclusion-bearing diamonds from the Panda kimberlite, North West Territories, Canada. The fluid concentrations of halogens and noble gases in Panda diamonds are enriched by several orders of magnitude over typical upper mantle abundances. However, noble gas, C and N isotopic ratios ( 3He/ 4He = 4-6 Ra, 40Ar/ 36Ar = 20,000-30,000, δ 13C = -4.5‰ to -6.9‰ and δ 15N = -1.2‰ to -8.8‰) are within the worldwide range determined for fibrous diamonds and similar to the mid ocean ridge basalt (MORB) source value. The high 36Ar content of the diamonds (>1 × 10 -9 cm 3/g) is at least an order of magnitude higher than any previously reported mantle sample and enables the 36Ar content of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle to be estimated at ˜0.6 × 10 -12 cm 3/g, again similar to estimates for the MORB source. Three fluid types distinguished on the basis of Ca-K-Cl compositions are consistent with carbonatitic, silicic and saline end-members identified in previous studies of diamonds from worldwide sources. These fluid end-members also have distinct halogen ratios (Br/Cl and I/Cl). The role of subducted seawater-derived halogens, originally invoked to explain some of the halogen ratio variations in diamonds, is not considered an essential component in the formation of the fluids. In contrast, it is considered that large halogen fractionation of a primitive mantle ratio occurs during fluid-melt partitioning in forming silicic fluids, and during separation of an immiscible saline fluid.

Pathways of fluid transport and reabsorption across the peritoneal membrane.

PubMed

Asghar, R B; Davies, S J

2008-05-01

The three-pore model of peritoneal fluid transport predicts that once the osmotic gradient has dissipated, fluid reabsorption will be due to a combination of small-pore reabsorption driven by the intravascular oncotic pressure, and an underlying disappearance of fluid from the cavity by lymphatic drainage. Our study measured fluid transport by these pathways in the presence and absence of an osmotic gradient. Paired hypertonic and standard glucose-dwell studies were performed using radio-iodinated serum albumin as an intraperitoneal volume marker and changes in intraperitoneal sodium mass to determine small-pore versus transcellular fluid transport. Disappearance of iodinated albumin was considered to indicate lymphatic drainage. Variability in transcellular ultrafiltration was largely explained by the rate of small-solute transport across the membrane. In the absence of an osmotic gradient, fluid reabsorption occurred via the small-pore pathway, the rate being proportional to the small-solute transport characteristics of the membrane. In most cases, fluid removal from the peritoneal cavity by this pathway was faster than by lymphatic drainage. Our study shows that the three-pore model describes the pathways of peritoneal fluid transport well. In the presence of high solute transport, poor transcellular ultrafiltration was due to loss of the osmotic gradient and an enhanced small-pore reabsorption rate after this gradient dissipated.

Liquid zone seal

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard E.

2001-01-01

A seal assembly that provides a means for establishing multiple pressure zones within a system. The seal assembly combines a plate extending from the inner wall of a housing or inner enclosure that intersects with and is immersed in the fluid contained in a well formed in a tray contained within the enclosure. The fluid is a low vapor pressure oil, chemically inert and oxidation resistant. The use of a fluid as the sealing component provides a seal that is self-healing and mechanically robust not subject to normal mechanical wear, breakage, and formation of cracks or pinholes and decouples external mechanical vibrations from internal structural members.

Research Contributing to Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs and Guidance

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-24

AGP, 2004)  Panic disorder (e.g., Roy-Byrne et al, AGP 2005)  Somatic symptoms (e.g., Smith et al, AGP 1995)  Health anxiety (e.g., Barsky et al...management of concussed service members and those with recurrent concussion  Transition from symptom driven reporting to incident driven DESIRED END STATE...and Readiness DDR&E = Director, Defense Research & Engineering JIEDDO = Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization BIR PCO = Blast Injury

Design and characterization of hydrogel-based microfluidic devices with biomimetic solute transport networks

PubMed Central

Koo, Hyung-Jun

2017-01-01

Hydrogel could serve as a matrix material of new classes of solar cells and photoreactors with embedded microfluidic networks. These devices mimic the structure and function of plant leaves, which are a natural soft matter based microfluidic system. These unusual microfluidic-hydrogel devices with fluid-penetrable medium operate on the basis of convective-diffusive mechanism, where the liquid is transported between the non-connected channels via molecular permeation through the hydrogel. We define three key designs of such hydrogel devices, having linear, T-shaped, and branched channels and report results of numerical simulation of the process of their infusion with solute carried by the incoming fluid. The computational procedure takes into account both pressure-driven convection and concentration gradient-driven diffusion in the permeable gel matrix. We define the criteria for evaluation of the fluid infusion rate, uniformity, solute loss by outflow and overall performance. The T-shaped channel network was identified as the most efficient one and was improved further by investigating the effect of the channel-end secondary branches. Our parallel experimental data on the pattern of solute infusions are in excellent agreement with the simulation. These network designs can be applied to a broad range of novel microfluidic materials and soft matter devices with distributed microchannel networks. PMID:28396708

Synchronization and Random Triggering of Lymphatic Vessel Contractions

PubMed Central

Baish, James W.; Kunert, Christian; Padera, Timothy P.; Munn, Lance L.

2016-01-01

The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting interstitial fluid back to the bloodstream, but unlike the cardiovascular system, lacks a centralized pump-the heart–to drive flow. Instead, each collecting lymphatic vessel can individually contract and dilate producing unidirectional flow enforced by intraluminal check valves. Due to the large number and spatial distribution of such pumps, high-level coordination would be unwieldy. This leads to the question of how each segment of lymphatic vessel responds to local signals that can contribute to the coordination of pumping on a network basis. Beginning with elementary fluid mechanics and known cellular behaviors, we show that two complementary oscillators emerge from i) mechanical stretch with calcium ion transport and ii) fluid shear stress induced nitric oxide production (NO). Using numerical simulation and linear stability analysis we show that the newly identified shear-NO oscillator shares similarities with the well-known Van der Pol oscillator, but has unique characteristics. Depending on the operating conditions, the shear-NO process may i) be inherently stable, ii) oscillate spontaneously in response to random disturbances or iii) synchronize with weak periodic stimuli. When the complementary shear-driven and stretch-driven oscillators interact, either may dominate, producing a rich family of behaviors similar to those observed in vivo. PMID:27935958

Synchronization and Random Triggering of Lymphatic Vessel Contractions.

PubMed

Baish, James W; Kunert, Christian; Padera, Timothy P; Munn, Lance L

2016-12-01

The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting interstitial fluid back to the bloodstream, but unlike the cardiovascular system, lacks a centralized pump-the heart-to drive flow. Instead, each collecting lymphatic vessel can individually contract and dilate producing unidirectional flow enforced by intraluminal check valves. Due to the large number and spatial distribution of such pumps, high-level coordination would be unwieldy. This leads to the question of how each segment of lymphatic vessel responds to local signals that can contribute to the coordination of pumping on a network basis. Beginning with elementary fluid mechanics and known cellular behaviors, we show that two complementary oscillators emerge from i) mechanical stretch with calcium ion transport and ii) fluid shear stress induced nitric oxide production (NO). Using numerical simulation and linear stability analysis we show that the newly identified shear-NO oscillator shares similarities with the well-known Van der Pol oscillator, but has unique characteristics. Depending on the operating conditions, the shear-NO process may i) be inherently stable, ii) oscillate spontaneously in response to random disturbances or iii) synchronize with weak periodic stimuli. When the complementary shear-driven and stretch-driven oscillators interact, either may dominate, producing a rich family of behaviors similar to those observed in vivo.

Energy transport in cooling device by magnetic fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Hiroshi; Iwamoto, Yuhiro

2017-06-01

Temperature sensitive magnetic fluid has a great potential with high performance heat transport ability as well as long distance energy (heat) transporting. In the present study experimental set-up was newly designed and constructed in order to measure basic heat transport characteristics under various magnetic field conditions. Angular dependence for the device (heat transfer section) was also taken into consideration for a sake of practical applications. The energy transfer characteristic (heat transport capability) in the magnetically-driven heat transport (cooling) device using the binary TSMF was fully investigated with the set-up. The obtained results indicate that boiling of the organic mixture (before the magnetic fluid itself reaching boiling point) effectively enhances the heat transfer as well as boosting the flow to circulate in the closed loop by itself. A long-distance heat transport of 5 m is experimentally confirmed, transferring the thermal energy of 35.8 W, even when the device (circulation loop) is horizontally placed. The highlighted results reveal that the proposed cooling device is innovative in a sense of transporting substantial amount of thermal energy (heat) as well as a long distance heat transport. The development of the magnetically-driven heat transport device has a great potential to be replaced for the conventional heat pipe in application of thermal engineering.

Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov Instabilities in Turbulent Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimonte, G.

1998-11-01

The Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) and its shock driven analog, the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI), affect a wide variety of important phenomena from sub-terrainian to astrophysical environments. The ``fluids" are equally varied from plasmas and magnetic fields to elastic-plastic solids. In most applications, the instabilities occur with a complex acceleration history and evolve to a highly nonlinear state, making the theoretical description formidable. We will link the fluid and plasma regimes while describing the theoretical issues and basic experiments in different venues to isolate key physics issues. RMI experiments on the Nova laser investigate the affects of compressibility with strong radiatively driven shocks (Mach > 10) in near solid density plasmas of sub-millimeter scale. The growth of single sinusoidal and random 3-D perturbations are measured using backlit radiography. RTI experiments with the Linear Electric Motor (LEM) are conducted with a variety of acceleration (<< 10^4 m/s^2) histories and fluids of 10 cm scale. Turbulent RTI experiments with high Reynolds number liquids show self-similar growth which is characterized with laser induced fluorescence. LEM experiments with an elastic-plastic material (yogurt) exhibit a critical wavelength and amplitude for instability. The experimental results will be compared with linear and nonlinear theories and hydrodynamic simulations.

Magnetically-actuated artificial cilia for microfluidic propulsion.

PubMed

Khaderi, S N; Craus, C B; Hussong, J; Schorr, N; Belardi, J; Westerweel, J; Prucker, O; Rühe, J; den Toonder, J M J; Onck, P R

2011-06-21

In this paper we quantitatively analyse the performance of magnetically-driven artificial cilia for lab-on-a-chip applications. The artificial cilia are fabricated using thin polymer films with embedded magnetic nano-particles and their deformation is studied under different external magnetic fields and flows. A coupled magneto-mechanical solid-fluid model that accurately captures the interaction between the magnetic field, cilia and fluid is used to simulate the cilia motion. The elastic and magnetic properties of the cilia are obtained by fitting the results of the computational model to the experimental data. The performance of the artificial cilia with a non-uniform cross-section is characterised using the numerical model for two channel configurations that are of practical importance: an open-loop and a closed-loop channel. We predict that the flow and pressure head generated by the artificial cilia can be as high as 18 microlitres per minute and 3 mm of water, respectively. We also study the effect of metachronal waves on the flow generated and show that the fluid propelled increases drastically compared to synchronously beating cilia, and is unidirectional. This increase is significant even when the phase difference between adjacent cilia is small. The obtained results provide guidelines for the optimal design of magnetically-driven artificial cilia for microfluidic propulsion.

Controlling Capillary-Driven Fluid Transport in Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices Using a Movable Valve.

PubMed

Li, Bowei; Yu, Lijuan; Qi, Ji; Fu, Longwen; Zhang, Peiqing; Chen, Lingxin

2017-06-06

This paper describes a novel strategy for fabricating the movable valve on paper-based microfluidic devices to manipulate capillary-driven fluids. The movable valve fabrication is first realized using hollow rivets as the holding center to control the paper channel in different layer movement that results in the channel's connection or disconnection. The relatively simple valve fabrication procedure is robust, versatile, and compatible with microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) with differing levels of complexity. It is remarkable that the movable valve can be convenient and free to control fluid without the timing setting, advantages that make it user-friendly for untrained users to carry out the complex multistep operations. For the performance of the movable valve to be verified, several different designs of μPADs were tested and obtained with satisfactory results. In addition, in the proof-of-concept enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments, we demonstrate the use of these valves in μPADs for the successful analysis of samples of carcino-embryonic antigen, showing good sensitivity and reproducibility. We hope this technique will open new avenues for the fabrication of paper-based valves in an easily adoptable and widely available way on μPADs and provide potential point-of-care applications in the future.

Transitioning from a single-phase fluid to a porous medium: a boundary layer approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalwadi, Mohit P.; Chapman, S. Jon; Oliver, James M.; Waters, Sarah L.

2014-11-01

Pressure-driven laminar channel flow is a classic problem in fluid mechanics, and the resultant Poiseuille flow is one of the few exact solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations. If the channel interior is a porous medium (governed by Darcy's law) rather than a single-phase fluid, the resultant behaviour is plug flow. But what happens when these two flow regions are coupled, as is the case for industrial membrane filtration systems or biological tissue engineering problems? How does one flow transition to the other? We use asymptotic methods to investigate pressure-driven flow through a long channel completely blocked by a finite-length porous obstacle. We analytically solve for the flow at both small and large Reynolds number (whilst remaining within the laminar regime). The boundary layer structure is surprisingly intricate for large Reynolds number. In that limit, the structure is markedly different depending on whether there is inflow or outflow through the porous medium, there being six asymptotic regions for inflow and three for outflow. We have extended this result to a wide class of 3D porous obstacles within a Hele-Shaw cell. We obtain general boundary conditions to couple the outer flows, and find that these conditions are far from obvious at higher order.

Earthquakes, fluid pressures and rapid subduction zone metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viete, D. R.

2013-12-01

High-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) metamorphism is commonly incomplete, meaning that large tracts of rock can remain metastable at blueschist- and eclogite-facies conditions for timescales up to millions of years [1]. When HP/LT metamorphism does take place, it can occur over extremely short durations (<<1 Myr) [1-2]. HP/LT metamorphism must be associated with processes that allow large volumes of rock to remain unaffected over long periods of time, but then suddenly undergo localized metamorphism. Existing models for HP/LT metamorphism have focussed on the role of fluids in providing heat for metamorphism [2] or catalyzing metamorphic reactions [1]. Earthquakes in subduction zone settings can occur to depths of 100s of km. Metamorphic dehydration and the associated development of elevated pore pressures in HP/LT metamorphic rocks has been identified as a cause of earthquake activity at such great depths [3-4]. The process of fracturing/faulting significantly increases rock permeability, causing channelized fluid flow and dissipation of pore pressures [3-4]. Thus, deep subduction zone earthquakes are thought to reflect an evolution in fluid pressure, involving: (1) an initial increase in pore pressure by heating-related dehydration of subduction zone rocks, and (2) rapid relief of pore pressures by faulting and channelized flow. Models for earthquakes at depth in subduction zones have focussed on the in situ effects of dehydration and then sudden escape of fluids from the rock mass following fracturing [3-4]. On the other hand, existing models for rapid and incomplete metamorphism in subduction zones have focussed only on the effects of heating and/or hydration with the arrival of external fluids [1-2]. Significant changes in pressure over very short timescales should result in rapid mineral growth and/or disequilibrium texture development in response to overstepping of mineral reaction boundaries. The repeated process of dehydration-pore pressure development-earthquake-pore pressure relief could conceivably produce a record of episodic HP/LT metamorphism driven by rapid pressure pulses. A new hypothesis is presented for the origins of HP/LT metamorphism: that HP/LT metamorphism is driven by effective pressure pulses caused by localized, earthquake-related modifications to fluid pressures in the subducted slab. In other words, HP/LT metamorphism marks abrupt changes in stress state within the subducted slab, driven by earthquake rupture and fluid flow, and involving a rapid return toward lithostatic pressure from effective pressures well below lithostatic. References: 1. Bjørnerud, MG, Austrheim, H & Lund, MG, 2002. Processes leading to eclogitization (densification) of subducted and tectonically buried crust. Journal of Geophysical Research 107, 2252. 2. Camacho, A, Lee, JKW, Hensen, BJ & Braun, J, 2005. Short-lived orogenic cycles and the eclogitization of cold crust by spasmodic hot fluids. Nature 435, 1191-1196. 3. Green, HW & Houston, H, 1995. The mechanics of deep earthquakes. Annual Reviews of Earth and Planetary Sciences 23, 169-213. 4. Hacker, BR, Peacock, SM, Abers, GA & Holloway, SD, 2003. Subduction factory 2. Are intermediate-depth earthquakes in subducting slabs linked to metamorphic dehydration reactions?. Journal of Geophysical Research 108, 2030.

A Reactive-Transport Model Describing Methanogen Growth and Methane Production in Diffuse Flow Vents at Axial Seamount

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Algar, C. K.

