Effect of zeta potential on the performance of a ring-type electroosmotic mixer.

PubMed

Kim, T A; Koo, K H; Kim, Y J

2009-12-01

In order to achieve faster mixing, a new type of electrokinetic mixer with a T-type channel is introduced. The proposed mixer takes two fluids from different inlets and combines them into a single channel. The fluids then enter a mixing chamber with different inner and outer radii. Four microelectrodes are positioned on the outer wall of the mixing chamber. The electric potentials on the four microelectrodes are sinusoidal with respect to time and have various maximum voltages, zeta potentials and frequency values. The working fluid is water and each inlet has a different initial concentration values. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is solved in the channel, with a slip boundary condition on the inner and outer walls of the mixing chamber. The convection-diffusion equation is used to describe the concentration of the dissolved substances in the fluid. The pressure, concentration and flow fields in the channel are calculated and the results are graphically depicted for various flow and electric conditions.

Fuel cell assembly fluid flow plate having conductive fibers and rigidizing material therein

DOEpatents

Walsh, Michael M.

2000-01-01

A fluid flow plate is preferably formed with three initial sections, for instance, two layers of conductive (e.g., metal) fibers and a barrier material (e.g., metal foil) which is interposed between the two layers. For example, sintering of these three sections can provide electrical path(s) between outer faces of the two layers. Then, the sintered sections can be, for instance, placed in a mold for forming of flow channel(s) into one or more of the outer faces. Next, rigidizing material (e.g., resin) can be injected into the mold, for example, to fill and/or seal space(s) about a conductive matrix of the electrical path(s). Preferably, abrading of surface(s) of the outer face(s) serves to expose electrical contact(s) to the electrical path(s).

The dynamics of a channel-fed lava flow on Pico Partido volcano, Lanzarote

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodcock, Duncan; Harris, Andrew

2006-09-01

A short length of channel on Pico Partido volcano, Lanzarote, provides us the opportunity to examine the dynamics of lava flowing in a channel that extends over a sudden break in slope. The 1 2-m-wide, 0.5 2-m-deep channel was built during the 1730 1736 eruptions on Lanzarote and exhibits a sinuous, well-formed channel over a steep (11° slope) 100-m-long proximal section. Over-flow units comprising smooth pahoehoe sheet flow, as well as evidence on the inner channel walls for multiple (at least 11) flow levels, attest to unsteady flow in the channel. In addition, superelevation is apparent at each of the six bends along the proximal channel section. Superelevation results from banking of the lava as it moves around the bend thus causing preferential construction of the outer bank. As a result, the channel profile at each bend is asymmetric with an outer bank that is higher than the inner bank. Analysis of superelevation indicates flow velocities of ~8 m s 1. Our analysis of the superelevation features is based on an inertia-gravity balance, which we show is appropriate, even though the down-channel flow is in laminar flow. We use a viscosity-gravity balance model, together with the velocities calculated from superelevation, to obtain viscosities in the range 25 60 Pa s (assuming that the lava behaved as a Newtonian liquid). Estimated volume fluxes are in the range 7 12 m3 s 1. An apparent down-flow increase in derived volume flux may have resulted from variable supply or bulking up of the flow due to vesiculation. Where the channel moves over a sharp break in slope and onto slopes of ~6°, the channel becomes less well defined and widens considerably. At the break of slope, an elongate ridge extends across the channel. We speculate that this ridge was formed as a result of a reduction in velocity immediately below the break of slope to allow deposition of entrained material or accretion of lava to the channel bed as a result of a change in flow regime or depth.

Outer region scaling using the freestream velocity for nonuniform open channel flow over gravel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Robert L.; Fox, James F.

2017-06-01

The theoretical basis for outer region scaling using the freestream velocity for nonuniform open channel flows over gravel is derived and tested for the first time. Owing to the gradual expansion of the flow within the nonuniform case presented, it is hypothesized that the flow can be defined as an equilibrium turbulent boundary layer using the asymptotic invariance principle. The hypothesis is supported using similarity analysis to derive a solution, followed by further testing with experimental datasets. For the latter, 38 newly collected experimental velocity profiles across three nonuniform flows over gravel in a hydraulic flume are tested as are 43 velocity profiles previously published in seven peer-reviewed journal papers that focused on fluid mechanics of nonuniform open channel over gravel. The findings support the nonuniform flows as equilibrium defined by the asymptotic invariance principle, which is reflective of the consistency of the turbulent structure's form and function within the expanding flow. However, roughness impacts the flow structure when comparing across the published experimental datasets. As a secondary objective, we show how previously published mixed scales can be used to assist with freestream velocity scaling of the velocity deficit and thus empirically account for the roughness effects that extend into the outer region of the flow. One broader finding of this study is providing the theoretical context to relax the use of the elusive friction velocity when scaling nonuniform flows in gravel bed rivers; and instead to apply the freestream velocity. A second broader finding highlighted by our results is that scaling of nonuniform flow in gravel bed rivers is still not fully resolved theoretically since mixed scaling relies to some degree on empiricism. As researchers resolve the form and function of macroturbulence in the outer region, we hope to see the closing of this research gap.

Spontaneous rise in open rectangular channels under gravity.

PubMed

Thammanna Gurumurthy, Vignesh; Roisman, Ilia V; Tropea, Cameron; Garoff, Stephen

2018-05-17

Fluid movement in microfluidic devices, porous media, and textured surfaces involves coupled flows over the faces and corners of the media. Spontaneous wetting of simple grooved surfaces provides a model system to probe these flows. This numerical study investigates the spontaneous rise of a liquid in an array of open rectangular channels under gravity, using the Volume-of-Fluid method with adaptive mesh refinement. The rise is characterized by the meniscus height at the channel center, outer face and the interior and exterior corners. At lower contact angles and higher channel aspect ratios, the statics and dynamics of the rise in the channel center show little deviation with the classical model for capillarity, which ignores the existence of corners. For contact angles smaller than 45°, rivulets are formed in the interior corners and a cusp at the exterior corner. The rivulets at long times obey the one-third power law in time, with a weak dependence on the geometry. The cusp behaviour at the exterior corner transforms into a smooth meniscus when the capillary force is higher in the channel, even for contact angles smaller than 45°. The width of the outer face does not influence the capillary rise inside the channel, and the channel size does not influence the rise on the outer face. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Streak instability as an initiating mechanism of the large-scale motions in a turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Giovanetti, Matteo; Sung, Hyung Jin; Hwang, Yongyun

2016-11-01

The large-scale motions (or bulges) have often been believed to be formed via merge and/or growth of the near-wall hairpin vortical structures. Here, we report our observation that they can be directly generated by an instability of the amplified streaky motions in the outer region (i.e. very-large-scale motions) through the self-sustaining process. We design a LES-based numerical experiment in turbulent channel flow for Reτ = 2000 where a body forcing is implemented to artificially drive an infinitely long streaky motion in the outer layer. As the forcing amplitude is increased, it is found that a new energetic structure emerges at λx 3 4 h of the streamwise length (h is the half height of channel) particularly in the wall-normal and spanwise velocities. A careful statistical examination reveals that this structure is likely to be linked with the sinuous-mode streak instability of the amplified streak, consistent with previous theoretical studies. Application of dynamic mode decomposition to this instability further shows that the phase speed of this structure scales with the outer velocity and it is initiated around the critical layer of the streaky flow.

Flow topology of rare back flow events and critical points in turbulent channels and toroidal pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, C.; Vinuesa, R.; Örlü, R.; Cardesa, J. I.; Noorani, A.; Schlatter, P.; Chong, M. S.

2018-04-01

A study of the back flow events and critical points in the flow through a toroidal pipe at friction Reynolds number Re τ ≈ 650 is performed and compared with the results in a turbulent channel flow at Re τ ≈ 934. The statistics and topological properties of the back flow events are analysed and discussed. Conditionally-averaged flow fields in the vicinity of the back flow event are obtained, and the results for the torus show a similar streamwise wall-shear stress topology which varies considerably for the spanwise wall-shear stress when compared to the channel flow. The comparison between the toroidal pipe and channel flows also shows fewer back flow events and critical points in the torus. This cannot be solely attributed to differences in Reynolds number, but is a clear effect of the secondary flow present in the toroidal pipe. A possible mechanism is the effect of the secondary flow present in the torus, which convects momentum from the inner to the outer bend through the core of the pipe, and back from the outer to the inner bend through the pipe walls. In the region around the critical points, the skin-friction streamlines and vorticity lines exhibit similar flow characteristics with a node and saddle pair for both flows. These results indicate that back flow events and critical points are genuine features of wall-bounded turbulence, and are not artifacts of specific boundary or inflow conditions in simulations and/or measurement uncertainties in experiments.

Time-evolving of very large-scale motions in a turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Jinyul; Lee, Jin; Sung, Hyung Jin; Zaki, Tamer A.

2014-11-01

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of a turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 930 was scrutinized to investigate the formation of very large-scale motions (VLSMs) by merging of two large-scale motions (LSMs), aligned in the streamwise direction. We mainly focused on the supportive motions by the near-wall streaks during the merging of the outer LSMs. From visualization of the instantaneous flow fields, several low-speed streaks in the near-wall region were collected in the spanwise direction, when LSMs were concatenated in the outer region. The magnitude of the streamwise velocity fluctuations in the streaks was intensified during the spanwise merging of the near-wall streaks. Conditionally-averaged velocity fields around the merging of the outer LSMs showed that the intensified near-wall motions were induced by the outer LSMs and extended over the near-wall regions. The intense near-wall motions influence the formation of the outer low-speed regions as well as the reduction of the convection velocity of the downstream LSMs. The interaction between the near-wall and the outer motions is the essential origin of the different convection velocities of the upstream and downstream LSMs for the formation process of VLSMs by merging. This work was supported by the Creative Research Initiatives (No. 2014-001493) program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (MSIP) and partially supported by KISTI under the Strategic Supercomputing Support Program.

Active bypass flow control for a seal in a gas turbine engine

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

Ebert, Todd A.; Kimmel, Keith D.

An active bypass flow control system for controlling bypass compressed air based upon leakage flow of compressed air flowing past an outer balance seal between a stator and rotor of a first stage of a gas turbine in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The active bypass flow control system is an adjustable system in which one or more metering devices may be used to control the flow of bypass compressed air as the flow of compressed air past the outer balance seal changes over time as the outer balance seal between the rim cavity and the cooling cavity wears.more » In at least one embodiment, the metering device may include a valve formed from one or more pins movable between open and closed positions in which the one pin at least partially bisects the bypass channel to regulate flow.« less

Field Investigation of Flow Structure and Channel Morphology at Confluent-Meander Bends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riley, J. D.; Rhoads, B. L.

2007-12-01

The movement of water and sediment through drainage networks is inevitably influenced by the convergence of streams and rivers at channel confluences. These focal components of fluvial systems produce a complex hydrodynamic environment, where rapid changes in flow structure and sediment transport occur to accommodate the merging of separate channel flows. The inherent geometric and hydraulic change at confluences also initiates the development of distinct geomorphic features, reflected in the bedform and shape of the channel. An underlying assumption of previous experimental and theoretical models of confluence dynamics has been that converging streams have straight channels with angular configurations. This generalized conceptualization was necessary to establish confluence planform as symmetrical or asymmetrical and to describe subsequent flow structure and geomorphic features at confluences. However, natural channels, particularly those of meandering rivers, curve and bend. This property and observation of channel curvature at natural junctions have led to the hypothesis that natural stream and river confluences tend to occur on the concave outer bank of meander bends. The resulting confluence planform, referred to as a confluent-meander bend, was observed over a century ago but has received little scientific attention. This paper examines preliminary data on three-dimensional flow structure and channel morphology at two natural confluent-meander bends of varying size and with differing tributary entrance locations. The large river confluence of the Vermilion River and Wabash River in west central Indiana and the comparatively small junction of the Little Wabash River and Big Muddy Creek in southeastern Illinois are the location of study sites for field investigation. Measurements of time-averaged three-dimensional velocity components were obtained at these confluences with an acoustic Doppler current profiler for flow events with differing momentum ratios. Bed and channel morphology were also surveyed with a digital fathometer to document geomorphic change. Preliminary analysis of the velocity data reveals the presence of a well-defined shear layer between the converging flows and secondary circulation in the main channel. The tributary channel appears to oppose high velocity flow directed toward the outer bank by centrifugal acceleration through the meander bend of the main channel, thereby diminishing erosion along the cut bank and possibly stabilizing the meander bend channel. The flow structure and channel morphology of the study sites are compared to consider the effect of spatial scale and geometric characteristics on confluent-meander bend dynamics.

Method for non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis

DOEpatents

Goddard, Gregory Russ; Kaduchak, Gregory; Jett, James Hubert; Graves, Steven Wayde

2013-09-10

One or more of the embodiments of the present invention provide for a method of non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis which includes axial and radial acoustic standing wave fields. Particles are suspended in an aqueous solution, and this solution then flows into the cylindrical flow channel. While the solution flows through the flow channel, the outer structure of the flow channel is vibrated at a resonant frequency, causing a radial acoustic standing wave field to form inside the flow channel in the solution. These radial acoustic standing waves focus the particles suspended in the solution to the center axis of the cylindrical flow channel. At the same time, a transducer is used to create an axial acoustic standing wave field in the flow channel parallel to the axis of the flow channel. This drives the particles, which are already being focused to the center axis of the flow channel, to nodes or anti-nodes of the axial standing wave at half-wavelength intervals, depending on whether the particles are more or less dense and more or less compressible than the surrounding fluid.

Numerical study on the mixing performance of a ring-type electroosmotic micromixer with different obstacle configurations.

PubMed

Seo, Hyeon-Seok; Han, Bongtae; Kim, Youn-Jea

2012-06-01

A new type of electrokinetic micromixer with a ring-type channel is introduced for fast mixing. The proposed mixer takes two fluids from different inlets and combines them in a ring-type mixing chamber. The fluids enter two different inlets (inner radius: 25 microm and outer radius: 50 microm), respectively. The total channel length is 500 microm, and four microelectrodes are positioned on the outer wall of the mixing chamber. The electric potentials on the four microelectrodes are sinusoidal with time, having various maximum values of voltage, zeta potential and frequency. Also, in order to compare the mixing performance with different obstacle configurations, we performed a numerical analysis using a commercial code, COMSOL. The concentration of the dissolved substances in the working fluid and the flow and electric fields in the channel were investigated and the results were graphically depicted for various flow and electric conditions.

Sub-tidal Circulation in a deep-silled fjord: Douglas Channel, British Columbia (Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Di; Hannah, Charles; Foreman, Mike

2016-04-01

Douglas Channel, a deep fjord on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is the main waterway in Kitimat fjord system that opens to Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. The fjord is separated from the open shelf by a broad sill that is about 150 m deep, and there is another sill (200 m) that separates the fjord into an outer and an inner basin. This study examines the low-frequency (from seasonal to meteorological bands) circulation in Douglas Channel from data collected from three moorings deployed during 2013-2015, and the water property observations collected during six cruises (2014 and 2015). Estuarine flow dominates the circulation above the sill-depth. The deep flows are dominated by a yearly renewal that takes place from early June to September, and this dense water renews both basins in the form of gravity currents at 0.1 - 0.2 m/s with a thickness of 100 m. At other times of the year, the deep flow structures and water properties suggest horizontal and vertical processes and support the re-circulation idea in the inner and the outer basins. The near surface current velocity fluctuations are dominated by the along-channel wind. Overall, the circulation in the meteorological band is a mix of the estuarine flow, direct wind driven flow, and the baroclinic response to changes to the surface pressure gradient caused by the wind driven currents.

Flow visualization in radial flow through stationary and corotating parallel disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, S.; Tanaka, M.; Yang, Wen-Jei

Paraffin mist is used here as a tracer to observe the patterns in the radial flow through both stationary and corotating parallel disks. The periodic and alternative generation of separation bubbles on both disks and the resulting flow fluctuation and turbulent flow in the radial channel are studied. Stall cells are visualized around the outer rim of the corotating disks.

Steam exit flow design for aft cavities of an airfoil

DOEpatents

Storey, James Michael; Tesh, Stephen William

2002-01-01

Turbine stator vane segments have inner and outer walls with vanes extending therebetween. The inner and outer walls have impingement plates. Steam flowing into the outer wall passes through the impingement plate for impingement cooling of the outer wall surface. The spent impingement steam flows into cavities of the vane having inserts for impingement cooling the walls of the vane. The steam passes into the inner wall and through the impingement plate for impingement cooling of the inner wall surface and for return through return cavities having inserts for impingement cooling of the vane surfaces. A skirt or flange structure is provided for shielding the steam cooling impingement holes adjacent the inner wall aerofoil fillet region of the nozzle from the steam flow exiting the aft nozzle cavities. Moreover, the gap between the flash rib boss and the cavity insert is controlled to minimize the flow of post impingement cooling media therebetween. This substantially confines outflow to that exiting via the return channels, thus furthermore minimizing flow in the vicinity of the aerofoil fillet region that may adversely affect impingement cooling thereof.

NEUTRONIC REACTOR SHIELD AND SPACER CONSTRUCTION

DOEpatents

Wigner, E.P.; Ohlinger, L.A.

1958-11-18

Reactors of the heterogeneous, graphite moderated, fluid cooled type and shielding and spacing plugs for the coolant channels thereof are reported. In this design, the coolant passages extend horizontally through the moderator structure, accommodating the fuel elements in abutting end-to-end relationship, and have access openings through the outer shield at one face of the reactor to facilitate loading of the fuel elements. In the outer ends of the channels which extend through the shields are provided spacers and shielding plugs designed to offer minimal reslstance to coolant fluid flow while preventing emanation of harmful radiation through the access openings when closed between loadings.

Numerical study of turbulent channel flow perturbed by spanwise topographic heterogeneity: Amplitude and frequency modulation within low- and high-momentum pathways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awasthi, Ankit; Anderson, William

2018-04-01

We have studied the effects of topographically driven secondary flows on inner-outer interaction in turbulent channel flow. Recent studies have revealed that large-scale motions in the logarithmic region impose an amplitude and frequency modulation on the dynamics of small-scale structures near the wall. This led to development of a predictive model for near-wall dynamics, which has practical relevance for large-eddy simulations. Existing work on amplitude modulation has focused on smooth-wall flows; however, Anderson [J. Fluid Mech. 789, 567 (2016), 10.1017/jfm.2015.744] addressed the problem of rough-wall turbulent channel flow in which the correlation profiles for amplitude modulation showed trends similar to those reported by Mathis et al. [Phys. Fluids 21, 111703 (2009), 10.1063/1.3267726]. For the present study, we considered flow over surfaces with a prominent spanwise heterogeneity, such that domain-scale turbulent secondary flows in the form of counter-rotating vortices are sustained within the flow. (We also show results for flow over a homogeneous roughness, which serves as a benchmark against the spanwise-perturbed cases.) The vortices are anchored to the topography such that prominent upwelling and downwelling occur above the low and high roughness, respectively. We have quantified the extent to which such secondary flows disrupt the distribution of spectral density across constituent wavelengths throughout the depth of the flow, which has direct implications for the existence of amplitude and frequency modulation. We find that the distinct outer peak associated with large-scale motions—the "modulators"—is preserved within the upwelling zone but vanishes in the downwelling zone. Within the downwelling zones, structures are steeper and shorter. Single- and two-point correlations for inner-outer amplitude and frequency modulation demonstrate insensitivity to resolution across cases. We also show a pronounced crossover between the single- and two-point correlations, a product of modulation quantification based upon Parseval's theorem (i.e., spectral density, but not the wavelength at which energy resides, defines the strength of modulation).

Circulation in the Chesapeake Bay entrance region: Estuary-shelf interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boicourt, W. C.

1981-01-01

Current meters and temperature-salinity recorders confirm the assumption that the upper layers of the continental shelf waters off Chesapeake Bay can be banded in summer, such that the coastal boundary layer (consisting of the Bay outflow) and the outer shelf flow southward while the inner shelf flows to the north, driven by the prevailing southerly winds. These measurements show that the estuary itself may also be banded in its lower reaches such that the inflow is confined primarily to the deep channel, while the upper layer outflow is split into two flow maxima on either side of this channel.

CHIMNEY FOR BOILING WATER REACTOR

DOEpatents

Petrick, M.

1961-08-01

A boiling-water reactor is described which has vertical fuel-containing channels for forming steam from water. Risers above the channels increase the head of water radially outward, whereby water is moved upward through the channels with greater force. The risers are concentric and the radial width of the space between them is somewhat small. There is a relatively low rate of flow of water up through the radially outer fuel-containing channels, with which the space between the risers is in communication. (AE C)

Numerical Estimation of the Outer Bank Resistance Characteristics in AN Evolving Meandering River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, D.; Konsoer, K. M.; Rhoads, B. L.; Garcia, M. H.; Best, J.

2017-12-01

Few studies have examined the three-dimensional flow structure and its interaction with bed morphology within elongate loops of large meandering rivers. The present study uses a numerical model to simulate the flow pattern and sediment transport, especially the flow close to the outer-bank, at two elongate meandering loops in Wabash River, USA. The numerical grid for the model is based on a combination of airborne LIDAR data on floodplains and the multibeam data within the river channel. A Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to solve the non-hydrostatic RANS equation using a K-epsilon turbulence closure scheme. High-resolution topographic data allows detailed numerical simulation of flow patterns along the outer bank and model calibration involves comparing simulated velocities to ADCP measurements at 41 cross sections near this bank. Results indicate that flow along the outer bank is strongly influenced by large resistance elements, including woody debris, large erosional scallops within the bank face, and outcropping bedrock. In general, patterns of bank migration conform with zones of high near-bank velocity and shear stress. Using the existing model, different virtual events can be simulated to explore the impacts of different resistance characteristics on patterns of flow, sediment transport, and bank erosion.

Acoustic Imaging of a Turbidity Current Flowing along a Channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes Clarke, J. E.; Hiroji, A.; Cahill, L.; Fedele, J. J.

2017-12-01

As part of a 3 month sequence of repetitive surveys and ADCP monitoring, more than 30 turbidity currents have been identified modifying a lobe channel in 130 to 190m of water on the Squamish prodelta. For a 6 day period, daily surveys at low tide tried to capture the change resulting from a single flow. On the 8thof June three flows occurred within a half hour. Along channel multibeam images of the seabed and water column were obtained from a moving vessel immediately before, during and after the passage of the third flow. In this manner the spatial extent of the in-channel and overbank flow could be constrained. By following the flow, the spatial pattern of scattering from the flow upper surface could be examined over a 2 km length of the channel. Along channel bands of high scattering appear related to enhanced release of gas along the channel flanks. Notably, no signature of the underlying across-channel bedform modulations were evident, suggesting that the upper surface of the flow does not feel the influence of the channel floor. Overbank spillage of the flow could be detected by perturbation of a plankton scattering layer just above the seabed. Additionally, evidence of enhanced overbank deposition due to flow stripping on the outer corner of a bend was identified from backscatter changes. The specific seabed alteration due to this flow could be identified and compared with the cumulative change over three months in the channel and adjacent channel-lobe transition zone. As the flow passed under the ADCP, it had a peak velocity of over 2 m/s, a thickness of 4-5m and duration of 35 minutes. Based on the timing of the flow head when in view of the surface vessel, it was decelerating as it exited the mouth of the channel.

Hot gas path component trailing edge having near wall cooling features

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

Lacy, Benjamin Paul; Kottilingam, Srikanth Chandrudu; Miranda, Carlos Miguel

A hot gas path component includes a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an interior space. The outer surface defines a pressure side surface and a suction side surface. The pressure and suction side surfaces are joined together at a leading edge and at a trailing edge. A first cooling passage is formed in the suction side surface of the substrate. It is coupled in flow communication to the interior space. A second cooling passage, separate from the first cooling passage, is formed in the pressure side surface. The second cooling passage ismore » coupled in flow communication to the interior space. A cover is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second cooling passages. The interior space channels a cooling fluid to the first and second cooling passages, which channel the cooling fluid therethrough to remove heat from the component.« less

The spanwise spectra in wall-bounded turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong-Ping; Wang, Shi-Zhao; He, Guo-Wei

2017-12-01

The pre-multiplied spanwise energy spectra of streamwise velocity fluctuations are investigated in this paper. Two distinct spectral peaks in the spanwise spectra are observed in low-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulence. The spectra are calculated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent channel flows and zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer flows. These two peaks locate in the near-wall and outer regions and are referred to as the inner peak and the outer peak, respectively. This result implies that the streamwise velocity fluctuations can be separated into large and small scales in the spanwise direction even though the friction Reynolds number Re_τ can be as low as 1000. The properties of the inner and outer peaks in the spanwise spectra are analyzed. The locations of the inner peak are invariant over a range of Reynolds numbers. However, the locations of the outer peak are associated with the Reynolds number, which are much higher than those of the outer peak of the pre-multiplied streamwise energy spectra of the streamwise velocity.

The spanwise spectra in wall-bounded turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong-Ping; Wang, Shi-Zhao; He, Guo-Wei

2018-06-01

The pre-multiplied spanwise energy spectra of streamwise velocity fluctuations are investigated in this paper. Two distinct spectral peaks in the spanwise spectra are observed in low-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulence. The spectra are calculated from direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent channel flows and zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer flows. These two peaks locate in the near-wall and outer regions and are referred to as the inner peak and the outer peak, respectively. This result implies that the streamwise velocity fluctuations can be separated into large and small scales in the spanwise direction even though the friction Reynolds number Re_τ can be as low as 1000. The properties of the inner and outer peaks in the spanwise spectra are analyzed. The locations of the inner peak are invariant over a range of Reynolds numbers. However, the locations of the outer peak are associated with the Reynolds number, which are much higher than those of the outer peak of the pre-multiplied streamwise energy spectra of the streamwise velocity.

Method for preparing homogeneous single crystal ternary III-V alloys

DOEpatents

Ciszek, Theodore F.

1991-01-01

A method for producing homogeneous, single-crystal III-V ternary alloys of high crystal perfection using a floating crucible system in which the outer crucible holds a ternary alloy of the composition desired to be produced in the crystal and an inner floating crucible having a narrow, melt-passing channel in its bottom wall holds a small quantity of melt of a pseudo-binary liquidus composition that would freeze into the desired crystal composition. The alloy of the floating crucilbe is maintained at a predetermined lower temperature than the alloy of the outer crucible, and a single crystal of the desired homogeneous alloy is pulled out of the floating crucible melt, as melt from the outer crucible flows into a bottom channel of the floating crucible at a rate that corresponds to the rate of growth of the crystal.

The interaction between vegetation and channel dynamics based on experimental findings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teske, R.; Van Dijk, W. M.; Van De Lageweg, W.; Kleinhans, M. G.

2012-12-01

Strong feedbacks exist between river channel dynamics, floodplain development and riparian vegetation. Several experimental studies showed how uniformly sown vegetation causes a shift from a braided river to a single-thread and sometimes meandering river. The objective of this study is to test what the effect of fluvially distributed seeds and vegetation settling is on channel pattern change and channel dynamics. The experiments were carried out in a flume of 3 m wide and 10 m long. We tested where the vegetation deposited in a braided and meandering river and how the morphology changed. We used a simple hydrograph of 0.25 hour high flow and 3.75 hour low flow, where alfalfa seeds were added during high flow. The bed sediment consisted of a poorly sorted sediment mixture ranging from fine sand to fine gravel. The evolution was recorded by a high-resolution laser-line scanner and a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera used for channel floodplain segmentation, water depth approximation and vegetation distribution. In an initially braided river, vegetation settled on the higher banks and stabilized the banks. In an initially meandering river, vegetation settled in the inner scrolls, and also on the outer banks when water level exceeded bankfull conditions. In agreement with earlier work, the outer bank was stabilized; erosion rate decreased and bends became sharper. The inner bend vegetation stabilized a part of the point bar and hydraulic resistance of the vegetation steered water in the channel and to the non-vegetated part of the inner bend. As result the meander bend became braided as water flows along the vegetation. Vegetation formed patches that grew over time and reduced channel dynamics. We conclude that self-settling vegetation decreased local bank erosion and that vegetated islands leads to a multi-thread system instead of single-threaded.

Time Resolved Tomographic PIV Measurements of Rough-Wall Turbulent Channel Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miorini, Rinaldo; Zhang, Cao; Katz, Joseph

2013-11-01

Time resolved tomographic PIV is used to study flow structures in the outer region of a rough-wall turbulent boundary layer, focusing on imprints of the roughness on the outer layer. Measurements are performed in a transparent channel installed in the JHU optically index matched facility. The roughness consists of pyramids with height, k = 0.46 mm, and wavelength, λ = 3.2 mm, satisfying h/k = 55 (h = 25.4 mm is the channel half-height), k + = 64 and Re = 40000. The TPIV setup consists of four high-speed cameras operating at 3 kHz, which view the sample volume through acrylic prisms. The flow field is illuminated by an Nd:YLF laser. Following enhancement, calibration, and reconstruction, 643 voxels interrogation volumes with 0.75 overlap provide 3D velocity fields with spacing of 0.5883 mm3. Formation and transport of near-wall 3D U-shaped vortex structures, with base in front of the pyramids, and quasi-streamwise legs extending between pyramid crest lines are evident from the data. Extended streamwise regions of high wall-normal vorticity appear ``latched'' to the roughness elements close to the wall, but are transported downstream at higher elevations. Also evident are traveling streamwise low velocity streaks, which cover many roughness elements. Sponsored by NSF CBET and ONR.

Cross-flow electrochemical reactor cells, cross-flow reactors, and use of cross-flow reactors for oxidation reactions

DOEpatents

Balachandran, Uthamalingam; Poeppel, Roger B.; Kleefisch, Mark S.; Kobylinski, Thaddeus P.; Udovich, Carl A.

1994-01-01

This invention discloses cross-flow electrochemical reactor cells containing oxygen permeable materials which have both electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity, cross-flow reactors, and electrochemical processes using cross-flow reactor cells having oxygen permeable monolithic cores to control and facilitate transport of oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas stream to oxidation reactions of organic compounds in another gas stream. These cross-flow electrochemical reactors comprise a hollow ceramic blade positioned across a gas stream flow or a stack of crossed hollow ceramic blades containing a channel or channels for flow of gas streams. Each channel has at least one channel wall disposed between a channel and a portion of an outer surface of the ceramic blade, or a common wall with adjacent blades in a stack comprising a gas-impervious mixed metal oxide material of a perovskite structure having electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity. The invention includes reactors comprising first and second zones seprated by gas-impervious mixed metal oxide material material having electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity. Prefered gas-impervious materials comprise at least one mixed metal oxide having a perovskite structure or perovskite-like structure. The invention includes, also, oxidation processes controlled by using these electrochemical reactors, and these reactions do not require an external source of electrical potential or any external electric circuit for oxidation to proceed.

System for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Hughes, Michael John

2016-12-27

A system for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine includes a flow sleeve having an annular main body. The main body includes an upstream end, a downstream end, an inner surface and an outer surface. A cooling channel extends along the inner surface of the main body. The cooling channel extends at least partially between the downstream end and the upstream end of the main body.

Large dunes on the outer shelf off the Zambezi Delta, Mozambique: evidence for the existence of a Mozambique Current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flemming, Burghard W.; Kudrass, Hermann-Rudolf

2018-02-01

The existence of a continuously flowing Mozambique Current, i.e. a western geostrophic boundary current flowing southwards along the shelf break of Mozambique, was until recently accepted by oceanographers studying ocean circulation in the south-western Indian Ocean. This concept was then cast into doubt based on long-term current measurements obtained from current-meter moorings deployed across the northern Mozambique Channel, which suggested that southward flow through the Mozambique Channel took place in the form of successive, southward migrating and counter-clockwise rotating eddies. Indeed, numerical modelling found that, if at all, strong currents on the outer shelf occurred for not more than 9 days per year. In the present study, the negation of the existence of a Mozambique Current is challenged by the discovery of a large (50 km long, 12 km wide) subaqueous dune field (with up to 10 m high dunes) on the outer shelf east of the modern Zambezi River delta at water depths between 50 and 100 m. Being interpreted as representing the current-modified, early Holocene Zambezi palaeo-delta, the dune field would have migrated southwards by at least 50 km from its former location since sea level recovered to its present-day position some 7 ka ago and after the former delta had been remoulded into a migrating dune field. Because a large dune field composed of actively migrating bedforms cannot be generated and maintained by currents restricted to a period of only 9 days per year, the validity of those earlier modelling results is questioned for the western margin of the flow field. Indeed, satellite images extracted from the Perpetual Ocean display of NASA, which show monthly time-integrated surface currents in the Mozambique Channel for the 5 month period from June-October 2006, support the proposition that strong flow on the outer Mozambican shelf occurs much more frequently than postulated by those modelling results. This is consistent with more recent modelling studies comparing the application of slippage and non-slippage approaches—they suggest that, when applying partial slippage, a western boundary current can exist simultaneously with the southward migrating eddies. Considering the evidence presented in this paper, it is concluded that a quasi-persistent, though seasonally variable Mozambique Current does exist.