2015-12-01

Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is an important mode of metabolism in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Diffuse vent fluids often show a depletion in hydrogen with a corresponding increase in methane relative to pure-mixing of end member fluid and seawater, and genomic surveys show an enrichment in genetic sequences associated with known methanogens. However, because we cannot directly sample the subseafloor habitat where these organisms are living, constraining the size and activity of these populations remains a challenge and limits our ability to quantify the role they play in vent biogeochemistry. Reactive-transport modeling may provide a useful tool for approaching this problem. Here we present a reactive-transport model describing methane production along the flow-path of hydrothermal fluid from its high temperature end-member to diffuse venting at the seafloor. The model is set up to reflect conditions at several diffuse vents in the Axial Seamount. The model describes the growth of the two dominant thermophilic methanogens, Methanothermococcus and Methanocaldococcus, observed at Axial seamount. Monod and Arrhenius constants for Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus and Methanocaldococcus jannaschii were obtained for the model using chemostat and bottle experiments at varying temperatures. The model is used to investigate the influence of different mixing regimes on the subseafloor populations of these methanogens. By varying the model flow path length and subseafloor cell concentrations, and fitting to observed hydrogen and methane concentrations in the venting fluid, the subseafloor biomass, fluid residence time, and methane production rate can be constrained.

Onset of hexagons in surface-tension-driven Benard convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schatz, Michael F.; Vanhook, Stephen J.; Swift, John B.; Mccormick, William D.; Swinney, Harry L.

1994-01-01

High resolution laboratory experiments with large aspect ratio are being conducted for thin fluid layers heated from below and bounded from above by a free surface. The fluid depths are chosen sufficiently small (less than 0.06 cm) so that surface tension is the dominant driving mechanisms; the Rayleigh number is less than 5 for the results reported here. Shadowgraph visualization reveals that the primary instability leading to hexagons is slightly hysteretic (approximately 1 percent). Preliminary measurements of the convection amplitude using infrared imaging are also presented.

Laboratory observation of resistive electron tearing in a two-fluid reconnecting current sheet

DOE PAGES

Jara-Almonte, Jonathan; Ji, Hantao; Yamada, Masaaki; ...

2016-08-25

The spontaneous formation of plasmoids via the resistive electron tearing of a reconnecting current sheet is observed in the laboratory. These experiments are performed during driven, antiparallel reconnection in the two-fluid regime within the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment. It is found that plasmoids are present even at a very low Lundquist number, and the number of plasmoids scales with both the current sheet aspect ratio and the Lundquist number. Furthermore, the reconnection electric field increases when plasmoids are formed, leading to an enhanced reconnection rate.

Euler-Lagrange CFD modelling of unconfined gas mixing in anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Dapelo, Davide; Alberini, Federico; Bridgeman, John

2015-11-15

A novel Euler-Lagrangian (EL) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) finite volume-based model to simulate the gas mixing of sludge for anaerobic digestion is developed and described. Fluid motion is driven by momentum transfer from bubbles to liquid. Model validation is undertaken by assessing the flow field in a labscale model with particle image velocimetry (PIV). Conclusions are drawn about the upscaling and applicability of the model to full-scale problems, and recommendations are given for optimum application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving Federal Cybersecurity Governance Through Data-Driven Decision Making and Execution

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

responsibility to set the environment 2 Federal IT Dashboard (https://www.itdashboard.gov/sites/default/files/exhibit53report/4), World Bank GDP (http...ance managers  members of the private sector supporting the audience members listed above Figure 1 below graphically depicts the audience for...for root-cause analysis. Common examples of indicators include the Bureau of Labor Statis- tics’ Unemployment Rate and Consumer Price Index. Indices can

Disconnect unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, P., Jr.; Mcdougal, A. R. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A squib-actuated disconnect is characterized by an expandable collet axially extended from a first tension member for receiving in locking engagement a protuberance axially extended from a second tension member. A gas-driven retainer of an annular configuration is also locked in for supporting the collet in locking engagement with the protuberance. The protuberance is axially displaced in response to a firing of an associated squib for thus accommodating a disengagement of the protuberance and the collet.

Containment of a silicone fluid free surface in reduced gravity using barrier coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pline, Alexander D.; Jacobson, Thomas P.

1988-01-01

In support of the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment planned for flight aboard the Space Shuttle, tests were conducted under reduced gravity in the 2.2-sec Drop Tower and the 5.0-sec Zero-G facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The dynamics of controlling the test fluid, a 10-cSt viscosity silicone fluid in a low gravity environment were investigated using different container designs and barrier coatings. Three container edge designs were tested without a barrier coating; a square edge, a sharp edge with a 45-deg slope, and a sawtooth edge. All three edge designs were successful in containing the fluid below the edge. G-jitter experiments were made in scaled down containers subjected to horizontal accelerations. The data showed that a barrier coating is effective in containing silicone fluid under g-levels up to 10 sup -1 sub g sub 0. In addition, a second barrier coating was found which has similar anti-wetting characteristics and is also more durable.

Lamellar projections in the endolymphatic sac act as a relief valve to regulate inner ear pressure

PubMed Central

Swinburne, Ian A; Mosaliganti, Kishore R; Upadhyayula, Srigokul; Liu, Tsung-Li; Hildebrand, David G C; Tsai, Tony Y -C; Chen, Anzhi; Al-Obeidi, Ebaa; Fass, Anna K; Malhotra, Samir; Engert, Florian; Lichtman, Jeff W; Kirchausen, Tomas; Betzig, Eric

2018-01-01

The inner ear is a fluid-filled closed-epithelial structure whose function requires maintenance of an internal hydrostatic pressure and fluid composition. The endolymphatic sac (ES) is a dead-end epithelial tube connected to the inner ear whose function is unclear. ES defects can cause distended ear tissue, a pathology often seen in hearing and balance disorders. Using live imaging of zebrafish larvae, we reveal that the ES undergoes cycles of slow pressure-driven inflation followed by rapid deflation. Absence of these cycles in lmx1bb mutants leads to distended ear tissue. Using serial-section electron microscopy and adaptive optics lattice light-sheet microscopy, we find a pressure relief valve in the ES comprised of partially separated apical junctions and dynamic overlapping basal lamellae that separate under pressure to release fluid. We propose that this lmx1-dependent pressure relief valve is required to maintain fluid homeostasis in the inner ear and other fluid-filled cavities. PMID:29916365

Lattice Boltzmann computation of creeping fluid flow in roll-coating applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajan, Isac; Kesana, Balashanker; Perumal, D. Arumuga

2018-04-01

Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) has advanced as a class of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods used to solve complex fluid systems and heat transfer problems. It has ever-increasingly attracted the interest of researchers in computational physics to solve challenging problems of industrial and academic importance. In this current study, LBM is applied to simulate the creeping fluid flow phenomena commonly encountered in manufacturing technologies. In particular, we apply this novel method to simulate the fluid flow phenomena associated with the "meniscus roll coating" application. This prevalent industrial problem encountered in polymer processing and thin film coating applications is modelled as standard lid-driven cavity problem to which creeping flow analysis is applied. This incompressible viscous flow problem is studied in various speed ratios, the ratio of upper to lower lid speed in two different configurations of lid movement - parallel and anti-parallel wall motion. The flow exhibits interesting patterns which will help in design of roll coaters.

Simulation of two-phase flow in horizontal fracture networks with numerical manifold method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, G. W.; Wang, H. D.; Fan, L. F.; Wang, B.

2017-10-01

The paper presents simulation of two-phase flow in discrete fracture networks with numerical manifold method (NMM). Each phase of fluids is considered to be confined within the assumed discrete interfaces in the present method. The homogeneous model is modified to approach the mixed fluids. A new mathematical cover formation for fracture intersection is proposed to satisfy the mass conservation. NMM simulations of two-phase flow in a single fracture, intersection, and fracture network are illustrated graphically and validated by the analytical method or the finite element method. Results show that the motion status of discrete interface significantly depends on the ratio of mobility of two fluids rather than the value of the mobility. The variation of fluid velocity in each fracture segment and the driven fluid content are also influenced by the ratio of mobility. The advantages of NMM in the simulation of two-phase flow in a fracture network are demonstrated in the present study, which can be further developed for practical engineering applications.

A symbiotic approach to fluid equations and non-linear flux-driven simulations of plasma dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halpern, Federico

2017-10-01

The fluid framework is ubiquitous in studies of plasma transport and stability. Typical forms of the fluid equations are motivated by analytical work dating several decades ago, before computer simulations were indispensable, and can be, therefore, not optimal for numerical computation. We demonstrate a new first-principles approach to obtaining manifestly consistent, skew-symmetric fluid models, ensuring internal consistency and conservation properties even in discrete form. Mass, kinetic, and internal energy become quadratic (and always positive) invariants of the system. The model lends itself to a robust, straightforward discretization scheme with inherent non-linear stability. A simpler, drift-ordered form of the equations is obtained, and first results of their numerical implementation as a binary framework for bulk-fluid global plasma simulations are demonstrated. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, Theory Program, under Award No. DE-FG02-95ER54309.

Vortex servovalve for fluidic or electrical input

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honda, T. S.

1972-01-01

Proportional-pressure control servovalve consisting of fluid amplifier bellows-driven jet-pipe and two vortex valves operating in push-pull, with a pair of bellows for pressure feedback is tolerant to comtaminant particles and meets minimum standby flow requirements for applications such as rocket thruster nozzles.