Plasma oscillation effects on nested Hall thruster operation and stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, M. S.; Sekerak, M. J.; Gallimore, A. D.; Hofer, R. R.

High-power Hall thrusters capable of throughput on the order of 100 kW are currently under development, driven by more demanding mission profiles and rapid growth in on-orbit solar power generation capability. At these power levels the nested Hall thruster (NHT), a new design that concentrically packs multiple thrusters into a single body with a shared magnetic circuit, offers performance and logistical advantages over conventional single-channel Hall thrusters. An important area for risk reduction in NHT development is quantifying inter-channel coupling between discharge channels. This work presents time- and frequency-domain discharge current and voltage measurements paired with high-speed video of the X2, a 10-kW class dual channel NHT. Two “ triads” of operating conditions at 150 V, 3.6 kW and 250 V, 8.6 kW were examined, including each channel in individual operation and both channels in joint operation. For both triads tested, dual-channel operation did not noticeably destabilize the discharge. Partial coupling of outer channel oscillations into the inner channel occurred at 150 V, though oscillation amplitudes did not change greatly. As a percentage of mean discharge current, RMS oscillations at 150 V increased from 8% to 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 10% to 8% on the outer channel from single- to dual-channel operation. At 250 V the RMS/mean level stayed steady at 13% on the inner channel and decreased from 7% to 6% on the outer channel. The only mean discharge parameter noticeably affected was the cathode floating potential, which decreased in magnitude below ground with increased absolute cathode flow rate in dual-channel mode. Rotating spokes were detected on high-speed video across all X2 operating cases with wavelength 12-18 cm, and spoke velocity generally increased from single- to dual-channel operation.

Velocity pump reaction turbine

DOEpatents

House, Palmer A.

1982-01-01

An expanding hydraulic/two-phase velocity pump reaction turbine including a dual concentric rotor configuration with an inter-rotor annular flow channel in which the inner rotor is mechanically driven by the outer rotor. In another embodiment, the inner rotor is immobilized and provided with gas recovery ports on its outer surface by means of which gas in solution may be recovered. This velocity pump reaction turbine configuration is capable of potential energy conversion efficiencies of up to 70%, and is particularly suited for geothermal applications.

Velocity pump reaction turbine

DOEpatents

House, Palmer A.

1984-01-01

An expanding hydraulic/two-phase velocity pump reaction turbine including a dual concentric rotor configuration with an inter-rotor annular flow channel in which the inner rotor is mechanically driven by the outer rotor. In another embodiment, the inner rotor is immobilized and provided with gas recovery ports on its outer surface by means of which gas in solution may be recovered. This velocity pump reaction turbine configuration is capable of potential energy conversion efficiencies of up to 70%, and is particularly suited for geothermal applications.

Velocity pump reaction turbine

DOEpatents

House, P.A.

An expanding hydraulic/two-phase velocity pump reaction turbine including a dual concentric rotor configuration with an inter-rotor annular flow channel in which the inner rotor is mechanically driven by the outer rotor. In another embodiment, the inner rotor is immobilized and provided with gas recovery ports on its outer surface by means of which gas in solution may be recovered. This velocity pump reaction turbine configuration is capable of potential energy conversion efficiencies of up to 70%, and is particularly suited for geothermal applications.

Numerical Simulation of Plume Transport in Channel Bend with Different Sediment Diameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H. S.; Chen, H. C.

2017-12-01

The flow and transport of suspended sediment particles, in the form of plume, were simulated using an in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver FANS3D (Finite Analytic Navier-Stokes code for 3D flow). The motivation for this investigation is to provide a means to simulate and visualize dispersal systems in a complex flow environment. The physical domain considered is a 90-degrees channel bend with wingwall abutments, which induces complex, three-dimensional flow characteristics. At the inlet of the channel, a sediment plume with the volumetric concentration of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) was constantly supplied. For simplicity, it was assumed that neither deposition nor erosion takes place inside the channel and settling sediment was made to pass through the bed surface. The effect of the sediment particle size was also analyzed using two different median diameters: 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm. It was shown that flow acceleration and vortices cause strong mixing inside the channel. The three-dimensional time series from the simulation captured increasing suspended sediment concentration downstream of the abutments, along the outer bank. When the median diameter was varied, the sediment concentration at certain locations differed by orders of magnitude, indicating that the settling velocity dominates the transport process for larger diameters.

Scaling of normalized mean energy and scalar dissipation rates in a turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Hiroyuki; Antonia, Robert Anthony

2011-05-01

Non-dimensional parameters for the mean energy and scalar dissipation rates Cɛ and Cɛθ are examined using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data obtained in a fully developed turbulent channel flow with a passive scalar (Pr = 0.71) at several values of the Kármán (Reynolds) number h+. It is shown that Cɛ and Cɛθ are approximately equal in the near-equilibrium region (viz., y+ = 100 to y/h = 0.7) where the production and dissipation rates of either the turbulent kinetic energy or scalar variance are approximately equal and the magnitudes of the diffusion terms are negligibly small. The magnitudes of Cɛ and Cɛθ are about 2 and 1 in the logarithmic and outer regions, respectively, when h+ is sufficiently large. The former value is about the same for the channel, pipe, and turbulent boundary layer, reflecting the similarity between the mean velocity and temperature distributions among these three canonical flows. The latter value is, on the other hand, about twice as large as in homogeneous isotropic turbulence due to the existence of the large-scale u structures in the channel. The behaviour of Cɛ and Cɛθ impacts on turbulence modeling. In particular, the similarity between Cɛ and Cɛθ leads to a simple relation for the scalar variance to turbulent kinetic energy time-scale ratio, an important ingredient in the eddy diffusivity model. This similarity also yields a relation between the Taylor and Corrsin microscales and analogous relations, in terms of h+, for the Taylor microscale Reynolds number and Corrsin microscale Peclet number. This dependence is reasonably well supported by both the DNS data at small to moderate h+ and the experimental data of Comte-Bellot [Ph. D. thesis (University of Grenoble, 1963)] at larger h+. It does not however apply to a turbulent boundary layer where the mean energy dissipation rate, normalized on either wall or outer variables, is about 30% larger than for the channel flow.

Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in Concentric Annular Flows of Binary Inert Gas Mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, R. S.; Martin, J. J.; Yocum, D. J.; Stewart, E. T.

2007-01-01

Studies of heat transfer and pressure drop of binary inert gas mixtures flowing through smooth concentric circular annuli, tubes with fully developed velocity profiles, and constant heating rate are described. There is a general lack of agreement among the constant property heat transfer correlations for such mixtures. No inert gas mixture data exist for annular channels. The intent of this study was to develop highly accurate and benchmarked pressure drop and heat transfer correlations that can be used to size heat exchangers and cores for direct gas Brayton nuclear power plants. The inside surface of the annular channel is heated while the outer surface of the channel is insulated. Annulus ratios range 0.5 < r* < 0.83. These smooth tube data may serve as a reference to the heat transfer and pressure drop performance in annuli, tubes, and channels having helixes or spacer ribs, or other surfaces.

Microchannel laminated mass exchanger and method of making

DOEpatents

Martin, Peter M [Kennewick, WA; Bennett, Wendy D [Kennewick, WA; Matson, Dean W [Kennewick, WA; Stewart, Donald C [Richland, WA; Drost, Monte K [Pasco, WA; Wegeng, Robert S [Richland, WA; Perez, Joseph M [Richland, WA; Feng, Xiangdong [West Richland, WA; Liu, Jun [West Richland, WA

2003-03-18

The present invention is a microchannel mass exchanger having a first plurality of inner thin sheets and a second plurality of outer thin sheets. The inner thin sheets each have a solid margin around a circumference, the solid margin defining a slot through the inner thin sheet thickness. The outer thin sheets each have at least two header holes on opposite ends and when sandwiching an inner thin sheet. The outer thin sheets further have a mass exchange medium. The assembly forms a closed flow channel assembly wherein fluid enters through one of the header holes into the slot and exits through another of the header holes after contacting the mass exchange medium.

Microchannel laminated mass exchanger and method of making

DOEpatents

Martin, Peter M.; Bennett, Wendy D.; Matson, Dean W.; Stewart, Donald C.; Drost, Monte K.; Wegeng, Robert S.; Perez, Joseph M.; Feng, Xiangdong; Liu, Jun

2000-01-01

The present invention is a microchannel mass exchanger having a first plurality of inner thin sheets and a second plurality of outer thin sheets. The inner thin sheets each have a solid margin around a circumference, the solid margin defining a slot through the inner thin sheet thickness. The outer thin sheets each have at least two header holes on opposite ends and when sandwiching an inner thin sheet. The outer thin sheets further have a mass exchange medium. The assembly forms a closed flow channel assembly wherein fluid enters through one of the header holes into the slot and exits through another of the header holes after contacting the mass exchange medium.

Microchannel laminated mass exchanger and method of making

DOEpatents

Martin, Peter M [Kennewick, WA; Bennett, Wendy D [Kennewick, WA; Matson, Dean W [Kennewick, WA; Stewart, Donald C [Richland, WA; Drost, Monte K [Pasco, WA; Wegeng, Robert S [Richland, WA; Perez, Joseph M [Richland, WA; Feng, Xiangdong [West Richland, WA; Liu, Jun [West Richland, WA

2002-03-05

The present invention is a microchannel mass exchanger having a first plurality of inner thin sheets and a second plurality of outer thin sheets. The inner thin sheets each have a solid margin around a circumference, the solid margin defining a slot through the inner thin sheet thickness. The outer thin sheets each have at least two header holes on opposite ends and when sandwiching an inner thin sheet. The outer thin sheets further have a mass exchange medium. The assembly forms a closed flow channel assembly wherein fluid enters through one of the header holes into the slot and exits through another of the header holes after contacting the mass exchange medium.

A new approach for solving the three-dimensional steady Euler equations. I - General theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, S.-C.; Adamczyk, J. J.

1986-01-01

The present iterative procedure combines the Clebsch potentials and the Munk-Prim (1947) substitution principle with an extension of a semidirect Cauchy-Riemann solver to three dimensions, in order to solve steady, inviscid three-dimensional rotational flow problems in either subsonic or incompressible flow regimes. This solution procedure can be used, upon discretization, to obtain inviscid subsonic flow solutions in a 180-deg turning channel. In addition to accurately predicting the behavior of weak secondary flows, the algorithm can generate solutions for strong secondary flows and will yield acceptable flow solutions after only 10-20 outer loop iterations.

A new approach for solving the three-dimensional steady Euler equations. I - General theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, S.-C.; Adamczyk, J. J.

1986-08-01

The present iterative procedure combines the Clebsch potentials and the Munk-Prim (1947) substitution principle with an extension of a semidirect Cauchy-Riemann solver to three dimensions, in order to solve steady, inviscid three-dimensional rotational flow problems in either subsonic or incompressible flow regimes. This solution procedure can be used, upon discretization, to obtain inviscid subsonic flow solutions in a 180-deg turning channel. In addition to accurately predicting the behavior of weak secondary flows, the algorithm can generate solutions for strong secondary flows and will yield acceptable flow solutions after only 10-20 outer loop iterations.

Hydrodynamics and sediment transport in a meandering channel with a model axial-flow hydrokinetic turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Craig; Kozarek, Jessica; Sotiropoulos, Fotis; Guala, Michele

2016-02-01

An investigation into the interactions between a model axial-flow hydrokinetic turbine (rotor diameter, dT = 0.15 m) and the complex hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes within a meandering channel was carried out in the Outdoor StreamLab research facility at the University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. This field-scale meandering stream with bulk flow and sediment discharge control provided a location for high spatiotemporally resolved measurements of bed and water surface elevations around the model turbine. The device was installed within an asymmetric, erodible channel cross section under migrating bed form and fixed outer bank conditions. A comparative analysis between velocity and topographic measurements, with and without the turbine installed, highlights the local and nonlocal features of the turbine-induced scour and deposition patterns. In particular, it shows how the cross-section geometry changes, how the bed form characteristics are altered, and how the mean flow field is distorted both upstream and downstream of the turbine. We further compare and discuss how current energy conversion deployments in meander regions would result in different interactions between the turbine operation and the local and nonlocal bathymetry compared to straight channels.

Four-wall turbine airfoil with thermal strain control for reduced cycle fatigue

DOEpatents

Cambell, Christian X

2013-09-17

A turbine airfoil (20B) with a thermal expansion control mechanism that increases the airfoil camber (60, 61) under operational heating. The airfoil has four-wall geometry, including pressure side outer and inner walls (26, 28B), and suction side outer and inner walls (32, 34B). It has near-wall cooling channels (31F, 31A, 33F, 33A) between the outer and inner walls. A cooling fluid flow pattern (50C, 50W, 50H) in the airfoil causes the pressure side inner wall (28B) to increase in curvature under operational heating. The pressure side inner wall (28B) is thicker than walls (26, 34B) that oppose it in camber deformation, so it dominates them in collaboration with the suction side outer wall (32), and the airfoil camber increases. This reduces and relocates a maximum stress area (47) from the suction side outer wall (32) to the suction side inner wall (34B, 72) and the pressure side outer wall (26).

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.

Influence of submarine morphology on bottom water flow across the western Ross Sea continental margin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davey, F.J.; Jacobs, S.S.

2007-01-01

Multibeam sonar bathymetry documents a lack of significant channels crossing outer continental shelf and slope of the western Ross Sea. This indicates that movement of bottom water across the shelf break into the deep ocean in this area is mainly by laminar or sheet flow. Subtle, ~20 m deep and up to 1000 m wide channels extend down the continental slope, into tributary drainage patterns on the upper rise, and then major erosional submarine canyons. These down-slope channels may have been formed by episodic pulses of rapid down slope water flow, some recorded on bottom current meters, or by sub-ice melt water erosion from an icesheet grounded at the margin. Narrow, mostly linear furrows on the continental shelf thought to be caused by iceberg scouring are randomly oriented, have widths generally less than 400 m and depths less than 30m, and extend to water depths in excess of 600 m.

Multi-pass cooling for turbine airfoils

DOEpatents

Liang, George [Palm City, FL

2011-06-28

An airfoil for a turbine vane of a gas turbine engine. The airfoil includes an outer wall having pressure and suction sides, and a radially extending cooling cavity located between the pressure and suction sides. A plurality of partitions extend radially through the cooling cavity to define a plurality of interconnected cooling channels located at successive chordal locations through the cooling cavity. The cooling channels define a serpentine flow path extending in the chordal direction. Further, the cooling channels include a plurality of interconnected chambers and the chambers define a serpentine path extending in the radial direction within the serpentine path extending in the chordal direction.

Vapor spill pipe monitor

DOEpatents

Bianchini, G.M.; McRae, T.G.

1983-06-23

The invention is a method and apparatus for continually monitoring the composition of liquefied natural gas flowing from a spill pipe during a spill test by continually removing a sample of the LNG by means of a probe, gasifying the LNG in the probe, and sending the vaporized LNG to a remote ir gas detector for analysis. The probe comprises three spaced concentric tubes surrounded by a water jacket which communicates with a flow channel defined between the inner and middle, and middle and outer tubes. The inner tube is connected to a pump for providing suction, and the probe is positioned in the LNG flow below the spill pipe with the tip oriented partly downward so that LNG is continuously drawn into the inner tube through a small orifice. The probe is made of a high thermal conductivity metal. Hot water is flowed through the water jacket and through the flow channel between the three tubes to provide the necessary heat transfer to flash vaporize the LNG passing through the inner channel of the probe. The gasified LNG is transported through a connected hose or tubing extending from the probe to a remote ir sensor which measures the gas composition.