Noncontinuous Super-Diffusive Dynamics of a Light-Activated Nanobottle Motor.

PubMed

Xuan, Mingjun; Mestre, Rafael; Gao, Changyong; Zhou, Chang; He, Qiang; Sánchez, Samuel

2018-06-04

We report a carbonaceous nanobottle (CNB) motor for near infrared (NIR) light-driven jet propulsion. The bottle structure of the CNB motor is fabricated by soft-template-based polymerization. Upon illumination with NIR light, the photothermal effect of the CNB motor carbon shell causes a rapid increase in the temperature of the water inside the nanobottle and thus the ejection of the heated fluid from the open neck, which propels the CNB motor. The occurrence of an explosion, the on/off motion, and the swing behavior of the CNB motor can be modulated by adjusting the NIR light source. Moreover, we simulated the physical field distribution (temperature, fluid velocity, and pressure) of the CNB motor to demonstrate the mechanism of NIR light-driven jet propulsion. This NIR light-powered CNB motor exhibits fuel-free propulsion and control of the swimming velocity by external light and has great potential for future biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Entropically Driven Layering Near a Substrate: A Fluids DFT Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGarrity, Erin; Frischknecht, Amalie; Mackay, Michael

2008-03-01

We employ a fluids density functional theory to study the phase behavior of athermal polymer/nanoparticle blends near a hard substrate. These blends exhibit two types of first order, entropically driven layering transitions. In the first type of transition, the nanoparticles order to form a layer which is a fixed distance from the surface. The structure and location of this layer depends on nanoparticle radius. In the second type of transition, which occurs at melt-like densities, the nanoparticles and polymers form laminar structures which resemble colloidal crystals. We examine the effects of packing density, chain length and nanoparticle radius on the system and show that the transitions are first order. In addition we show that the crystalline phase is nucleated by the presence of the surface. Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Microencapsulation and characterization of liposomal vesicles using a supercritical fluid process coupled with vacuum-driven cargo loading.

PubMed

Tsai, Wen-Chyan; Rizvi, Syed S H

2017-06-01

A new technique of liposomal microencapsulation, consisting of supercritical fluid extraction followed by rapid expansion of the supercritical solution and vacuum-driven cargo loading, was successfully developed. It is a continuous flow-through process without usage of any toxic organic solvent. For use as a coating material, the solubility of soy phospholipids in supercritical carbon dioxide was first determined using a dynamic equilibrium system and the data was correlated with the Chrastil model with good agreement. Liposomes were made with D-(+)-glucose as a cargo and their properties were characterized as functions of expansion pressure, temperature, and cargo loading rates. The highest encapsulation efficiency attained was 31.7% at the middle expansion pressure of 12.41MPa, highest expansion temperature of 90°C, and lowest cargo loading rate of 0.25mL/s. The large unilamellar vesicles and multivesicular vesicles were observed to be a majority of the liposomes produced using this eco-friendly process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostrach, S.; Kamotani, Y.

1996-01-01

This document reports the results obtained from the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) conducted aboard the USML-1 Spacelab in 1992. The experiments used 10 cSt silicone oil placed in an open circular container that was 10 cm wide and 5 cm deep. Thermocapillary flow was induced by using either a cylindrical heater placed along the container centerline or by a CO2 laser. The tests were conducted under various power settings, laser beam diameters, and free surface shapes. Thermistors located at various positions in the test section recorded the temperature of the fluid, heater, walls, and air. An infrared imager was used to measure the free surface temperature. The flow field was studied by flow visualization and the data was analyzed by a PTV technique. The results from the flow visualization and the temperature measurements are compared with the numerical analysis that was conducted in conjunction with the experiment. The compared results include the experimental and numerical velocity vector plots, the streamline plots, the fluid temperature, and the surface temperature distribution.

Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostrach, Simon; Kamotani, Y.; Pline, A.

1994-01-01

Results are reported of the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) aboard the USML-1 (first United States Microgravity Laboratory) Spacelab which was launched on June 25, 1992. In the experiment 10 cSt silicone oil was placed in an open circular container which was 10 cm wide by 5 cm deep. The fluid was heated either by a cylindrical heater (1.11 cm dia.) located along the container centerline or by a CO2 laser beam to induce thermocapillary flow. The flow field was studied by flow visualization. Several thermistor probes were placed in the fluid to measure the temperature distribution. The temperature distribution along the liquid free surface was measured by an infrared imager. Tests were conducted over a range of heating powers, laser beam diameters, and free surface shapes. In conjunction with the experiments an extensive numerical modeling of the flow was conducted. In this paper some results of the velocity and temperature measurements with flat and curved free surfaces are presented and they are shown to agree well with the numerical predictions.

Mixed convection in gravity-driven thin film non-Newtonian nanofluids flow with gyrotactic microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Noor Saeed; Gul, Taza; Khan, Muhammad Altaf; Bonyah, Ebenezer; Islam, Saeed

Mixed convection in gravity-driven non-Newtonian nanofluid films (Casson and Williamson) flow containing both nanoparticles and gyrotactic microorganisms along a convectively heated vertical surface is investigated. The actively controlled nanofluid model boundary conditions are used to explore the liquid films flow. The study exhibits an analytical approach for the non-Newtonian thin film nanofluids bioconvection based on physical mechanisms responsible for the nanoparticles and the base fluid, such as Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Both the fluids have almost the same behaviors for the effects of all the pertinent parameters except the effect of Schmidt number on the microorganism density function where the effect is opposite. Ordinary differential equations together with the boundary conditions are obtained through similarity variables from the governing equations of the problem, which are solved by HAM (Homotopy Analysis Method). The solution is expressed through graphs and illustrated which show the influences of all the parameters. The study is relevant to novel microbial fuel cell technologies combining the nanofluid with bioconvection phenomena.

Dehydration-driven stress transfer triggers intermediate-depth earthquakes

PubMed Central

Ferrand, Thomas P.; Hilairet, Nadège; Incel, Sarah; Deldicque, Damien; Labrousse, Loïc; Gasc, Julien; Renner, Joerg; Wang, Yanbin; Green II, Harry W.; Schubnel, Alexandre

2017-01-01

Intermediate-depth earthquakes (30–300 km) have been extensively documented within subducting oceanic slabs, but their mechanics remains enigmatic. Here we decipher the mechanism of these earthquakes by performing deformation experiments on dehydrating serpentinized peridotites (synthetic antigorite-olivine aggregates, minerals representative of subduction zones lithologies) at upper mantle conditions. At a pressure of 1.1 gigapascals, dehydration of deforming samples containing only 5 vol% of antigorite suffices to trigger acoustic emissions, a laboratory-scale analogue of earthquakes. At 3.5 gigapascals, acoustic emissions are recorded from samples with up to 50 vol% of antigorite. Experimentally produced faults, observed post-mortem, are sealed by fluid-bearing micro-pseudotachylytes. Microstructural observations demonstrate that antigorite dehydration triggered dynamic shear failure of the olivine load-bearing network. These laboratory analogues of intermediate-depth earthquakes demonstrate that little dehydration is required to trigger embrittlement. We propose an alternative model to dehydration-embrittlement in which dehydration-driven stress transfer, rather than fluid overpressure, causes embrittlement. PMID:28504263

Dehydration-driven stress transfer triggers intermediate-depth earthquakes

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

Ferrand, Thomas P.; Hilairet, Nadège; Incel, Sarah

Intermediate-depth earthquakes (30–300 km) have been extensively documented within subducting oceanic slabs, but their mechanics remains enigmatic. Here in this paper we decipher the mechanism of these earthquakes by performing deformation experiments on dehydrating serpentinized peridotites (synthetic antigorite-olivine aggregates, minerals representative of subduction zones lithologies) at upper mantle conditions. At a pressure of 1.1 gigapascals, dehydration of deforming samples containing only 5 vol% of antigorite suffices to trigger acoustic emissions, a laboratory-scale analogue of earthquakes. At 3.5 gigapascals, acoustic emissions are recorded from samples with up to 50 vol% of antigorite. Experimentally produced faults, observed post-mortem, are sealed by fluid-bearingmore » micro-pseudotachylytes. Microstructural observations demonstrate that antigorite dehydration triggered dynamic shear failure of the olivine load-bearing network. These laboratory analogues of intermediatedepth earthquakes demonstrate that little dehydration is required to trigger embrittlement. We propose an alternative model to dehydration-embrittlement in which dehydration-driven stress transfer, rather than fluid overpressure, causes embrittlement.« less

Dehydration-driven stress transfer triggers intermediate-depth earthquakes

DOE PAGES

Ferrand, Thomas P.; Hilairet, Nadège; Incel, Sarah; ...