Membrane-spacer assembly for flow-electrode capacitive deionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ki Sook; Cho, Younghyun; Choo, Ko Yeon; Yang, SeungCheol; Han, Moon Hee; Kim, Dong Kook

2018-03-01

Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a desalination process designed to overcome the limited desalination capacity of conventional CDI systems due to their fixed electrodes. Such a FCDI cell system is comprised of a current collector, freestanding ion-exchange membrane (IEM), gasket, and spacer for flowing saline water. To simplify the cell system, in this study we combined the membrane and spacer into a single unit, by coating the IEM on a porous ceramic structure that acts as the spacer. The combination of membrane with the porous structure avoids the use of costly freestanding IEM. Furthermore, the FCDI system can be readily scaled up by simply inserting the IEM-coated porous structures in between the channels for flow electrodes. However, coating the IEM on such porous ceramic structures can cause a sudden drop in the treatment capacity, if the coated IEM penetrates the ceramic pores and prevents these pores from acting as saline flow channels. To address this issue, we blocked the larger microscale pores on the outer surface with SiO2 and polymeric multilayers. Thus, the IEM is coated only onto the top surface of the porous structure, while the internal pores remain empty to function as water channels.

The voltage-dependent anion channel as a biological transistor: theoretical considerations.

PubMed

Lemeshko, V V; Lemeshko, S V

2004-07-01

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a porin of the mitochondrial outer membrane with a bell-shaped permeability-voltage characteristic. This porin restricts the flow of negatively charged metabolites at certain non-zero voltages, and thus might regulate their flux across the mitochondrial outer membrane. Here, we have developed a mathematical model illustrating the possibility of interaction between two steady-state fluxes of negatively charged metabolites circulating across the VDAC in a membrane. The fluxes interact by contributing to generation of the membrane electrical potential with subsequent closure of the VDAC. The model predicts that the VDAC might function as a single-molecule biological transistor and amplifier, because according to the obtained calculations a small change in the flux of one pair of different negatively charged metabolites causes a significant modulation of a more powerful flux of another pair of negatively charged metabolites circulating across the same membrane with the VDAC. Such transistor-like behavior of the VDAC in the mitochondrial outer membrane might be an important principle of the cell energy metabolism regulation under some physiological conditions.

Design and evaluation of a Dean vortex-based micromixer.

PubMed

Howell, Peter B; Mott, David R; Golden, Joel P; Ligler, Frances S

2004-12-01

A mixer, based on the Dean vortex, is fabricated and tested in an on-chip format. When fluid is directed around a curve under pressure driven flow, the high velocity streams in the center of the channel experience a greater centripetal force and so are deflected outward. This creates a pair of counter-rotating vortices moving fluid toward the inner wall at the top and bottom of the channel and toward the outer wall in the center. For the geometries studied, the vortices were first seen at Reynolds numbers between 1 and 10 and became stronger as the flow velocity is increased. Vortex formation was monitored in channels with depth/width ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. The lowest aspect ratio strongly suppressed vortex formation. Increasing the aspect ratio above 1 appeared to provide improved mixing. This design has the advantages of easy fabrication and low surface area.

Maintaining K+ balance on the low-Na+, high-K+ diet

PubMed Central

Cornelius, Ryan J.; Wang, Bangchen; Wang-France, Jun

2016-01-01

A low-Na+, high-K+ diet (LNaHK) is considered a healthier alternative to the “Western” high-Na+ diet. Because the mechanism for K+ secretion involves Na+ reabsorptive exchange for secreted K+ in the distal nephron, it is not understood how K+ is eliminated with such low Na+ intake. Animals on a LNaHK diet produce an alkaline load, high urinary flows, and markedly elevated plasma ANG II and aldosterone levels to maintain their K+ balance. Recent studies have revealed a potential mechanism involving the actions of alkalosis, urinary flow, elevated ANG II, and aldosterone on two types of K+ channels, renal outer medullary K+ and large-conductance K+ channels, located in principal and intercalated cells. Here, we review these recent advances. PMID:26739887

Subtidal circulation in a deep-silled fjord: Douglas Channel, British Columbia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Di; Hannah, Charles G.; Foreman, Michael G. G.; Dosso, Stan

2017-05-01

Douglas Channel, a deep fjord on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, is the main waterway in the fjord system that connects the town of Kitimat to Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. A 200 m depth sill divides Douglas Channel into an outer and an inner basin. This study examines the low-frequency (from seasonal to meteorological bands) circulation in Douglas Channel from data collected at three moorings deployed during 2013-2015. The deep flows are dominated by a yearly renewal that takes place from May/June to early September. A dense bottom layer with a thickness of 100 m that cascades through the system at the speed of 0.1-0.2 m s-1, which is consistent with gravity currents. Estuarine flow dominates the circulation above the sill depth, and the observed landward net volume flux suggests that it is necessary to include the entire complex channel network to fully understand the estuarine circulation in the system. The influence of the wind forcing on the subtidal circulation is not only at the surface, but also at middepth. The along-channel wind dominates the surface current velocity fluctuations and the sea level response to the wind produces a velocity signal at 100-120 m in the counter-wind direction. Overall, the circulation in the seasonal and the meteorological bands is a mix of estuarine flow, direct wind-driven flow, and the barotropic and baroclinic responses to changes to the surface pressure gradient caused by the wind stress.

Melt segregation during Poiseuille flow of partially molten rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quintanilla-Terminel, A.; Dillman, A. M.; Kohlstedt, D. L.

2015-12-01

Studies of the dynamics of partially molten regions of the Earth's mantle provide the basis necessary for understanding the chemical and physical evolution of our planet. Since we cannot directly observe processes occurring at depth, we rely on models and experiments to constrain the rheological behavior of partially molten rocks. Here, we present the results of an experimental investigation of the role of viscous anisotropy on melt segregation in partially molten rocks through Poiseuille flow experiments. Partially molten rock samples with a composition of either forsterite or anorthite plus a few percent melt were prepared from vacuum sintered powders and taken to 1200ºC at 0.1 MPa. The partially molten samples were then extruded through a channel of circular cross section under a fixed pressure gradient at 1200o to 1500oC. The melt distribution in the channel was subsequently mapped through image analyses of optical and backscattered electron microscopy images. In these experiments, melt segregates from the center toward the outer radius of the channel with the melt fraction at the outer radius increasing to twice that at the center. These results are consistent with base-state melt segregation as predicted by Takei and Holtzman (JGR, 2009), Takei and Katz (JFM, 2013) and Allwright and Katz (GJI, 2014) for sheared partially molten rocks for which viscosity is anisotropic due to the stress-induced, grain-scale alignment of melt.

Surface roughness effects on turbulent Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Young Mo; Lee, Jae Hwa

2017-11-01

Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent Couette flow with two-dimensional (2-D) rod roughness is performed to examine the effects of the surface roughness. The Reynolds number based on the channel centerline laminar velocity (Uco) and channel half height (h) is Re =7200. The 2-D rods are periodically arranged with a streamwise pitch of λ = 8 k on the bottom wall, and the roughness height is k = 0.12 h. It is shown that the wall-normal extent for the logarithmic layer is significantly shortened in the rough-wall turbulent Couette flow, compared to a turbulent Couette flow with smooth wall. Although the Reynolds stresses are increased in a turbulent channel flow with surface roughness in the outer layer due to large-scale ejection motions produced by the 2-D rods, those of the rough-wall Couette flow are decreased. Isosurfaces of the u-structures averaged in time suggest that the decrease of the turbulent activity near the centerline is associated with weakened large-scale counter-rotating roll modes by the surface roughness. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2017R1D1A1A09000537) and the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (NRF-2017R1A5A1015311).

Flow structure at low momentum ratio river confluences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Gelare; Rennie, Colin. D.; Cardot, Romain; Mettra, François; Lane, Stuart. N.

2017-04-01

The flow structure at river confluences is a complex pattern of fluid motion and can be characterized by the formation of secondary circulation. As river confluences play an essential role on flow hydrodynamics and control the movement of sediment through river networks, there has been substantial attention given to this subject in recent decades. However, there is still much debate over how momentum ratio and sediment transport can control secondary circulation and mixing processes. In particular, studies have tended to assume that there is some equilibrium between the bed morphology present and the flow structures that form in the junction region. However, this overlooks the fact that tributaries may be associated with highly varying sediment supply regimes, especially for shorter and steeper tributaries, with temporal changes in sediment delivery ratios (between the main stem and the tributary) that do not follow exactly changes in momentum ratio. This may lead to bed morphologies that are a function of rates of historical sediment supply during sediment transporting events and not the momentum ratio associated with the junction during its measurement. It is quite possible that tributaries with low flow momentum ratio have a relatively higher sediment delivery ratio, such that the tributary is still able to influence significantly secondary circulation in the main channel, long after the sediment transport event, and despite its low flow momentum during measurement. The focus of this paper is low momentum ratio junctions where it is possible that the tributary can deliver large amounts of sediment. Secondary circulation at junctions is thought to be dominated by streamwise-oriented vortical cells. These cells are produced by the convergence of surface flow towards the centre of the main channel, with descending motion in the zone of maximum flow convergence. Once flow arrives at the bed, it diverges and completes its rotation by an upwelling motion through the surface at the channels margins. Numerical models, laboratory experiments and field studies have confirmed the presence of this motion. However, such studies have focused on situations where the momentum ratio is close to one and there have been fewer investigations of confluences where the momentum ratio is much less than one. This study presents field investigations in two upper Rhône river confluences in Switzerland, using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (aDcp). These two confluences are characterized by low momentum ratios but potentially higher sediment delivery ratios during extreme events. Results show that sediment delivery from the tributary during extreme events leads to the formation of a tributary mouth bar and associated bed discordance as well as a bank attached bar downstream of the tributary. In both cases, this discordant bed forms a two-layer flow and the water from the tributary penetrates into the upper part of the main river water column. This results in a mixing interface that is shifted toward the outer bank. When this mixing layer detaches from the tributary outer bank, it forms a large recirculation region in the upper part of the water column and a pronounced scour hole at this bank. The bank attached bar that forms downstream during sediment supply events leads to substantial curvature of the main channel flow, even when the flow momentum of the tributary is low and helps to shift the zone of deepest main river flow towards the outer bank.

Three-dimensional flow structure and patterns of bed shear stress in an evolving compound meander bend

USGS Publications Warehouse

Engel, Frank; Rhoads, Bruce L.

2016-01-01

Compound meander bends with multiple lobes of maximum curvature are common in actively evolving lowland rivers. Interaction among spatial patterns of mean flow, turbulence, bed morphology, bank failures and channel migration in compound bends is poorly understood. In this paper, acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measurements of the three-dimensional (3D) flow velocities in a compound bend are examined to evaluate the influence of channel curvature and hydrologic variability on the structure of flow within the bend. Flow structure at various flow stages is related to changes in bed morphology over the study timeframe. Increases in local curvature within the upstream lobe of the bend reduce outer bank velocities at morphologically significant flows, creating a region that protects the bank from high momentum flow and high bed shear stresses. The dimensionless radius of curvature in the upstream lobe is one-third less than that of the downstream lobe, with average bank erosion rates less than half of the erosion rates for the downstream lobe. Higher bank erosion rates within the downstream lobe correspond to the shift in a core of high velocity and bed shear stresses toward the outer bank as flow moves through the two lobes. These erosion patterns provide a mechanism for continued migration of the downstream lobe in the near future. Bed material size distributions within the bend correspond to spatial patterns of bed shear stress magnitudes, indicating that bed material sorting within the bend is governed by bed shear stress. Results suggest that patterns of flow, sediment entrainment, and planform evolution in compound meander bends are more complex than in simple meander bends. Moreover, interactions among local influences on the flow, such as woody debris, local topographic steering, and locally high curvature, tend to cause compound bends to evolve toward increasing planform complexity over time rather than stable configurations.

Universal Logarithmic Law of the Wall in Turbulent Channel and Pipe Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanoun, E.-S.; Durst, F.; Nagib, Hassan

2003-11-01

The accuracy of obtaining parameters of velocity distribution in the inertial sub-layer of wall-bounded flows depends on evaluating the wall friction and spatial resolution of measurements. By focusing on these aspects of experiments and extending the range of available channel data by a factor of two, our work confirms the log-law over a power-law representation for Re_τ≥ 2×10^3. Measurements in a fully-developed pipe reveal that velocity instruments such as hot-wires are superior to pressure probes for several reasons including spatial resolution. No general technique for correcting Pitot probe data exists, and the MacMillan's displacement correction drastically changes the slope of the logarithmic law. Oil-film interferometry coupled with hot-wire measurements were used to demonstrate effects of channel aspect ratio on results and to reveal that initial tripping has insignificant effects on the Kármán constant in the fully developed region. Data reveal evidence on differences in the outer flow between channels and pipes. In channels, we find that the inertial sub-range may be represented by the simple approximate formula ;U^+≈e ln y^++10/e and the fully developed channel resistance by c_f=0.0624 Re_m-0.25 or √2/c_f; ≈ ; e; ln Re √c_f+10/e+e;(ln1/√2-1).

Monopolar fuel cell stack coupled together without use of top or bottom cover plates or tie rods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayanan, Sekharipuram R. (Inventor); Valdez, Thomas I. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A monopolar fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of sealed unit cells coupled together. Each unit cell comprises two outer cathodes adjacent to corresponding membrane electrode assemblies and a center anode plate. An inlet and outlet manifold are coupled to the anode plate and communicate with a channel therein. Fuel flows from the inlet manifold through the channel in contact with the anode plate and flows out through the outlet manifold. The inlet and outlet manifolds are arranged to couple to the inlet and outlet manifolds respectively of an adjacent one of the plurality of unit cells to permit fuel flow in common into all of the inlet manifolds of the plurality of the unit cells when coupled together in a stack and out of all of the outlet manifolds of the plurality of unit cells when coupled together in a stack.

Dujiangyan: Could the ancient hydraulic engineering be a sustainable solution for Mississippi River diversions?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Y. J.

2016-02-01

Dujiangyan, also known as the Dujiangyan Project, is a hydraulic engineering complex built more than 2260 years ago on the Mingjiang River near Chengdu in China's Sichuan Province. The complex splits the river into two channels, a so-called "inner river" (Leijiang) and an "outer river" (Waijiang) that carry variable water volumes and sediment loads under different river flow conditions. The inner river and its numerous distributary canals are primarily man-made for irrigation over the past 2000 years, while the outer river is the natural channel and flows southward before entering into the Yangtze River. Under normal flow, 60% of the Mingjiang River goes into the inner river for irrigating nearly 1 million hectares of agricultural land on the Chengdu plain. During floods, however, less than 40% of the Mingjiang River flows into the inner river. Under both flow conditions, about 80% of the riverine sediments is carried by the outer river and continues downstream. This hydrology is achieved through a weir work complex that comprises three major components: a V-shaped bypass dike in the center of the Mingjiang River (the Yuzui Bypass Dike, see photo below), a sediment diversion canal in the inner river below the bypass dike (the Feishayan Floodgate), and a flow control in the inner river below the sediment diversion canal (the Baopingkou Diversion Passage). Together with ancillary embankments, these structures have not only ensured a regular supply of silt-reduced water to the fertile Chengdu plain, but have provided great benefits in flood control, sediment transport, and water resources regulation over the past two thousand years. The design of this ancient hydraulic complex ingeniously conforms to the natural environment while incorporating many sophisticated techniques, reflecting the concept that humankind is an integral part of nature. As we are urgently seeking solutions today to save the sinking Mississippi River Delta, examination of the ancient engineering marvel may offer insights into sustainable practices in river engineering of the lower Mississippi under climate change and sea level rise. This paper will introduce the Dujiangyan Project and will discuss possibilities of applying Dujiangyan's fundamental concept for sediment diversions in the Lower Mississippi River.