2017-05-15

Intermediate-depth earthquakes (30–300 km) have been extensively documented within subducting oceanic slabs, but their mechanics remains enigmatic. Here in this paper we decipher the mechanism of these earthquakes by performing deformation experiments on dehydrating serpentinized peridotites (synthetic antigorite-olivine aggregates, minerals representative of subduction zones lithologies) at upper mantle conditions. At a pressure of 1.1 gigapascals, dehydration of deforming samples containing only 5 vol% of antigorite suffices to trigger acoustic emissions, a laboratory-scale analogue of earthquakes. At 3.5 gigapascals, acoustic emissions are recorded from samples with up to 50 vol% of antigorite. Experimentally produced faults, observed post-mortem, are sealed by fluid-bearingmore » micro-pseudotachylytes. Microstructural observations demonstrate that antigorite dehydration triggered dynamic shear failure of the olivine load-bearing network. These laboratory analogues of intermediatedepth earthquakes demonstrate that little dehydration is required to trigger embrittlement. We propose an alternative model to dehydration-embrittlement in which dehydration-driven stress transfer, rather than fluid overpressure, causes embrittlement.« less

Contraction driven flow in the extended vein networks of Physarum polycephalum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alim, Karen; Amselem, Gabriel; Peaudecerf, Francois; Pringle, Anne; Brenner, Michael P.

2011-11-01

The true slime mold Physarum polycephalum is a basal organism that forms an extended network of veins to forage for food. P. polycephalum is renown for its adaptive changes of vein structure and morphology in response to food sources. These rearrangements presumably occur to establish an efficient transport and mixing of resources throughout the networks thus presenting a prototype to design transport networks under the constraints of laminar flow. The physical flows of cytoplasmic fluid enclosed by the veins exhibit an oscillatory flow termed ``shuttle streaming.'' The flow exceed by far the volume required for growth at the margins suggesting that the additional energy cost for generating the flow is spent for efficient and/or targeted redistribution of resources. We show that the viscous shuttle flow is driven by the radial contractions of the veins that accompany the streaming. We present a model for the fluid flow and resource dispersion arising due to radial contractions. The transport and mixing properties of the flow are discussed.

Simulation studies on the standing and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skaria, Mathew; Rasheed, K. K. Abdul; Shafi, K. A.; Kasthurirengan, S.; Behera, Upendra

2014-01-01

Thermoacoustic systems have been a focus of recent research due to its structural simplicity, high reliability due to absence of moving parts, and can be driven by low grade energy such as fuel, gas, solar energy, waste heat etc. There has been extensive research on both standing wave and traveling wave systems. Towards the development of such systems, simulations can be carried out by several methods such as (a) solving the energy equation, (b) enthalpy flow model, (c) DeltaEC, a free software available from LANL, USA (d) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) etc. We present here the simulation studies of standing wave and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers using CFD and DeltaEC. The CFD analysis is carried out using Fluent 6.3.26, incorporating the necessary boundary conditions with different working fluids at different operating pressures. The results obtained by CFD are compared with those obtained using DeltaEC. Also, the CFD simulation of the thermoacoustically driven refrigerator is presented.

Simulation studies on the standing and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers

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

Skaria, Mathew; Rasheed, K. K. Abdul; Shafi, K. A.

Thermoacoustic systems have been a focus of recent research due to its structural simplicity, high reliability due to absence of moving parts, and can be driven by low grade energy such as fuel, gas, solar energy, waste heat etc. There has been extensive research on both standing wave and traveling wave systems. Towards the development of such systems, simulations can be carried out by several methods such as (a) solving the energy equation, (b) enthalpy flow model, (c) DeltaEC, a free software available from LANL, USA (d) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) etc. We present here the simulation studies of standingmore » wave and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers using CFD and DeltaEC. The CFD analysis is carried out using Fluent 6.3.26, incorporating the necessary boundary conditions with different working fluids at different operating pressures. The results obtained by CFD are compared with those obtained using DeltaEC. Also, the CFD simulation of the thermoacoustically driven refrigerator is presented.« less

Spontaneous mirror-symmetry breaking induces inverse energy cascade in 3D active fluids

PubMed Central

Słomka, Jonasz; Dunkel, Jörn

2017-01-01

Classical turbulence theory assumes that energy transport in a 3D turbulent flow proceeds through a Richardson cascade whereby larger vortices successively decay into smaller ones. By contrast, an additional inverse cascade characterized by vortex growth exists in 2D fluids and gases, with profound implications for meteorological flows and fluid mixing. The possibility of a helicity-driven inverse cascade in 3D fluids had been rejected in the 1970s based on equilibrium-thermodynamic arguments. Recently, however, it was proposed that certain symmetry-breaking processes could potentially trigger a 3D inverse cascade, but no physical system exhibiting this phenomenon has been identified to date. Here, we present analytical and numerical evidence for the existence of an inverse energy cascade in an experimentally validated 3D active fluid model, describing microbial suspension flows that spontaneously break mirror symmetry. We show analytically that self-organized scale selection, a generic feature of many biological and engineered nonequilibrium fluids, can generate parity-violating Beltrami flows. Our simulations further demonstrate how active scale selection controls mirror-symmetry breaking and the emergence of a 3D inverse cascade. PMID:28193853

Nanoscale simple-fluid behavior under steady shear.

PubMed

Yong, Xin; Zhang, Lucy T

2012-05-01

In this study, we use two nonequilibrium molecular dynamics algorithms, boundary-driven shear and homogeneous shear, to explore the rheology and flow properties of a simple fluid undergoing steady simple shear. The two distinct algorithms are designed to elucidate the influences of nanoscale confinement. The results of rheological material functions, i.e., viscosity and normal pressure differences, show consistent Newtonian behaviors at low shear rates from both systems. The comparison validates that confinements of the order of 10 nm are not strong enough to deviate the simple fluid behaviors from the continuum hydrodynamics. The non-Newtonian phenomena of the simple fluid are further investigated by the homogeneous shear simulations with much higher shear rates. We observe the "string phase" at high shear rates by applying both profile-biased and profile-unbiased thermostats. Contrary to other findings where the string phase is found to be an artifact of the thermostats, we perform a thorough analysis of the fluid microstructures formed due to shear, which shows that it is possible to have a string phase and second shear thinning for dense simple fluids.

Long-term dietary sodium, potassium and fluid intake; exploring potential novel risk factors for renal cell cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer.

PubMed

Deckers, I A G; van den Brandt, P A; van Engeland, M; Soetekouw, P M M B; Baldewijns, M M L L; Goldbohm, R A; Schouten, L J

2014-02-04

As sodium, potassium and fluid intake are related to hypertension, an established risk factor for renal cell cancer (RCC), they may be independent risk factors for RCC. The Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS) with case-cohort design included 120,852 participants aged 55-69 years. At baseline, diet and lifestyle were assessed with questionnaires. After 17.3 years of follow-up, 485 RCC cases and 4438 subcohort members were available for analyses. Sodium intake increased RCC risk (P-trend=0.03), whereas fluid and potassium intake did not. For high sodium and low fluid intake, the RCC risk additionally increased (P-interaction=0.02). Sodium intake is a potential risk factor for RCC, particularly if fluid consumption is low.

Kyle Benne | NREL

Science.gov Websites

developer. He is a member of the OpenStudio development team, where he focuses on creating new simulation expertise in fluid mechanics and numerical simulation. Education M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Missouri

Studies of heat source driven natural convection. Ph.D. Thesis. Technical Report, Jul. 1974 - Aug. 1975

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulacki, F. A.; Emara, A. A.

1975-01-01

Natural convection energy transport in a horizontal layer of internally heated fluid was measured for Rayleigh numbers from 1890 to 2.17 x 10 to the 12th power. The fluid layer is bounded below by a rigid zero-heat-flux surface and above by a rigid constant-temperature surface. Joule heating by an alternating current passing horizontally through the layer provides the uniform volumetric energy source. The overall steady-state heat transfer coefficient at the upper surface was determined by measuring the temperature difference across the layer and power input to the fluid. The correlation between the Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers for the data of the present study and the data of the Kulacki study is given.

Advances in electrophoretic separations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, R. S.; Rhodes, P. H.

1984-01-01

Free fluid electrophoresis is described using laboratory and space experiments combined with extensive mathematical modeling. Buoyancy driven convective flows due to thermal and concentration gradients are absent in the reduced gravity environment of space. The elimination of convection in weightlessness offers possible improvements in electrophoresis and other separation methods which occur in fluid media. The mathematical modeling suggests new ways of doing electrophoresis in space and explains various phenomena observed during past experiments. The extent to which ground based separation techniques are limited by gravity induced convection is investigated and space experiments are designed to evaluate specific characteristics of the fluid/particle environment. A series of experiments are proposed that require weightlessness and apparatus is developed that can be used to carry out these experiments in the near future.