Efficient computation of turbulent flow in ribbed passages using a non-overlapping near-wall domain decomposition method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Adam; Utyuzhnikov, Sergey

2017-08-01

Turbulent flow in a ribbed channel is studied using an efficient near-wall domain decomposition (NDD) method. The NDD approach is formulated by splitting the computational domain into an inner and outer region, with an interface boundary between the two. The computational mesh covers the outer region, and the flow in this region is solved using the open-source CFD code Code_Saturne with special boundary conditions on the interface boundary, called interface boundary conditions (IBCs). The IBCs are of Robin type and incorporate the effect of the inner region on the flow in the outer region. IBCs are formulated in terms of the distance from the interface boundary to the wall in the inner region. It is demonstrated that up to 90% of the region between the ribs in the ribbed passage can be removed from the computational mesh with an error on the friction factor within 2.5%. In addition, computations with NDD are faster than computations based on low Reynolds number (LRN) models by a factor of five. Different rib heights can be studied with the same mesh in the outer region without affecting the accuracy of the friction factor. This is tested with six different rib heights in an example of a design optimisation study. It is found that the friction factors computed with NDD are almost identical to the fully-resolved results. When used for inverse problems, NDD is considerably more efficient than LRN computations because only one computation needs to be performed and only one mesh needs to be generated.

The influence of the breakdown electric field in the configuration of lightning corona sheath on charge distribution in the channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignjatovic, Milan; Cvetic, Jovan; Heidler, Fridolin; Markovic, Slavoljub; Djuric, Radivoje

2014-11-01

A model of corona sheath that surrounds the thin core of the lightning channel has been investigated by using a generalized traveling current source return stroke model. The lightning channel is modeled by a charged corona sheath that stretches around a highly conductive central core through which the main current flows. The channel core with the negatively charged outer channel sheath forms a strong electric field, with an overall radial orientation. The return stroke process is modeled as the negative leader charge in the corona sheath being discharged by the positive charge coming from the channel core. Expressions that describe how the corona sheath radius evolves during the return stroke are obtained from the corona sheath model, which predicts charge motion within the sheath. The corona sheath model, set forth by Maslowski and Rakov (2006), Tausanovic et al. (2010), Marjanovic and Cvetic (2009), Cvetic et al. (2011) and Cvetic et al. (2012), divides the sheath onto three zones: zone 1 (surrounding the channel core with net positive charge), zone 2 (surrounding zone 1 with negative charge) and zone 3 (the outer zone, representing uncharged virgin air). In the present study, we have assumed a constant electric field inside zone 1, as suggested by experimental research of corona discharges in coaxial geometry conducted by Cooray (2000). The present investigation builds upon previous studies by Tausanovic et al. (2010) and Cvetic et al. (2012) in several ways. The value of the breakdown electric field has been varied for probing its effect on channel charge distribution prior and during the return stroke. With the aim of investigating initial space charge distribution along the channel, total electric field at the outer surface of the channel corona sheath, just before the return stroke, is calculated and compared for various return stroke models. A self-consistent algorithm is applied to the generalized traveling current source return stroke model, so that the boundary condition for total electric field is fulfilled. The new density of space charge and the new radius of channel corona envelope, immediately before the return stroke stage, are calculated. The obtained results indicate a strong dependence of channel charge distribution on the breakdown electric field value. Among the compared return stroke models, transmission-line-type models have exhibited a good agreement with the predictions of the Gauss' law regarding total breakdown electric field on the corona sheath's outer surface. The generalized lightning traveling current source return stroke model gives similar results if the adjustment of the space charge density inside the corona sheath is performed.

Skewness and flatness factors of the longitudinal velocity derivative in wall-bounded flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djenidi, Lyazid; Antonia, Robert A.; Talluru, Murali K.; Abe, Hiroyuki

2017-06-01

Hot-wire measurements are carried out in turbulent boundary layers over smooth and rough walls in order the assess the behavior of the skewness (S ) and flatness (F ) factors of the longitudinal velocity derivative as y , the distance from the wall, increases. The measurements are complemented by direct numerical simulations of a smooth wall turbulent channel flow. It is observed that, as the distance to the wall increases, S and F vary significantly before approaching a constant in the outer layer of the boundary layer. Further, S and F exhibit a nontrivial dependence on the Taylor microscale Reynolds number (Reλ). For example, in the region below about 0.2 δ (δ is the boundary layer thickness) where Reλ varies significantly, S and F strongly vary with Reλ and can be multivalued at a given Reλ. In the outer region, between 0.3 δ and 0.6 δ , S , F , and Reλ remain approximately constant. The channel flow direct numerical simulation data for S and F exhibit a similar behavior. These results point to the ambiguity that can arise when assessing the Reλ dependence of S and F in wall shear flows. In particular, the multivaluedness of S and F can lead to erroneous conclusions if y /δ is known only poorly, as is the case for the atmospheric shear layer (ASL). If the laboratory turbulent boundary layer is considered an adequate surrogate to the neutral ASL, then the behavior of S and F in the ASL is expected to be similar to that reported here.

Effect of Eccentricity in Compound Droplets Subject to a Simple Shear Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sangkyu; Dabiri, Sadegh

2016-11-01

A double emulsion, or a compound droplet, is a system where two liquids are separated by an immiscible third liquid, thereby forming an emulsion inside an emulsion. Compound drops benefit from this separation in applications such food sciences, microfluidics, pharmaceutical engineering, and polymer sciences. While the subjects of double emulsion preparations, deformations, and breakup mechanisms are well-explored, the time-evolution of non-concentric compound drops has received far less analytical or computational scrutiny. In this work, we present computational results using finite volume method with front-tracking approach for initially spherical and non-concentric compound drops in a shear flow. Our findings for low Reynolds number flows show that: 1. The surrounding shear flow to the outer drop induces a rotational velocity field inside it, causing the inner drop to tumble with the flow, 2. the tumbling motion persists in time, and acts to increase the eccentricity of the compound drop, and 3. the hemisection-plane to the outer drop that is aligned with the plane of the simple shear defines an unstable equilibrium for inner drop's center, and the inner drop continuously drifts away from that plane. This work suggests a means of favorably configuring compound drops suitable for breakups, and helps to understand their migration in channel flows.

Turbulent Suspension Mechanics in Sediment-Laden Boundary Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiger, K.

2013-05-01

Accurate prediction of benthic sediment transport is a challenging problem due the two-phase nature of the flow near the mobile bed, as well as the large difference in scales between the meso-scale flow and smaller-scale structures interacting with the sediment bed. Of particular importance is the parameterization of the physics at the bottom boundary. This requires estimation of key quantities such as effective bed stress and sediment flux based on the on the outer regional-scale velocity field. An appropriate turbulence/sediment parameterization is needed to specify the correct bottom momentum and sediment flux. Prior work has shown the shortcoming of standard models to properly predict such behavior, which is speculated to result from the dominant role played by large-scale coherent structures in the generation of the bed morphology, suspension of particulates, and important particle-fluid coupling effects. The goal of the current work is to elucidate such relationships through a combination of direct simulation and laboratory-scale experiment, the latter of which will be the primary focus of this paper. Specifically, two-phase PIV is used to provide a novel quantitative description of both phases, allowing for a detailed examination of the flow behavior and particle-turbulence coupling. Experiments were conducted in both a steady, fully-developed turbulent channel flow and an oscillatory boundary layer in order to examine the fundamental behaviour of the suspension and particle coupling mechanisms. The turbulent channel flow measurements indicated an increase in the effective wall stress due to the presence of the sediment on the order of 7%. The sediment suspension was directly correlated with the ejection dynamics of prototypical hairpin structures, but were found to settle back towards the bed in a manner uncorrelated with the fluid structure. In contrast, the measurements of the oscillatory flow reveal it to be dominated by alternating streaming motions and the ejection of a large-scale vortex at flow reversal. The vortex formation is initiated by the separation from the lee side of the dune during the relaxation of the favourable pressure gradient approaching the peak velocity. Through the deceleration phase, the recirculation region strengthens and grows, detaching into a free vortex as flow reversal is approached. Examining the fluctuating component of Reynolds stress show the vortex to be the dominant source of turbulent transport into the outer flow, which gradually decays as it is transported over the dunes. This vortex is also seen to be the major source of sediment transport into the outer flow region, with the time-averaged sediment flux streaming in a recirculating pattern emanating from the dune crests. The recirculation region is continually populated by particles scoured from the high-shear region on the upstream stoss slope, and upon flow reversal are ejected into the outer flow. Comparison of particle a fluid velocity shows significant slip in the vortex/particle cloud, with the particles settling relative to the fluid at close to 2 cm/s. In other regions of the flow, the mean slip magnitude is generally small, but negative, as one might expect owing to the net settling influence exerted by gravity.

On the scaling of velocity and vorticity variances in turbulent channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, A.

2015-11-01

The availability of new DNS-based statistics for turbulent channel flow (Lee & Moser, JFM 2015) along with previous results (e.g., Hoyas & Jiménez, Phys. Flu. 2006) has provided the opportunity for another look at the scaling laws for this flow. For example, data from the former (fig. 4(e)) for the streamwise velocity variance in the outer region clearly indicate a modified log law for that quantity at Reτ = 5200 , i.e., + =C0 -C1 ln (y / δ) -C2 ln (y / δ)2 where δ is the channel half height. We find that this result fits the the data very well for 0 . 1 < y / δ < 0 . 8 . The Reynolds number (5200) is still apparently too low to observe the much-discussed log law (above with C2 = 0), which, presumably, would appear for roughly y / δ < 0 . 1 , as it does in high Reτ pipe flow (Hultmark et al., PRL 2012) with δ replaced by R. On the other hand, the above modified log law with the same values for C1 and C2 is a good fit for the pipe data at Reτ = 98 ×105 for y / R > 0 . 12 (fig. 4 of Hultmark et al.).

Electroosmotic flow mixing in zigzag microchannels.

PubMed

Chen, Jia-Kun; Yang, Ruey-Jen

2007-03-01

In this study we performed numerical and experimental investigations into the mixing of EOFs in zigzag microchannels with two different corner geometries, namely sharp corners and flat corners. In the zigzag microchannel with sharp corners, the flow travels more rapidly near the inner wall of the corner than near the outer wall as a result of the higher electric potential drop. The resulting velocity gradient induces a racetrack effect, which enhances diffusion within the fluid and hence improves the mixing performance. The simulation results reveal that the mixing index is approximately 88.83%. However, the sharp-corner geometry causes residual liquid or bubbles to become trapped in the channel at the point where the flow is almost stationary, when the channel is in the process of cleaning. Accordingly, a zigzag microchannel with flat-corner geometry is developed. The flat-corner geometry forms a convergent-divergent type nozzle which not only enhances the mixing performance in the channel, but also prevents the accumulation of residual liquid or bubbles. Scaling analysis reveals that this corner geometry leads to an effective increase in the mixing length. The experimental results reveal that the mixing index is increased to 94.30% in the flat-corner zigzag channel. Hence, the results demonstrate that the mixing index of the flat-corner zigzag channel is better than that of the conventional sharp-corner microchannel. Finally, the results of Taguchi analysis indicate that the attainable mixing index is determined primarily by the number of corners in the microchannel and by the flow passing height at each corner.

A debris avalanche at Forest Falls, San Bernardino County, California, July 11, 1999

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morton, Douglas M.; Hauser, Rachel M.

2001-01-01

This publication consists of the online version of a CD-ROM publication, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 01-146. The data for this publication total 557 MB on the CD-ROM. For speed of transfer, the main PDF document has been compressed (with a subsequent loss of image quality) from 145 to 18.1 MB. The community of Forest Falls, California, is frequently subject to relatively slow moving debris flows. Some 11 debris flow events that were destructive to property have been recorded between 1955 and 1998. On July 11 and 13, 1999, debris flows again occurred, produced by high-intensity, short-duration monsoon rains. Unlike previous debris flow events, the July 11 rainfall generated a high-velocity debris avalanche in Snow Creek, one of the several creeks crossing the composite, debris flow dominated, alluvial fan on which Forest Falls is located. This debris avalanche overshot the bank of the active debris flow channel of Snow Creek, destroying property in the near vicinity and taking a life. The minimum velocity of this avalanche is calculated to have been in the range of 40 to 55 miles per hour. Impact from high-velocity boulders removed trees where the avalanche overshot the channel bank. Further down the fan, the rapidly moving debris fragmented the outer parts of the upslope side of large pine trees and embedded rock fragments into the tree trunks. Unlike the characteristic deposits formed by debris flows, the avalanche spread out down-slope and left no deposit suggestive of a debris avalanche. This summer monsoon-generated debris avalanche is apparently the first recorded for Forest Falls. The best indications of past debris avalanches may be the degree of permanent scars produced by extensive abrasion and splintering of the outer parts of pine trees that were in the path of an avalanche.

Study of the Effects of Centrifugal Instabilities on Flow in a 40 to 1 Aspect Ratio Rectangular Curved Channel, for Dean Numbers from 35 to Fully Turbulent Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

is constructed from stainless steel hypodermic tubing with inner and outer diameters of 0.203 mm and 0.406 mm. The five tubes were first joined by...for all channels is 256 kHz. A schematic diagram of the measurement process [Ref. 25] is given in Figure 78, and is also described below. The analog...and smoke rake. Combustion takes place inside a 40.64 cm long, 6.27 cm inside diameter (2.5 inch schedule 40) steel pipe. Inside this chamber, smoke is

CMC vane assembly apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Schiavo, Anthony L; Gonzalez, Malberto F; Huang, Kuangwei; Radonovich, David C

2012-10-23

A metal vane core or strut (64) is formed integrally with an outer backing plate (40). An inner backing plate (38) is formed separately. A spring (74) with holes (75) is installed in a peripheral spring chamber (76) on the strut. Inner and outer CMC shroud covers (46, 48) are formed, cured, then attached to facing surfaces of the inner and outer backing plates (38, 40). A CMC vane airfoil (22) is formed, cured, and slid over the strut (64). The spring (74) urges continuous contact between the strut (64) and airfoil (66), eliminating vibrations while allowing differential expansion. The inner end (88) of the strut is fastened to the inner backing plate (38). A cooling channel (68) in the strut is connected by holes (69) along the leading edge of the strut to peripheral cooling paths (70, 71) around the strut. Coolant flows through and around the strut, including through the spring holes.

Slumping and a sandbar deposit at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary in the El Tecolote section (northeastern Mexico): An impact-induced sediment gravity flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soria, Ana R.; Liesa, Carlos L.; Mata, Maria Pilar; Arz, José A.; Alegret, Laia; Arenillas, Ignacio; Meléndez, Alfonso

2001-03-01

Slumps affecting uppermost Méndez Formation marls, as well as the spherulitic layer and basal part of the sandy deposits of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary clastic unit, are described at the new K-T El Tecolote section (northeastern Mexico). These K-T clastic deposits represent sedimentation at middle-bathyal water depths in channel and nonchannel or levee areas of reworked materials coming from environments ranging from outer shelf to shallower slope via a unidirectional, high- to low-density turbidite flow. We emphasize the development and accretion of a lateral bar in a channel area from a surging low-density turbidity current and under a high-flow regime. The slumps discovered on land and the sedimentary processes of the K-T clastic unit reflect destabilization and collapse of the continental margin, support the mechanism of gravity flows in the deep sea, and represent important and extensive evidence for the impact effects in the Gulf of México triggered by the Chicxulub event.

Turbine exhaust diffuser with region of reduced flow area and outer boundary gas flow

DOEpatents

Orosa, John

2014-03-11

An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inwardly toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. At least one gas jet is provided including a jet exit located on the outer boundary. The jet exit may discharge a flow of gas downstream substantially parallel to an inner surface of the outer boundary to direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the outer boundary to effect a radially outward flow of at least a portion of the exhaust gas flow toward the outer boundary to balance an aerodynamic load between the outer and inner boundaries.

Controlled double emulsification utilizing 3D PDMS microchannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Fu-Che; Su, Yu-Chuan

2008-06-01

This paper presents a PDMS emulsification device that is capable of generating water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions in a controlled manner. Specially designed 3D microchannels are utilized to steer the independently driven water- and oil-phase flows (especially to restrict the attachment of the middle oil-phase flow on the channel surfaces), and to break the continuous flows into monodisperse double emulsions. In addition to channel geometries and fluid flow rates, surfactants and osmotic agents are employed to facilitate the breakup process and stabilize the resulting emulsion structures. In the prototype demonstration, two-level SU-8 molds were fabricated to duplicate PDMS microstructures, which were surface treated and bonded irreversibly to form 3D microchannels. Throughout the emulsification trials, dripping was intentionally induced to generate monodisperse double emulsions with single or multiple aqueous droplets inside each oil drop. It is found that the overall and core sizes of the resulting double emulsions could be adjusted independently, mainly by varying the outer and inner fluid flow rates, respectively. As such, the presented double emulsification device could potentially realize the controllability on emulsion structure and size distribution, which is desired for a variety of biological and pharmaceutical applications.

Measurement of terms and parameters in turbulent models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandborn, Virgil A.

1989-01-01

Experimental measurements of the mean and turbulent velocity field in a water flow, turn-around-duct is documented. The small radius of curvature duct experiments were made over a range of Reynolds numbers (based on a duct height of 10 cm) from 70,000 to 500,000. For this particular channel, the flow is dominated by the inertia forces. Use of the local bulk velocity to non-dimensionalize the local velocity was found to limit Reynolds number effects to the regions very close to the wall. Only secondary effects on the flow field were observed when the inlet or exit boundary conditions were altered. The flow over the central two-thirds of the channel was two-dimensional. Mean tangetial and radial velocities, streamlines, pressure distributions, surface shear stress; tangential, radial and lateral turbulent velocities and the Reynolds turbulent shear values are tabulated in other reports. It is evident from the experimental study that a complex numerical modeling technique must be developed to predict the flow in the turn-around-duct. The model must be able to predict relaminarization along the inner-convex-wall. It must also allow for the major increase in turbulence produced by the outer-concave-wall.

Depositional architecture and evolution of the Late Miocene slope channel-fan-system in the northeastern shelf-margin of South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jing; Lin, Changsong; Zhang, Zhongtao; Tian, Hongxun; Tao, Ze; Liu, Hanyao

2016-04-01

The Upper Miocene in the Pearl River Mouth Basin of northwestern shelf-margin of South China Sea Basin contains a series of slope channel - fan systems. Their depositional architecture and evolution are documented in this investigation based on an integrated analysis of cores, logs, and seismic data. Four depositional-palaeogeomorphological elements have been identified in the slope channel-fan systems as follows: broad, shallow and unconfined or partly confined outer-shelf to shelf-break channels; deeply incised and confined unidirectionally migrating slope channels; broad or U-shaped, unconfined erosional-depositional channels; frontal splays-lobes and nonchannelized sheets. The slope channels are mostly oriented NW-SE, which migrated unidirectionally northeastwards and intensively eroded almost the whole shelf-slope zone. The channel infillings are mainly mudstones, interbedded with siltstones. They might be formed by gravity flow erosion as bypassing channels. They were filled with limited gravity flow sediments at the base and mostly filled with lateral accretionary packages of bottom current deposits. At the end of the channels, a series of small-scale slope fans developed and coalesced into fan aprons along the base of the slope. The unconfined erosional-depositional channels at the upper parts of the fan-apron-systems display compound infill patterns, and commonly have concave erosional bases and convex tops. The frontal splays-lobes representing middle to distal deposits of fan-apron-systems have flat-mounded or gull-wing geometries, and the internal architectures include bidirectional downlap, progradation, and chaotic infillings. The distal nonchannelized turbidite sheets are characterized by thin-bedded, parallel to sub-parallel sheet-like geometries. Three major unconformities or obvious erosional surfaces in the channel-fan systems of the Upper Miocene are recognized, and indicate the falling of sea-level. The depositional architecture of sequences varies from the upper slope to the slope base transitional to basin plain. The basal erosion and the unidirectionally migrating characters of the slope channels were supposed to be the result of the interaction of bottom currents and gravity flows. The intensive development of the channel-fan systems over the shelf slope might be related to the Dongsha Tectonic uplift which may resulted in stepped slope and concomitantly intensified gravity flow in the study area in Late Miocene.

Origin of a crustal splay fault and its relation to the seismogenic zone and underplating at the erosional north Ecuador-south Colombia oceanic margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collot, J.-Y.; Agudelo, W.; Ribodetti, A.; Marcaillou, B.

2008-12-01

Splay faults within accretionary complexes are commonly associated with the updip limit of the seismogenic zone. Prestack depth migration of a multichannel seismic line across the north Ecuador-south Colombia oceanic margin images a crustal splay fault that correlates with the seaward limit of the rupture zone of the 1958 (Mw 7.7) tsunamogenic subduction earthquake. The splay fault separates 5-6.6 km/s velocity, inner wedge basement rocks, which belong to the accreted Gorgona oceanic terrane, from 4 to 5 km/s velocity outer wedge rocks. The outer wedge is dominated by basal tectonic erosion. Despite a 3-km-thick trench fill, subduction of 2-km-high seamount prevented tectonic accretion and promotes basal tectonic erosion. The low-velocity and poorly reflective subduction channel that underlies the outer wedge is associated with the aseismic, décollement thrust. Subduction channel fluids are expected to migrate upward along splay faults and alter outer wedge rocks. Conversely, duplexes are interpreted to form from and above subducting sediment, at ˜14- to 15-km depths between the overlapping seismogenic part of the splay fault and the underlying aseismic décollement. Coeval basal erosion of the outer wedge and underplating beneath the apex of inner wedge control the margin mass budget, which comes out negative. Intraoceanic basement fossil listric normal faults and a rift zone inverted in a flower structure reflect the evolution of the Gorgona terrane from Cretaceous extension to likely Eocene oblique compression. The splay faults could have resulted from tectonic inversion of listric normal faults, thus showing how inherited structures may promote fluid flow across margin basement and control seismogenesis.

Low-Cost, Rugged High-Vacuum System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorensen, Paul; Kline-Schoder, Robert

2012-01-01

A need exists for miniaturized, rugged, low-cost high-vacuum systems. Recent advances in sensor technology have led to the development of very small mass spectrometer detectors as well as other analytical instruments such as scanning electron microscopes. However, the vacuum systems to support these sensors remain large, heavy, and power-hungry. To meet this need, a miniaturized vacuum system was developed based on a very small, rugged, and inexpensive-to-manufacture molecular drag pump (MDP). The MDP is enabled by a miniature, very-high-speed (200,000 rpm), rugged, low-power, brushless DC motor optimized for wide temperature operation and long life. The key advantages of the pump are reduced cost and improved ruggedness compared to other mechanical hig-hvacuum pumps. The machining of the rotor and stators is very simple compared to that necessary to fabricate rotor and stator blades for other pump designs. Also, the symmetry of the rotor is such that dynamic balancing of the rotor will likely not be necessary. Finally, the number of parts in the unit is cut by nearly a factor of three over competing designs. The new pump forms the heart of a complete vacuum system optimized to support analytical instruments in terrestrial applications and on spacecraft and planetary landers. The MDP achieves high vacuum coupled to a ruggedized diaphragm rough pump. Instead of the relatively complicated rotor and stator blades used in turbomolecular pumps, the rotor in the MDP consists of a simple, smooth cylinder of aluminum. This will turn at approximately 200,000 rpm inside an outer stator housing. The pump stator comprises a cylindrical aluminum housing with one or more specially designed grooves that serve as flow channels. To minimize the length of the pump, the gas is forced down the flow channels of the outer stator to the base of the pump. The gas is then turned and pulled toward the top through a second set of channels cut into an inner stator housing that surrounds the motor. The compressed gas then flows down channels in the motor housing to the exhaust port of the pump. The exhaust port of the pump is connected to a commercially available diaphragm or scroll pump.

Blade for a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Liang, George

2010-10-26

A blade is provided for a gas turbine. The blade comprises a main body comprising a cooling fluid entrance channel; a cooling fluid collector in communication with the cooling fluid entrance channel; a plurality of side channels extending through an outer wall of the main body and communicating with the cooling fluid collector and a cooling fluid cavity; a cooling fluid exit channel communicating with the cooling fluid cavity; and a plurality of exit bores extending from the cooling fluid exit channel through the main body outer wall.

Method and system for providing cooling for turbine components

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

Morgan, Victor John; Lacy, Benjamin Paul

2016-08-16

A system for providing cooling for a turbine component that includes an outer surface exposed to combustion gases is provided. A component base includes at least one fluid supply passage coupleable to a source of cooling fluid. At least one feed passage communicates with the at least one fluid supply passage. At least one delivery channel communicates with the at least one feed passage. At least one cover layer covers the at least one feed passage and the at least one delivery channel, defining at least in part the component outer surface. At least one discharge passage extends to themore » outer surface. A diffuser section is defined in at least one of the at least one delivery channel and the at least one discharge passage, such that a fluid channeled through the system is diffused prior to discharge adjacent the outer surface.« less

Flowing Hot or Cold: User-Friendly Computational Models of Terrestrial and Planetary Lava Channels and Lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakimoto, S. E. H.

2016-12-01

Planetary volcanism has redefined what is considered volcanism. "Magma" now may be considered to be anything from the molten rock familiar at terrestrial volcanoes to cryovolcanic ammonia-water mixes erupted on an outer solar system moon. However, even with unfamiliar compositions and source mechanisms, we find familiar landforms such as volcanic channels, lakes, flows, and domes and thus a multitude of possibilities for modeling. As on Earth, these landforms lend themselves to analysis for estimating storage, eruption and/or flow rates. This has potential pitfalls, as extension of the simplified analytic models we often use for terrestrial features into unfamiliar parameter space might yield misleading results. Our most commonly used tools for estimating flow and cooling have tended to lag significantly behind state-of-the-art; the easiest methods to use are neither realistic or accurate, but the more realistic and accurate computational methods are not simple to use. Since the latter computational tools tend to be both expensive and require a significant learning curve, there is a need for a user-friendly approach that still takes advantage of their accuracy. One method is use of the computational package for generation of a server-based tool that allows less computationally inclined users to get accurate results over their range of input parameters for a given problem geometry. A second method is to use the computational package for the generation of a polynomial empirical solution for each class of flow geometry that can be fairly easily solved by anyone with a spreadsheet. In this study, we demonstrate both approaches for several channel flow and lava lake geometries with terrestrial and extraterrestrial examples and compare their results. Specifically, we model cooling rectangular channel flow with a yield strength material, with applications to Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Venus, and Mars. This approach also shows promise with model applications to lava lakes, magma flow through cracks, and volcanic dome formation.

Method of Fabricating Protective Coating for a Crucible with the Coating Having Channels Formed Therein

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method is provided for the fabrication of a protective coating for a crucible with channels being formed in the coating. A material is adhered to the outer wall of the crucible to form a pattern thereon. The outer wall of the crucible along with the pattern of material adhered thereto is next coated with another material. The material used to form the pattern should extend through the outer material coating to define at least one port therein. Next, the crucible with its pattern of material and outer coating material is heated to a temperature of transformation at which the pattern of material is transformed to a fluidic state while the crucible and outer coating material maintain their solid integrity. Such transformation could also be accomplished by using a solvent that causes the pattern of material to dissolve. Finally, the material in its fluidic state is removed via the at least one port formed in the outer material coating thereby leaving channels defined in the coating adjacent the outer wall of the crucible.

Planar ceramic membrane assembly and oxidation reactor system

DOEpatents

Carolan, Michael Francis; Dyer, legal representative, Kathryn Beverly; Wilson, Merrill Anderson; Ohm, Ted R.; Kneidel, Kurt E.; Peterson, David; Chen, Christopher M.; Rackers, Keith Gerard; Dyer, deceased, Paul Nigel

2007-10-09

Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer. The planar ceramic membrane assembly can be used in a ceramic wafer assembly comprising a planar ceramic channeled support layer having a first side and a second side; a first dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the first side of the ceramic channeled support layer; a first outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the first dense layer; a second dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the second side of the ceramic channeled layer; and a second outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the second dense layer.

Planar ceramic membrane assembly and oxidation reactor system

DOEpatents

Carolan, Michael Francis; Dyer, legal representative, Kathryn Beverly; Wilson, Merrill Anderson; Ohrn, Ted R.; Kneidel, Kurt E.; Peterson, David; Chen, Christopher M.; Rackers, Keith Gerard; Dyer, Paul Nigel

2009-04-07

Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer. The planar ceramic membrane assembly can be used in a ceramic wafer assembly comprising a planar ceramic channeled support layer having a first side and a second side; a first dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the first side of the ceramic channeled support layer; a first outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the first dense layer; a second dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the second side of the ceramic channeled layer; and a second outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the second dense layer.

Hydrodynamic behavior in the outer shear layer of partly obstructed open channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Meftah, Mouldi; De Serio, Francesca; Mossa, Michele

2014-06-01

Despite the many studies on flow in partly obstructed open channels, this issue remains of fundamental importance in order to better understand the interaction between flow behavior and the canopy structure. In the first part of this study we suggest a new theoretical approach able to model the flow pattern within the shear layer in the unobstructed domain, adjacent to the canopy area. Differently from previous studies, the new analytical solution of flow momentum equations takes into account the transversal velocity component of the flow, which is modelled as a linear function of the streamwise velocity. The proposed theoretical model is validated by different experiments carried out on a physical model of a very large rectangular channel by the research group of the Department of Civil, Environmental, Building Engineering and Chemistry of the Technical University of Bari. An array of vertical, rigid, and circular steel cylinders was partially mounted on the bottom in the central part of the flume, leaving two lateral areas of free flow circulation near the walls. The three-dimensional flow velocity components were measured using a 3D Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter. A comparison of the measured and predicted data of the present study with those obtained in other previous studies, carried out with different canopy density, show a non-dependence of this analytical solution on the array density and the Reynolds number. In the second part of the paper, detailed observations of turbulent intensities and spanwise Reynolds stresses in the unobstructed flow are analyzed and discussed. Differently from some earlier studies, it was observed that the peak of the turbulence intensity and that of the spanwise Reynolds stress are significantly shifted toward the center of the shear layer.

Distal Potassium Handling Based On Flow Modulation of Maxi-K Channel Activity

PubMed Central

Rodan, Aylin R.; Huang, Chou-Long

2011-01-01

Purpose of review Studies on the mechanisms of distal K+ secretion have highlighted the importance of the renal outer-medullary K+ (ROMK) and maxi-K channels. This review considers several human disorders characterized by hypo- and hyperkalemia, as well as mouse models of these disorders, and the mechanisms by which ROMK and maxi-K may be dysregulated. Recent findings Analysis of knockout mice lacking ROMK, a model for type II Bartter’s syndrome, has shown a role for maxi-K in distal K+ secretion. Knockout mice lacking either the α or β1 subunits of maxi-K also show deficits in flow-dependent K+ secretion. Analysis of transgenic and knock-in mouse models of pseudohypoaldsoteronism type II (PHA2), in which mutant forms of with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) are expressed, suggests ways in which ROMK and maxi-K may be dysregulated to result in hyperkalemia. Modeling studies also provide insights into the role of Na+ delivery versus flow in K+ secretion. Summary The importance of both ROMK and maxi-K to distal K+ secretion is now well-established, but the relative role each of these two channels plays in normal and diseased states has not been definitively established. Analysis of human and animal model data can generate hypotheses for future experiments. PMID:19448535

Resolving the negative potential side (n-side) water-accessible proton pathway of F-type ATP synthase by molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Gohlke, Holger; Schlieper, Daniel; Groth, Georg

2012-10-19

The rotation of F(1)F(o)-ATP synthase is powered by the proton motive force across the energy-transducing membrane. The protein complex functions like a turbine; the proton flow drives the rotation of the c-ring of the transmembrane F(o) domain, which is coupled to the ATP-producing F(1) domain. The hairpin-structured c-protomers transport the protons by reversible protonation/deprotonation of a conserved Asp/Glu at the outer transmembrane helix (TMH). An open question is the proton transfer pathway through the membrane at atomic resolution. The protons are thought to be transferred via two half-channels to and from the conserved cAsp/Glu in the middle of the membrane. By molecular dynamics simulations of c-ring structures in a lipid bilayer, we mapped a water channel as one of the half-channels. We also analyzed the suppressor mutant cP24D/E61G in which the functional carboxylate is shifted to the inner TMH of the c-protomers. Current models concentrating on the "locked" and "open" conformations of the conserved carboxylate side chain are unable to explain the molecular function of this mutant. Our molecular dynamics simulations revealed an extended water channel with additional water molecules bridging the distance of the outer to the inner TMH. We suggest that the geometry of the water channel is an important feature for the molecular function of the membrane part of F(1)F(o)-ATP synthase. The inclination of the proton pathway isolates the two half-channels and may contribute to a favorable clockwise rotation in ATP synthesis mode.