Probing the type of anomalous diffusion with single-particle tracking.

PubMed

Ernst, Dominique; Köhler, Jürgen; Weiss, Matthias

2014-05-07

Many reactions in complex fluids, e.g. signaling cascades in the cytoplasm of living cells, are governed by a diffusion-driven encounter of reactants. Yet, diffusion in complex fluids often exhibits an anomalous characteristic ('subdiffusion'). Since different types of subdiffusion have distinct effects on timing and equilibria of chemical reactions, a thorough determination of the reactants' type of random walk is key to a quantitative understanding of reactions in complex fluids. Here we introduce a straightforward and simple approach for determining the type of subdiffusion from single-particle tracking data. Unlike previous approaches, our method also is sensitive to transient subdiffusion phenomena, e.g. obstructed diffusion below the percolation threshold. We validate our strategy with data from experiment and simulation.

Low-gravity fluid flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostrach, S.

1982-01-01

The behavior of fluids in micro-gravity conditions is examined, with particular regard to applications in the growth of single crystals. The effects of gravity on fluid behavior are reviewed, and the advent of Shuttle flights are noted to offer extended time for experimentation and processing in a null-gravity environment, with accelerations resulting solely from maneuvering rockets. Buoyancy driven flows are considered for the cases stable-, unstable-, and mixed-mode convection. Further discussion is presented on g-jitter, surface-tension gradient, thermoacoustic, and phase-change convection. All the flows are present in both gravity and null gravity conditions, although the effects of buoyancy and g-jitter convection usually overshadow the other effects while in a gravity field. Further work is recommended on critical-state and sedimentation processes in microgravity conditions.

Electrophoresis of small particles and fluid globules in weak electrolytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baygents, J. C.; Saville, D. A.

1991-01-01

An examination is conducted of the influence of partial ionization on the electrophoresis of small particles and fluid globules, with a view to the nature of conditions under which dissociation-association (D-A) alters electrokinetics. It is found that, since D-A processes are important in cases where double-layer polarization and relaxation would otherwise prevail, the predicted effect on electrophoretic mobility is greatest for the drops and bubbles whose surfaces are fluid and convection within the interface is significant. While the computation scheme used applies only to situations where forcing-field magnitude is small, the results obtained indicate that D-A processes involving ionogenic solutes may be significant in apolar liquids where electrokinetic phenomena are driven by strong forcing fields.

Centrifugally Driven Rayleigh-Taylor Instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scase, Matthew; Hill, Richard

2017-11-01

The instability that develops at the interface between two fluids of differing density due to the rapid rotation of the system may be considered as a limit of high-rotation rate Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Previously the authors have considered the effect of rotation on a gravitationally dominated Rayleigh-Taylor instability and have shown that some growth modes of instability may be suppressed completely by the stabilizing effect of rotation (Phys. Rev. Fluids 2:024801, Sci. Rep. 5:11706). Here we consider the case of very high rotation rates and a negligible gravitational field. The initial condition is of a dense inner cylinder of fluid surrounded by a lighter layer of fluid. As the system is rotated about the generating axis of the cylinder, the dense inner fluid moves away from the axis and the familiar bubbles and spikes of Rayleigh-Taylor instability develop at the interface. The system may be thought of as a ``fluid-fluid centrifuge''. By developing a model based on an Orr-Sommerfeld equation, we consider the effects of viscosity, surface tension and interface diffusion on the growth rate and modes of instability. We show that under particular circumstances some modes may be stabilized. School of Mathematical Sciences.

Experiments and observations regarding the mechanisms of glass removal in magnetorheological finishing.

PubMed

Shorey, A B; Jacobs, S D; Kordonski, W I; Gans, R F

2001-01-01

Recent advances in the study of the magnetorheological finishing (MRF) have allowed for the characterization of the dynamic yield stress of the magnetorheological (MR) fluid, as well as the nanohardness (H(nano)) of the carbonyl iron (CI) used in MRF. Knowledge of these properties has allowed for a more complete study of the mechanisms of material removal in MRF. Material removal experiments show that the nanohardness of CI is important in MRF with nonaqueous MR fluids with no nonmagnetic abrasives, but is relatively unimportant in aqueous MR fluids or when nonmagnetic abrasives are present. The hydrated layer created by the chemical effects of water is shown to change the way material is removed by hard CI as the MR fluid transitions from a nonaqueous MR fluid to an aqueous MR fluid. Drag force measurements and atomic force microscope scans demonstrate that, when added to a MR fluid, nonmagnetic abrasives (cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, and diamond) are driven toward the workpiece surface because of the gradient in the magnetic field and hence become responsible for material removal. Removal rates increase with the addition of these polishing abrasives. The relative increase depends on the amount and type of abrasive used.

Guatemala jadeitites and albitites were formed by deuterium-rich serpentinizing fluids deep within a subduction zone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, C.A.; Harlow, G.E.

1999-01-01

Jadeitites and albitites from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, are high-pressure-low-temperature metasomatic rocks that occur as tectonic inclusions in serpentinite-matrix melange. Metasomatism was driven by a fluid with a ??18OH2O value of 6???, and a ??DH2O value that is high in comparison with metamorphic fluids at other high-pressure-low-temperature localities of similar grade. We infer that the fluid was originally seawater that was entrained during subduction either as mineral-bound H2O or as free pore waters. The fluid drove serpentinization reactions in ultramafic rocks, possibly leading to deuterium enrichment of H2O, prior to forming the Jadeitites and albitites at a depth of 29 ?? 11 km. There are isotopic and fluid-inclusion similarities to rodingites, which are Ca-rich metasomatites found at other serpentinite localities. Our results suggest that the serpentinization process, whether it occurs within subduction zones or on the flanks of oceanic spreading ridges, may produce residual fluids that are H2O rich, have 1-8 wt% equivalent NaCl, and have high, perhaps sea water-like, ??D values.

Slump Flows inside Pipes: Numerical Results and Comparison with Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malekmohammadi, S.; Naccache, M. F.; Frigaard, I. A.; Martinez, D. M.

2008-07-01

In this work an analysis of the buoyancy-driven slumping flow inside a pipe is presented. This flow usually occurs when an oil well is sealed by a plug cementing process, where a cement plug is placed inside the pipe filled with a lower density fluid, displacing it towards the upper cylinder wall. Both the cement and the surrounding fluids have a non Newtonian behavior. The cement is viscoplastic and the surrounding fluid presents a shear thinning behavior. A numerical analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of some governing parameters on the slump length development. The conservation equations of mass and momentum were solved via a finite volume technique, using Fluent software (Ansys Inc.). The Volume of Fluid surface-tracking method was used to obtain the interface between the fluids and the slump length as a function of time. The results were obtained for different values of fluids densities differences, fluids rheology and pipe inclinations. The effects of these parameters on the interface shape and on the slump length versus time curve were analyzed. Moreover, the numerical results were compared to experimental ones, but some differences are observed, possibly due to chemical effects at the interface.

Dynamic compression of dense oxide (Gd3Ga5O12) from 0.4 to 2.6 TPa: Universal Hugoniot of fluid metals

PubMed Central

Ozaki, N.; Nellis, W. J.; Mashimo, T.; Ramzan, M.; Ahuja, R.; Kaewmaraya, T.; Kimura, T.; Knudson, M.; Miyanishi, K.; Sakawa, Y.; Sano, T.; Kodama, R.

2016-01-01

Materials at high pressures and temperatures are of great current interest for warm dense matter physics, planetary sciences, and inertial fusion energy research. Shock-compression equation-of-state data and optical reflectivities of the fluid dense oxide, Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG), were measured at extremely high pressures up to 2.6 TPa (26 Mbar) generated by high-power laser irradiation and magnetically-driven hypervelocity impacts. Above 0.75 TPa, the GGG Hugoniot data approach/reach a universal linear line of fluid metals, and the optical reflectivity most likely reaches a constant value indicating that GGG undergoes a crossover from fluid semiconductor to poor metal with minimum metallic conductivity (MMC). These results suggest that most fluid compounds, e.g., strong planetary oxides, reach a common state on the universal Hugoniot of fluid metals (UHFM) with MMC at sufficiently extreme pressures and temperatures. The systematic behaviors of warm dense fluid would be useful benchmarks for developing theoretical equation-of-state and transport models in the warm dense matter regime in determining computational predictions. PMID:27193942

Dynamic compression of dense oxide (Gd 3Ga 5O 12) from 0.4 to 2.6 TPa: Universal Hugoniot of fluid metals

DOE PAGES

Ozaki, N.; Nellis, W. J.; Mashimo, T.; ...