Mechanisms of renal control of potassium homeostasis in complete aldosterone deficiency.

PubMed

Todkar, Abhijeet; Picard, Nicolas; Loffing-Cueni, Dominique; Sorensen, Mads V; Mihailova, Marija; Nesterov, Viatcheslav; Makhanova, Natalia; Korbmacher, Christoph; Wagner, Carsten A; Loffing, Johannes

2015-02-01

Aldosterone-independent mechanisms may contribute to K(+) homeostasis. We studied aldosterone synthase knockout (AS(-/-)) mice to define renal control mechanisms of K(+) homeostasis in complete aldosterone deficiency. AS(-/-) mice were normokalemic and tolerated a physiologic dietary K(+) load (2% K(+), 2 days) without signs of illness, except some degree of polyuria. With supraphysiologic K(+) intake (5% K(+)), AS(-/-) mice decompensated and became hyperkalemic. High-K(+) diets induced upregulation of the renal outer medullary K(+) channel in AS(-/-) mice, whereas upregulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) sufficient to increase the electrochemical driving force for K(+) excretion was detected only with a 2% K(+) diet. Phosphorylation of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter was consistently lower in AS(-/-) mice than in AS(+/+) mice and was downregulated in mice of both genotypes in response to increased K(+) intake. Inhibition of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor reduced renal creatinine clearance and apical ENaC localization, and caused severe hyperkalemia in AS(-/-) mice. In contrast with the kidney, the distal colon of AS(-/-) mice did not respond to dietary K(+) loading, as indicated by Ussing-type chamber experiments. Thus, renal adaptation to a physiologic, but not supraphysiologic, K(+) load can be achieved in aldosterone deficiency by aldosterone-independent activation of the renal outer medullary K(+) channel and ENaC, to which angiotensin II may contribute. Enhanced urinary flow and reduced activity of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter may support renal adaptation by activation of flow-dependent K(+) secretion and increased intratubular availability of Na(+) that can be reabsorbed in exchange for K(+) secreted. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Heat transfer probe

DOEpatents

Frank, Jeffrey I.; Rosengart, Axel J.; Kasza, Ken; Yu, Wenhua; Chien, Tai-Hsin; Franklin, Jeff

2006-10-10

Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer code for, among other things, monitoring the health of samples such as the brain while providing local cooling or heating. A representative device is a heat transfer probe, which includes an inner channel, a tip, a concentric outer channel, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The inner channel is configured to transport working fluid from an inner inlet to an inner outlet. The tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the working fluid from the inner outlet. The concentric outer channel is configured to transport the working fluid from the inner outlet to an outer outlet. The first temperature sensor is coupled to the tip, and the second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first temperature sensor.

Dense Pyroclastic Flows of the 16 -17 August 2006 Eruption of Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, M. L.; Mothes, P. A.; Ramon, P.; Arellano, S.; Barba, D.; Palacios, P.

2007-05-01

The 16-17 August 2006 eruption of Tungurahua volcano in central Ecuador was preceded by 7 years of threatening activity and finally a VEI=2 eruption on 14-15 July 2006. The larger August eruption witnessed tens of pyroclastic flows that descended 17 different channels up to 8.5 km to the volcano's base on the NW, N, W, and SW sides. Tungurahua (5023m) is a steep-sided, low SiO2 andesitic volcano with 2600 to 3200m of relief. The initial, small nuee ardentes began around 1700hr (local time), the larger flows occurred between 2147hr and 0100hr (17 Aug.), and a total of 31 events were indicated by seismic signals. The deposits of three distinct flow cycles are recognized at the NW base of the cone. On the Los Pajaros depositional fan, deposits of flows 1 and 2 are widespread laterally (<600m) and have low-aspect morphologies with low snouts and without levees. Their outer surfaces are covered with accessory > juvenile clasts that mainly range from 15 to 25cm in diameter, conversely their interiors are comprised of 40-42% clasts of 1-25cm size and a matrix (58-60%) of sand-size grains. The earlier flow 1 was accompanied by an ash cloud surge that leveled, but did not scorch, all trees, brush, even metal antenna posts, leaving a 1-10cm thick sandy ash layer upon flow 1's deposit. On the fan as well as in gullies on the upper flanks, flow 3 deposits form long narrow lobes with 1-2m high frontal snouts that are followed by empty flow channels, 5-15m wide, bounded by parallel levees 1-1.5m high. Within these channels subsequent flow lobes are found as remnant pulses. Unlike flows 1 and 2, flow 3 lobes are covered with 0.5-3m cauliflower-shaped, slightly vesiculated bombs that are rarely abraded; the deposit's interior has a 45% sandy matrix. During the climatic eruptive phase continuous lava fountaining, 500-700m high, and crater spilling likely fed a continual stream of fragmented lava onto the cone's upper steep flanks, from which dense pyroclastic mass flows were initiated by gravity. Flows 1 and 2 were more fluidized (due to entrained air and fines), faster, and had wider lateral extents. Flow 3 was poorly fluidized, highly channelized, and behaved more like an inertial granular flow that formed as a continuous avalanche stream that separated into consecutive pulses along the runout channel.

Numerical Modeling of Turbulent Combustion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghoneim, A. F.; Chorin, A. J.; Oppenheim, A. K.

1983-01-01

The work in numerical modeling is focused on the use of the random vortex method to treat turbulent flow fields associated with combustion while flame fronts are considered as interfaces between reactants and products, propagating with the flow and at the same time advancing in the direction normal to themselves at a prescribed burning speed. The latter is associated with the generation of specific volume (the flame front acting, in effect, as the locus of volumetric sources) to account for the expansion of the flow field due to the exothermicity of the combustion process. The model was applied to the flow in a channel equipped with a rearward facing step. The results obtained revealed the mechanism of the formation of large scale turbulent structure in the wake of the step, while it showed the flame to stabilize on the outer edges of these eddies.

Dean vortices with wall flux in a curved channel membrane system. 2: The velocity field

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

Chung, K.Y.; Brewster, M.E.; Belfort, G.

1996-02-01

The velocity and pressure fields and the effect of wall flux on these fields in a spiral channel are presented. As fluid flows inward through a spiral channel with constant gap and permeable walls, the streamwise flux decreases while the curvature increases. Thus, by balancing the stabilizing effect of wall suction with the destabilizing effect of increasing curvature, established vortices can be maintained along the spiral channel. This approach is used to prescribe spiral geometries with different wall fluxes. Using a weakly nonlinear stability analysis, the influence of wall flux on the characteristics of Dean vortices is obtained. The criticalmore » Dean number is reduced when suction is through the inner wall only, is slightly reduced when suction is equal through both walls, and is increased when suction is through the outer wall only. The magnitude of change is proportional to a ratio of small numbers that measures the importance of the effect of curvature. In membrane filtration applications the wall flux is typically 2 to 5 orders of magnitude less than the streamwise flow. If the radius of curvature of the channel is of the order of 100 times the channel gap, the effect on the critical Dean number is within 2% of the no-wall flux case. If the radius of curvature is sufficiently large, however, it is possible to observe effects on the critical Dean number that approach O(1) in magnitude for certain parameter ranges.« less

Depositional environments and controls of Juncal Formation, southern San Rafael Mountains, California

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

Thompson, T.J.

1987-05-01

The lower to middle Eocene Juncal Formation, north of the Santa Ynez fault in easternmost Santa Barbara County, represents the onset of marine sedimentation following an approximately 20-m.y. hiatus. The Juncal paraconformably overlies the upper Campanian Unnamed sandstone and is gradationally overlain by the middle Eocene Matilija Formation. Access to the Juncal exposures of this area was considerably enhanced by the Wheeler fire of July 1985. Facies analysis of both the vertical and lateral exposures of the Juncal Formation (approx. 1400 m thick) indicate that the Juncal represents coalescing outer-fan depositional lobes. This interpretation is based on the lateral continuitymore » of sandstone beds, presence of thickening-upward cycles, and high-concentration sediment gravity flows, bathyal fauna, and regional associations. Local channelization (to 10 m deep) represents the extension of a mid-fan channel over its associated depositional lobe. Outcrops are subparallel to depositional strike in the eastern part of the study area and form a broad syncline in the western part. Together, these exposures allow documentation of the depositional lobes vertically, laterally, and longitudinally. Outer-fan deposits of the Juncal Formation are part of a progradational basin-filling episode. The Juncal grades upward into the outer- to mid-fan depositions of the lower Matilija Formation. The upper Matilija Formation shoals upward into deltaic facies. This regressive sedimentary sequence was probably initiated by the major sea level fall which occurred near the early/middle Eocene boundary and coincides with the onset of fan sedimentation elsewhere along the California margin. Within the study area, depositional lobe activity was probably governed by either minor fluctuations in relative sea level or channel switching up-system.« less

Tuning energy relaxation along quantum Hall channels.

PubMed

Altimiras, C; le Sueur, H; Gennser, U; Cavanna, A; Mailly, D; Pierre, F

2010-11-26

The chiral edge channels in the quantum Hall regime are considered ideal ballistic quantum channels, and have quantum information processing potentialities. Here, we demonstrate experimentally, at a filling factor of ν(L)=2, the efficient tuning of the energy relaxation that limits quantum coherence and permits the return toward equilibrium. Energy relaxation along an edge channel is controllably enhanced by increasing its transmission toward a floating Ohmic contact, in quantitative agreement with predictions. Moreover, by forming a closed inner edge channel loop, we freeze energy exchanges in the outer channel. This result also elucidates the inelastic mechanisms at work at ν(L)=2, informing us, in particular, that those within the outer edge channel are negligible.

Rotor bore and turbine rotor wheel/spacer heat exchange flow circuit

DOEpatents

Caruso, Philip M.; Eldrid, Sacheverel Quentin; Ladhani, Azad A.; DeMania, Alan Richard; Palmer, Gene David; Wilson, Ian David; Rathbun, Lisa Shirley; Akin, Robert Craig

2002-01-01

In a turbine having closed-circuit steam-cooling passages about the rim of the rotor during steady-state operation, compressor discharge air is supplied to the rotor bore for passage radially outwardly into the wheel space cavities between the wheels and spacers. Communicating slots and channels in the spacers and wheels at circumferentially spaced positions enable egress of the compressor discharge air into the hot gas flow path. At turbine startup, cooling air flows through the closed-circuit steam passages to cool the outer rim of the rotor while compressor discharge air pre-warms the wheels and spacers. At steady-state, cooling steam is supplied in the closed-circuit steam-cooling passages and compressor discharge air is supplied through the bore and into the wheel space cavities to cool the rotor.

RELAP5 Application to Accident Analysis of the NIST Research Reactor

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

Baek, J.; Cuadra Gascon, A.; Cheng, L.Y.

Detailed safety analyses have been performed for the 20 MW D{sub 2}O moderated research reactor (NBSR) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The time-dependent analysis of the primary system is determined with a RELAP5 transient analysis model that includes the reactor vessel, the pump, heat exchanger, fuel element geometry, and flow channels for both the six inner and twenty-four outer fuel elements. A post-processing of the simulation results has been conducted to evaluate minimum critical heat flux ratio (CHFR) using the Sudo-Kaminaga correlation. Evaluations are performed for the following accidents: (1) the control rod withdrawal startup accidentmore » and (2) the maximum reactivity insertion accident. In both cases the RELAP5 results indicate that there is adequate margin to CHF and no damage to the fuel will occur because of sufficient coolant flow through the fuel channels and the negative scram reactivity insertion.« less

Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of a mobile bed confluence under equilibrium conditions for different values of the flow discharge ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birjukova Canelas, Olga; Lage Ferreira, Rui Miguel; Heleno Cardoso, António

2017-04-01

Under steady water and sediment feeding in laboratory conditions, sediment fluxes tend to reach a steady state and bed morphology tends to equilibrium. This laboratory study states two objectives: i) to provide a detailed three-dimensional characterization of the flow field at a movable bed confluence and ii) to contribute to the characterization of the effect of the flow discharge ratio (Qr = Qt/Qm, Qt - tributary flow discharge and Qm - main channel flow discharge) on the flow field. While the junction angle between the main channel and the tributary as well as the sediment discharge ratio were kept constant, two scenarios corresponding to two different flow discharge ratios with dominant main channel flow discharge (Qm > Qt) were analyzed. Prior to the flow velocity measurements, both channels were fed with water and sand mixtures and tests were run until the equilibrium condition was reached, i.e. until the moment where the difference between the total supplied sand discharge and the total outgoing sand discharge was smaller than ± 5%. During the experiments, bed topography was systematically recorded. Then, the flow was stopped, the water was slowly drained and the bed was carefully fixed with a cement and vernix coat and allowed to dry to guarantee that it remained stable from there on, while the clear water (free of sand) discharges were fed again to the fixed bed converging channels. A 3D side looking Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), installed on a remotely controlled and precisely positioned (± 0.1 mm) robotic arm, was used to measure the instantaneous velocities at a very dense mesh. Once the velocities measured and recorded, the water surface levels were surveyed. For the case with more dominant tributary flow (Qr = 0.17), as expected, the scour hole formed at the tributary mouth is much deeper and larger and extends towards the outer bank of the post-confluence channel, as well as upstream the junction corner. The avalanche slopes are, consequently, steeper. On the other hand, for the case with a weaker tributary flow (Qr = 0.08), no erosion is observed immediately upstream the junction. Moreover, the bank-attached sediment bar downstream the junction is considerably more developed in longitudinal and vertical directions. In both scenarios, a strong horizontal vortical structure was observed immediately downstream the junction. More detailed analysis of the origin and the characteristics of these and other flow patterns is still under investigation. Acknowledgements This research as partially supported by Portuguese and European funds, within programs COMPETE2020 and PORL-FEDER, through project PTDC/ECM-HID/6387/2014 granted by the National Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Channel-shoal morphodynamics in response to distinct hydrodynamic drivers at the outer Weser estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrling, Gerald; Benninghoff, Markus; Zorndt, Anna; Winter, Christian

2017-04-01

The interaction of tidal, wave and wind forces primarily governs the morphodynamics of intertidal channel-shoal systems. Typical morphological changes comprise tidal channel meandering and/or migration with related shoal erosion or accretion. These intertidal flat systems are likely to response to accelerated sea level rise and to potential changes in storm frequency and direction. The aim of the ongoing research project is an evaluation of outer estuarine channel-shoal dynamics by combining the analysis of morphological monitoring data with high-resolution morphodynamic modelling. A focus is set on their evolution in reaction to different hydrodynamic forcings like tides, wind driven currents, waves under fair-weather and high energy conditions, and variable upstream discharges. As an example the Outer Weser region was chosen, and a tidal channel system serves as a reference site: Availability of almost annual bathymetrical observations of an approx. 10 km long tidal channel (Fedderwarder Priel) and its morphological development largely independent from maintenance dredging of the main Weser navigational channel make this tributary an ideal study area. The numerical modelling system Delft3D (Deltares) is applied to run real-time annual scenario simulations aiming to evaluate and to differentiate the morphological responses to distinct hydrodynamic drivers. A comprehensive morphological analysis of available observations at the FWP showed that the channel migration trends and directions are persistent at particular channel bends and meanders for the considered period of 14 years. Migration trends and directions are well reproduced by one-year model simulations. Morphodynamic modelling is applied to interpolate between observations and relate sediment dynamics to different forcing scenarios in the outer Weser estuary as a whole and at the scale of local tributary channels and flats.