2016-05-19

Materials at high pressures and temperatures are of great current interest for warm dense matter physics, planetary sciences, and inertial fusion energy research. Shock-compression equation-of-state data and optical reflectivities of the fluid dense oxide, Gd 3Ga 5O 12 (GGG), were measured at extremely high pressures up to 2.6 TPa (26 Mbar) generated by high-power laser irradiation and magnetically-driven hypervelocity impacts. Above 0.75 TPa, the GGG Hugoniot data approach/reach a universal linear line of fluid metals, and the optical reflectivity most likely reaches a constant value indicating that GGG undergoes a crossover from fluid semiconductor to poor metal with minimum metallicmore » conductivity (MMC). These results suggest that most fluid compounds, e.g., strong planetary oxides, reach a common state on the universal Hugoniot of fluid metals (UHFM) with MMC at sufficiently extreme pressures and temperatures. Lastly, the systematic behaviors of warm dense fluid would be useful benchmarks for developing theoretical equation-of-state and transport models in the warm dense matter regime in determining computational predictions.« less

Dynamic compression of dense oxide (Gd3Ga5O12) from 0.4 to 2.6 TPa: Universal Hugoniot of fluid metals.

PubMed

Ozaki, N; Nellis, W J; Mashimo, T; Ramzan, M; Ahuja, R; Kaewmaraya, T; Kimura, T; Knudson, M; Miyanishi, K; Sakawa, Y; Sano, T; Kodama, R

2016-05-19

Materials at high pressures and temperatures are of great current interest for warm dense matter physics, planetary sciences, and inertial fusion energy research. Shock-compression equation-of-state data and optical reflectivities of the fluid dense oxide, Gd3Ga5O12 (GGG), were measured at extremely high pressures up to 2.6 TPa (26 Mbar) generated by high-power laser irradiation and magnetically-driven hypervelocity impacts. Above 0.75 TPa, the GGG Hugoniot data approach/reach a universal linear line of fluid metals, and the optical reflectivity most likely reaches a constant value indicating that GGG undergoes a crossover from fluid semiconductor to poor metal with minimum metallic conductivity (MMC). These results suggest that most fluid compounds, e.g., strong planetary oxides, reach a common state on the universal Hugoniot of fluid metals (UHFM) with MMC at sufficiently extreme pressures and temperatures. The systematic behaviors of warm dense fluid would be useful benchmarks for developing theoretical equation-of-state and transport models in the warm dense matter regime in determining computational predictions.

Hydraulic fracturing fluid migration in the subsurface: A review and expanded modeling results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birdsell, Daniel T.; Rajaram, Harihar; Dempsey, David; Viswanathan, Hari S.

2015-09-01

Understanding the transport of hydraulic fracturing (HF) fluid that is injected into the deep subsurface for shale gas extraction is important to ensure that shallow drinking water aquifers are not contaminated. Topographically driven flow, overpressured shale reservoirs, permeable pathways such as faults or leaky wellbores, the increased formation pressure due to HF fluid injection, and the density contrast of the HF fluid to the surrounding brine can encourage upward HF fluid migration. In contrast, the very low shale permeability and capillary imbibition of water into partially saturated shale may sequester much of the HF fluid, and well production will remove HF fluid from the subsurface. We review the literature on important aspects of HF fluid migration. Single-phase flow and transport simulations are performed to quantify how much HF fluid is removed via the wellbore with flowback and produced water, how much reaches overlying aquifers, and how much is permanently sequestered by capillary imbibition, which is treated as a sink term based on a semianalytical, one-dimensional solution for two-phase flow. These simulations include all of the important aspects of HF fluid migration identified in the literature review and are performed in five stages to faithfully represent the typical operation of a hydraulically fractured well. No fracturing fluid reaches the aquifer without a permeable pathway. In the presence of a permeable pathway, 10 times more fracturing fluid reaches the aquifer if well production and capillary imbibition are not included in the model.

Mathematical model of microbicidal flow dynamics and optimization of rheological properties for intra-vaginal drug delivery: Role of tissue mechanics and fluid rheology.

PubMed

Anwar, Md Rajib; Camarda, Kyle V; Kieweg, Sarah L

2015-06-25

Topically applied microbicide gels can provide a self-administered and effective strategy to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We have investigated the interplay between vaginal tissue elasticity and the yield-stress of non-Newtonian fluids during microbicide deployment. We have developed a mathematical model of tissue deformation driven spreading of microbicidal gels based on thin film lubrication approximation and demonstrated the effect of tissue elasticity and fluid yield-stress on the spreading dynamics. Our results show that both elasticity of tissue and yield-stress rheology of gel are strong determinants of the coating behavior. An optimization framework has been demonstrated which leverages the flow dynamics of yield-stress fluid during deployment to maximize retention while reaching target coating length for a given tissue elasticity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Superphobicity/philicity Janus Fabrics with Switchable, Spontaneous, Directional Transport Ability to Water and Oil Fluids

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hua; Wang, Hongxia; Niu, Haitao; Lin, Tong

2013-01-01

Herein we demonstrate that switchable, spontaneous, directional-transport ability to both water and oil fluids can be created on fabric materials through wet-chemistry coating and successive UV irradiation treatment. When the fabric showed directional transport to a liquid, it prevented liquids of higher surface tension from penetration, but allowed liquids of lower surface tension to permeate, from either side. The directional transport ability can be switched from one fluid to another simply by heating the fabric at an elevated temperature and then re-irradiating the fabric with UV light for required period of time. By attaching liquid drops vertically upwards to a horizontally-laid fabric, we further demonstrated that this novel directional fluid transport was an automatic process driven by surface property alone, irrespective of gravity's effect. This novel fabric may be useful for development of “smart” textiles and functional membranes for various applications. PMID:24129357

Dynamic behavior of microscale particles controlled by standing bulk acoustic waves

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

Greenhall, J.; Raeymaekers, B., E-mail: bart.raeymaekers@utah.edu; Guevara Vasquez, F.

2014-10-06

We analyze the dynamic behavior of a spherical microparticle submerged in a fluid medium, driven to the node of a standing bulk acoustic wave created by two opposing transducers. We derive the dynamics of the fluid-particle system taking into account the acoustic radiation force and the time-dependent and time-independent drag force acting on the particle. Using this dynamic model, we characterize the transient and steady-state behavior of the fluid-particle system as a function of the particle and fluid properties and the transducer operating parameters. The results show that the settling time and percent overshoot of the particle trajectory are dependentmore » on the ratio of the acoustic radiation force and time-independent damping force. In addition, we show that the particle oscillates around the node of the standing wave with an amplitude that depends on the ratio of the time-dependent drag forces and the particle inertia.« less

Tribology Experiment in Zero Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pan, C. H. T.; Gause, R. L.; Whitaker, A. F.; Finckenor, M. M.

2015-01-01

A tribology experiment in zero gravity was performed during the orbital flight of Spacelab 1 to study the motion of liquid lubricants over solid surfaces. The absence of a significant gravitational force facilitates observation of such motions as controlled by interfacial and capillary forces. Two experimental configurations were used. One deals with the liquid on one solid surface, and the other with the liquid between a pair of closed spaced surfaces. Time sequence photographs of fluid motion on a solid surface yielded spreading rate data of several fluid-surface combinations. In general, a slow spreading process as governed by the tertiary junction can be distinguished from a more rapid process which is driven by surface tension controlled internal fluid pressure. Photographs were also taken through the transparent bushings of several experimental journal bearings. Morphology of incomplete fluid films and its fluctuation with time suggest the presence or absence of unsteady phenomena of the bearing-rotor system in various arrangements.

Fluid Flow and Solidification Under Combined Action of Magnetic Fields and Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, B. Q.; Shu, Y.; Li, K.; deGroh, H. C.

2002-01-01

Mathematical models, both 2-D and 3-D, are developed to represent g-jitter induced fluid flows and their effects on solidification under combined action of magnetic fields and microgravity. The numerical model development is based on the finite element solution of governing equations describing the transient g-jitter driven fluid flows, heat transfer and solutal transport during crystal growth with and without an applied magnetic field in space vehicles. To validate the model predictions, a ground-based g-jitter simulator is developed using the oscillating wall temperatures where timely oscillating fluid flows are measured using a laser PIV system. The measurements are compared well with numerical results obtained from the numerical models. Results show that a combined action derived from magnetic damping and microgravity can be an effective means to control the melt flow and solutal transport in space single crystal growth systems.

The pressure is all in your head: A cilia-driven high-pressure pump in the head of a deep-sea animal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawroth, Janna; Katija, Kakani; Shelley, Michael; Kanso, Eva

2017-11-01

Motile cilia are microscopic, hair-like structures on the cell surface that can sense and propel the extracellular fluid environment. In many ciliated systems found in nature, such as the mammalian airways and marine sponges, the organization and collective behavior of the cilia favors the pumping of fluids at low pressures and high volumes. We recently discovered an alternate design located in the head of a deep-sea animal called Larvacean. Here, cilia morphology, kinematics and flow indicate a role in maintaining the hydrostatic skeleton of the animal by generating a high-pressure flow. We describe our empirical and computational approaches toward understanding the design principles and dynamic range of this newly discovered pumping mechanism. In ongoing work, we further explore the fluid dynamic constraints on the morphological diversity of cilia and the resulting categories of fluid transport functions.

Self-regulation in self-propelled nematic fluids.

PubMed

Baskaran, A; Marchetti, M C

2012-09-01

We consider the hydrodynamic theory of an active fluid of self-propelled particles with nematic aligning interactions. This class of materials has polar symmetry at the microscopic level, but forms macrostates of nematic symmetry. We highlight three key features of the dynamics. First, as in polar active fluids, the control parameter for the order-disorder transition, namely the density, is dynamically convected by the order parameter via active currents. The resulting dynamical self-regulation of the order parameter is a generic property of active fluids and destabilizes the uniform nematic state near the mean-field transition. Secondly, curvature-driven currents render the system unstable deep in the nematic state, as found previously. Finally, and unique to self-propelled nematics, nematic order induces local polar order that in turn leads to the growth of density fluctuations. We propose this as a possible mechanism for the smectic order of polar clusters seen in numerical simulations.

Superphobicity/philicity Janus Fabrics with Switchable, Spontaneous, Directional Transport Ability to Water and Oil Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hua; Wang, Hongxia; Niu, Haitao; Lin, Tong

2013-10-01

Herein we demonstrate that switchable, spontaneous, directional-transport ability to both water and oil fluids can be created on fabric materials through wet-chemistry coating and successive UV irradiation treatment. When the fabric showed directional transport to a liquid, it prevented liquids of higher surface tension from penetration, but allowed liquids of lower surface tension to permeate, from either side. The directional transport ability can be switched from one fluid to another simply by heating the fabric at an elevated temperature and then re-irradiating the fabric with UV light for required period of time. By attaching liquid drops vertically upwards to a horizontally-laid fabric, we further demonstrated that this novel directional fluid transport was an automatic process driven by surface property alone, irrespective of gravity's effect. This novel fabric may be useful for development of ``smart'' textiles and functional membranes for various applications.

Toward an optimal design principle in symmetric and asymmetric tree flow networks.

PubMed

Miguel, Antonio F

2016-01-21

Fluid flow in tree-shaped networks plays an important role in both natural and engineered systems. This paper focuses on laminar flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian power law fluids in symmetric and asymmetric bifurcating trees. Based on the constructal law, we predict the tree-shaped architecture that provides greater access to the flow subjected to the total network volume constraint. The relationships between the sizes of parent and daughter tubes are presented both for symmetric and asymmetric branching tubes. We also approach the wall-shear stresses and the flow resistance in terms of first tube size, degree of asymmetry between daughter branches, and rheological behavior of the fluid. The influence of tubes obstructing the fluid flow is also accounted for. The predictions obtained by our theory-driven approach find clear support in the findings of previous experimental studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Peeling without precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lister, John; Skinner, Dominic; Large, Tim

2017-11-01

The peeling by fluid injection of an elastic sheet away from a substrate is often regularised by invoking a thin prewetting film or a low-viscosity phase in the tip. Here we analyse fluid-driven peeling without such precursors, and consider an elastic sheet either bonded to, or simply laid on, an elastic substrate. To resolve the `elastic contact-line problem' that arises from viscous flow and beam theory, we determine the near-tip behaviour from lubrication theory coupled to the full equations of elasticity and fracture. The result is a law for the tip propagation speed in terms of the remote loading and the toughness of the sheet-substrate bonding (which might be zero). There are distinct modes of failure, according to whether there is slip ahead of the fluid front. The propagation-speed law gives rise to new similarity solutions for the spread of a fluid-filled blister in different regimes.

Fundamental Processes of Atomization in Fluid-Fluid Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCready, M. J.; Chang, H.-C.; Leighton, D. T.

2001-01-01

This report outlines the major results of the grant "Fundamental Processes of Atomization in Fluid-Fluid Flows." These include: 1) the demonstration that atomization in liquid/liquid shear flow is driven by a viscous shear instability that triggers the formation of a long thin sheet; 2) discovery of a new mode of interfacial instability for oscillatory two-layer systems whereby a mode that originates within the less viscous liquid phase causes interfacial deformation as the oscillation proceeds; 3) the demonstration that rivulet formation from gravity front occurs because the local front shape specified by gravity and surface tension changes from a nose to a wedge geometry, thus triggering a large increase in viscous resistance; and 4) extension of the studies on nonlinear wave evolution on falling films and in stratified flow, particularly the evolution towards large-amplitude solitary waves that tend to generate drops.

Low-Temperature Alteration of the Seafloor: Impacts on Ocean Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coogan, Laurence A.; Gillis, Kathryn M.

2018-05-01

Over 50% of Earth is covered by oceanic crust, the uppermost portion of which is a high-permeability layer of basaltic lavas through which seawater continuously circulates. Fluid flow is driven by heat lost from the oceanic lithosphere; the global fluid flux is dependent on plate creation rates and the thickness and distribution of overlying sediment, which acts as a low-permeability layer impeding seawater access to the crust. Fluid-rock reactions in the crust, and global chemical fluxes, depend on the average temperature in the aquifer, the fluid flux, and the composition of seawater. The average temperature in the aquifer depends largely on bottom water temperature and, to a lesser extent, on the average seafloor sediment thickness. Feedbacks between off-axis chemical fluxes and their controls may play an important role in modulating ocean chemistry and planetary climate on long timescales, but more work is needed to quantify these feedbacks.

Theoretical analysis and modeling of Thickness-Expansion Mode (TEM) sensors for fluid characterization.

PubMed

Elvira, Luis; Resa, Pablo; Castro, Pedro

2013-03-01

In this paper, the principles of Thickness-Expansion Mode (TEM) resonators for the characterization of fluids are described. From the measurement of the resonance parameters of a TEM piezoelectric transducer, the compressional acoustic impedance of gases and liquids can be determined. Since the propagation of mechanical waves into the fluid is not necessary, information in a wide range of frequencies can be obtained. Alternatively, these sensors can be driven in combination with other ultrasonic techniques to simultaneously determine the density, speed of sound and viscosity of samples. Some potential applications include the probe monitoring of processes and the characterization of fluids under harsh conditions. The main experimental criteria for the design and construction of high-resolution impedance meters (such as piezoelectric material, protective coating or thermal response) have been studied using equivalent electrical circuit modeling and finite element analysis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic dynamo activity in mechanically driven compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shebalin, John V.; Montgomery, David

1989-01-01

Magnetic dynamo activity in a homogeneous, dissipative, polytropic, two-dimensional, turbulent magneto-fluid is simulated numerically. The magneto-fluid is simulated numerically. The magneto-fluid is, in a number of cases, mechanically forced so that energy input balances dissipation, thereby maintaining constant energy. In the presence of a mean magnetic field, a magneto-fluid whose initial turbulent magnetic energy is zero quickly arrives at a state of non-zero turbulent magnetic energy. If the mean magnetic field energy density is small, the turbulent magnetic field can achieve a local energy density more than four hundred times larger; if the mean magnetic field energy density is large, then equipartition between the turbulent magnetic and kinetic energy is achieved. Compared to the presence of a mean magnetic field, compressibility appears to have only a marginal effect in mediating the transfer of turbulent kinetic energy into magnetic energy.

Multiple capillary biochemical analyzer with barrier member

DOEpatents

Dovichi, N.J.; Zhang, J.Z.

1996-10-22

A multiple capillary biochemical analyzer is disclosed for sequencing DNA and performing other analyses, in which a set of capillaries extends from wells in a microtiter plate into a cuvette. In the cuvette the capillaries are held on fixed closely spaced centers by passing through a sandwich construction having a pair of metal shims which squeeze between them a rubber gasket, forming a leak proof seal for an interior chamber in which the capillary ends are positioned. Sheath fluid enters the chamber and entrains filament sample streams from the capillaries. The filament sample streams, and sheath fluid, flow through aligned holes in a barrier member spaced close to the capillary ends, into a collection chamber having a lower glass window. The filament streams are illuminated above the barrier member by a laser, causing them to fluoresce. The fluorescence is viewed end-on by a CCD camera chip located below the glass window. The arrangement ensures an equal optical path length from all fluorescing spots to the CCD chip and also blocks scattered fluorescence illumination, providing more uniform results and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. 12 figs.