Design and optimization of a Holweck pump via linear kinetic theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naris, Steryios; Koutandou, Eirini; Valougeorgis, Dimitris

2012-05-01

The Holweck pump is widely used in the vacuum pumping industry. It can be a self standing apparatus or it can be part of a more advanced pumping system. It is composed by an inner rotating cylinder (rotor) and an outer stationary cylinder (stator). One of them, has spiral guided grooves resulting to a gas motion from the high towards the low vacuum port. Vacuum pumps may be simulated by the DSMC method but due to the involved high computational cost in many cases manufactures commonly resort to empirical formulas and experimental data. Recently a computationally efficient simulation of the Holweck pump via linear kinetic theory has been proposed by Sharipov et al [1]. Neglecting curvature and end effects the gas flow configuration through the helicoidal channels is decomposed into four basic flows. They correspond to pressure and boundary driven flows through a grooved channel and through a long channel with a T shape cross section. Although the formulation and the methodology are explained in detail, results are very limited and more important they are presented in a normalized way which does not provide the needed information about the pump performance in terms of the involved geometrical and flow parameters. In the present work the four basic flows are solved numerically based on the linearized BGK model equation subjected to diffuse boundary conditions. The results obtained are combined in order to create a database of the flow characteristics for a large spectrum of the rarefaction parameter and various geometrical configurations. Based on this database the performance characteristics which are critical in the design of the Holweck pump are computed and the design parameters such as the angle of the pump and the rotational speed, are optimized. This modeling may be extended to other vacuum pumps.

Interaction of 4.1G and cGMP-gated channels in rod photoreceptor outer segments.

PubMed

Cheng, Christiana L; Molday, Robert S

2013-12-15

In photoreceptors, the assembly of signaling molecules into macromolecular complexes is important for phototransduction and maintaining the structural integrity of rod outer segments (ROSs). However, the molecular composition and formation of these complexes are poorly understood. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, 4.1G was identified as a new interacting partner for the cyclic-nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in ROSs. 4.1G is a widely expressed multifunctional protein that plays a role in the assembly and stability of membrane protein complexes. Multiple splice variants of 4.1G were cloned from bovine retina. A smaller splice variant of 4.1G selectively interacted with CNG channels not associated with peripherin-2-CNG channel complex. A combination of truncation studies and domain-binding assays demonstrated that CNG channels selectively interacted with 4.1G through their FERM and CTD domains. Using immunofluorescence, labeling of 4.1G was seen to be punctate and partially colocalized with CNG channels in the ROS. Our studies indicate that 4.1G interacts with a subset of CNG channels in the ROS and implicate this protein-protein interaction in organizing the spatial arrangement of CNG channels in the plasma membrane of outer segments.

Turbine stator vane segment having internal cooling circuits

DOEpatents

Jones, Raymond Joseph; Burns, James Lee; Bojappa, Parvangada Ganapathy; Jones, Schotsch Margaret

2003-01-01

A turbine stator vane includes outer and inner walls each having outer and inner chambers and a vane extending between the outer and inner walls. The vane includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth cavities for flowing a cooling medium. The cooling medium enters the outer chamber of the outer wall, flows through an impingement plate for impingement cooling of the outer band wall defining in part the hot gas path and through openings in the first, second and fourth cavities for flow radially inwardly, cooling the vane. The spent cooling medium flows into the inner wall and inner chamber for flow through an impingement plate radially outwardly to cool the inner wall. The spent cooling medium flows through the third cavity for egress from the turbine vane segment from the outer wall. The first, second or third cavities contain inserts having impingement openings for impingement cooling of the vane walls. The fifth cavity provides air cooling for the trailing edge.

A Study of Dean Vortex Development and Structure in a Curved Rectangular Channel with Aspect Ratio of 40 at Dean Numbers up to 430

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ligrani, Phillip M.

1994-01-01

Flow in a curved channel with mild curvature, an aspect ratio of 40 to 1, and an inner to outer radius ratio of 0.979 is studied at Dean numbers De ranging from 35 to 430. For positions from the start of curvature ranging from 85 to 145 degrees, the sequence of transition events begins with curved channel Poiseuille flow at De less than 40-64. As the Dean number increases, observations show initial development of Dean vortex pairs, followed by symmetric vortex pairs which, when viewed in spanwise/radial planes, cover the entire channel height (De=90-100). At De from 40 to 125-130, the vortex pairs often develop intermittent waviness in the form of vortex undulations. Splitting and merging of vortex pairs is also observed over the same experimental conditions as well as at higher De. When Dean numbers range from 130 to 185-200, the undulating wavy mode is replaced by a twisting mode with higher amplitudes of oscillation and shorter wavelengths. The twisting wavy mode results in the development of regions where turbulence intensity is locally augmented at Dean numbers from 150 to 185-200, principally in the upwash regions between the two individual vortices which make up each vortex pair. These turbulent regions eventually increase in intensity and spatial extent as the Dean number increases further, until individual regions merge together so that the entire cross section of the channel contains chaotic turbulent motions. When Dean numbers then reach 400-435, spectra of velocity fluctuations then evidence fully turbulent flow.

Freeform Deposition Method for Coolant Channel Closeout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gradl, Paul R. (Inventor); Reynolds, David Christopher (Inventor); Walker, Bryant H. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A method is provided for fabricating a coolant channel closeout jacket on a structure having coolant channels formed in an outer surface thereof. A line of tangency relative to the outer surface is defined for each point on the outer surface. Linear rows of a metal feedstock are directed towards and deposited on the outer surface of the structure as a beam of weld energy is directed to the metal feedstock so-deposited. A first angle between the metal feedstock so-directed and the line of tangency is maintained in a range of 20-90.degree.. The beam is directed towards a portion of the linear rows such that less than 30% of the cross-sectional area of the beam impinges on a currently-deposited one of the linear rows. A second angle between the beam and the line of tangency is maintained in a range of 5-65 degrees.

Mechanism of Cd2+-coordination during Slow Inactivation in Potassium Channels

PubMed Central

Raghuraman, H.; Cordero-Morales, Julio F.; Jogini, Vishwanath; Pan, Albert C.; Kollewe, Astrid; Roux, Benoît; Perozo, Eduardo

2013-01-01

Summary In K+ channels, rearrangements of the pore outer-vestibule have been associated with C-type inactivation gating. Paradoxically, the crystal structure of Open/C-type inactivated KcsA suggest these movements to be modest in magnitude. Here, we show that under physiological conditions, the KcsA outer-vestibule undergoes relatively large dynamic rearrangements upon inactivation. External Cd2+ enhances the rate of C-type inactivation in an outer-vestibule cysteine mutant (Y82C) via metal-bridge formation. This effect is not present in a non-inactivating mutant (E71A/Y82C). Tandem dimer and tandem tetramer constructs of equivalent cysteine mutants in KcsA and Shaker K+ channels demonstrate that these Cd2+ metal bridges are formed only between adjacent subunits. This is well supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Based on the crystal structure of Cd2+-bound Y82C-KcsA in the closed state, together with EPR distance measurements in the KcsA outer-vestibule, we suggest that subunits must dynamically come in close proximity as the channels undergo inactivation. PMID:22771214

Inner/Outer nuclear membrane fusion in nuclear pore assembly: biochemical demonstration and molecular analysis.

PubMed

Fichtman, Boris; Ramos, Corinne; Rasala, Beth; Harel, Amnon; Forbes, Douglass J

2010-12-01

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are large proteinaceous channels embedded in double nuclear membranes, which carry out nucleocytoplasmic exchange. The mechanism of nuclear pore assembly involves a unique challenge, as it requires creation of a long-lived membrane-lined channel connecting the inner and outer nuclear membranes. This stabilized membrane channel has little evolutionary precedent. Here we mapped inner/outer nuclear membrane fusion in NPC assembly biochemically by using novel assembly intermediates and membrane fusion inhibitors. Incubation of a Xenopus in vitro nuclear assembly system at 14°C revealed an early pore intermediate where nucleoporin subunits POM121 and the Nup107-160 complex were organized in a punctate pattern on the inner nuclear membrane. With time, this intermediate progressed to diffusion channel formation and finally to complete nuclear pore assembly. Correct channel formation was blocked by the hemifusion inhibitor lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), but not if a complementary-shaped lipid, oleic acid (OA), was simultaneously added, as determined with a novel fluorescent dextran-quenching assay. Importantly, recruitment of the bulk of FG nucleoporins, characteristic of mature nuclear pores, was not observed before diffusion channel formation and was prevented by LPC or OA, but not by LPC+OA. These results map the crucial inner/outer nuclear membrane fusion event of NPC assembly downstream of POM121/Nup107-160 complex interaction and upstream or at the time of FG nucleoporin recruitment.

Performance of Different “Lab-On-Chip” Geometries for Making Double Emulsions to Form Polystyrene Shells

DOE PAGES

Viza, N. D.; Harding, D. R.

2017-12-20

Fluid properties and the geometry of lab-on-chip (LOC) designs together affect the formation of double emulsions for making inertial confinement fusion targets. Critical fluid properties include the fluids’ velocities and interfacial tension—a coupled effect that is best characterized by the capillary number (Ca)—and the relative volumetric flow rates (φ). The important geometry of the LOC is the orientation of the channels where they intersect (junction) and the spacing between successive junctions. T-junctions and focus-flow devices were tested. The latter geometry of a double cross (focus flow) performed better: single-emulsion droplets were formed over a wide range of fluid parameters (0.03more » < φ < 0.17 and 0.0003 < Ca < 0.001) at the first junction, and double emulsions were formed over a more limited range (φ > 0.5 and Ca < 0.4) at the second junction. A LOC design using the focus-flow design formed water–oil–water (W/O/W) double emulsions with the oil phase containing polystyrene. The double emulsions yielded shells with an outer dimension ranging from 2.3±0.07 mm to 4.3±0.23 mm and a wall thickness ranging from 30 μm to 1.6 mm. Thus, the value of the flow-rate ratio at the second junction provided the most-effective parameter for controlling the inner diameter, outer diameter, and wall thickness of the shell.« less

Performance of Different “Lab-On-Chip” Geometries for Making Double Emulsions to Form Polystyrene Shells

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

Viza, N. D.; Harding, D. R.

Fluid properties and the geometry of lab-on-chip (LOC) designs together affect the formation of double emulsions for making inertial confinement fusion targets. Critical fluid properties include the fluids’ velocities and interfacial tension—a coupled effect that is best characterized by the capillary number (Ca)—and the relative volumetric flow rates (φ). The important geometry of the LOC is the orientation of the channels where they intersect (junction) and the spacing between successive junctions. T-junctions and focus-flow devices were tested. The latter geometry of a double cross (focus flow) performed better: single-emulsion droplets were formed over a wide range of fluid parameters (0.03more » < φ < 0.17 and 0.0003 < Ca < 0.001) at the first junction, and double emulsions were formed over a more limited range (φ > 0.5 and Ca < 0.4) at the second junction. A LOC design using the focus-flow design formed water–oil–water (W/O/W) double emulsions with the oil phase containing polystyrene. The double emulsions yielded shells with an outer dimension ranging from 2.3±0.07 mm to 4.3±0.23 mm and a wall thickness ranging from 30 μm to 1.6 mm. Thus, the value of the flow-rate ratio at the second junction provided the most-effective parameter for controlling the inner diameter, outer diameter, and wall thickness of the shell.« less

Drag reduction in turbulent channel laden with finite-size oblate spheroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niazi Ardekani, Mehdi; Pedro Costa Collaboration; Wim-Paul Breugem Collaboration; Francesco Picano Collaboration; Luca Brandt Collaboration

2016-11-01

Suspensions of oblate rigid particles in a turbulent plane channel flow are investigated for different values of the particle volume fraction. We perform direct numerical simulations (DNS), using a direct-forcing immersed boundary method to account for the particle-fluid interactions, combined with a soft-sphere collision model and lubrication corrections for short-range particle-particle and particle-wall interactions. We show a clear drag reduction and turbulence attenuation in flows laden with oblate spheroids, both with respect to the single phase turbulent flow and to suspensions of rigid spheres. We explain the drag reduction by the lack of the particle layer at the wall, observed before for spherical particles. In addition, the special shape of the oblate particles creates a tendency to stay parallel to the wall in its vicinity, forming a shield of particles that prevents strong fluctuations in the outer layer to reach the wall and vice versa. Detailed statistics of the fluid and particle phase will be presented at the conference to explain the observed drag reduction. Supported by the European Research Council Grant No. ERC-2013-CoG-616186, TRITOS. The authors acknowledge computer time provided by SNIC (Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing) and the support from the COST Action MP1305: Flowing matter.

The influence of a magnetic field on the heat transfer of a magnetic nanofluid in a sinusoidal channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valiallah Mousavi, S.; Barzegar Gerdroodbary, M.; Sheikholeslami, Mohsen; Ganji, D. D.

2016-09-01

In this study, two dimensional numerical simulations are performed to investigate the influence of the magnetic field on the nanofluid flow inside a sinusoidal channel. This work reveals the influence of variable magnetic field in the heat transfer of heat exchanger while the mixture is in a single phase. In this heat exchanger, the inner tube is sinusoidal and the outer tube is considered smooth. The magnetic field is applied orthogonal to the axis of the sinusoidal tube. In our study, the ferrofluid (water with 4 vol% nanoparticles (Fe3O4)) flows in a channel with sinusoidal bottom. The finite volume method with the SIMPLEC algorithm is used for handling the pressure-velocity coupling. The numerical results present validated data with experimentally measured data and show good agreement with measurement. The influence of different parameters, like the intensity of magnetic field and Reynolds number, on the heat transfer is investigated. According to the obtained results, the sinusoidal formation of the internal tube significantly increases the Nusselt number inside the channel. Our findings show that the magnetic field increases the probability of eddy formation inside the cavities and consequently enhances the heat transfer (more than 200%) in the vicinity of the magnetic field at low Reynolds number ( Re=50). In addition, the variation of the skin friction shows that the magnetic field increases the skin friction (more than 600%) inside the sinusoidal channel.

Intravascular Raman spectroscopic catheter for molecular diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komachi, Yuichi; Sato, Hidetoshi; Tashiro, Hideo

2006-10-01

An intravascular catheter for Raman spectroscopic detection and analysis of coronary atherosclerotic disease has been developed. The catheter, having an outer diameter of 2 mm, consisted of a side-view-type micro-Raman probe, an imaging fiber bundle, a working channel (injection drain), and a balloon. By inflating the balloon, the probe was brought close to the inner wall of a modeled blood flow system and detected a phantom target buried in the wall. Results obtained demonstrate the possibility of using the spectroscopic catheter for molecular diagnosis of coronary lesions.

Development of levees on deep-sea channels: Insights from high-resolution AUV exploration of the Lucia Chica system, offshore central California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier, K. L.; Fildani, A.; Romans, B.; Paull, C. K.; McHargue, T.; Graham, S. A.; Caress, D. W.

2010-12-01

The Lucia Chica, a tributary channel system of the Lucia Canyon, offshore central California, was imaged using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s (MBARI) Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in order to investigate seafloor and subsurface morphologies associated with low-relief submarine channels. In larger, previously investigated seafloor channel-levee systems, initial deposits are either eroded, compacted, or below the resolution of available imaging. In this dataset from the Lucia Chica, the unprecedented high-resolution multibeam bathymetry (1 m lateral resolution) and chirp sub-bottom profiles (11 cm vertical resolution) reveal a highly irregular seafloor with scours, depressions, and discontinuous low-relief conduits over an area of ~70 km2. Sediment packages associated with channels, levees, and deposits related to less confined flows are correlated between chirp profiles and with the multibeam bathymetric image to determine the stratigraphic evolution of the Lucia Chica and the sequence of channel-levee development. In the Lucia Chica, channels appear to have initiated as trains of scours that eventually coalesced into continuous channel thalwegs carved by erosional turbidity currents. Channel incision and stepped lateral migration led to the development of terraces, complex levee stratigraphy, and distinct morphologies associated with inner and outer bends of sinuous channels. The inner bend levee stratigraphy indicates that the channel position migrated in discrete shifts, as opposed to continuous channel migration associated with lateral accretion. Discrete levee packages, formed from flow-stripped turbidity currents, later infilled abandoned portions of the channel and overbank areas. While processes of initial channel and levee development are well established in fluvial settings, detailed examples are lacking for deep-sea systems. These results highlight the differences in initiation between submarine channel systems, their fluvial counterparts, and larger submarine channel-levee systems imaged only with lower-resolution technologies. High-resolution imaging and detailed mapping made possible by cutting-edge oceanographic technology provide an unprecedented examination of deep-water channel-levee morphology and improve understanding of deep-water channel migration and levee development.

Reverse Flow Engine Core Having a Ducted Fan with Integrated Secondary Flow Blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kisska, Michael K. (Inventor); Princen, Norman H. (Inventor); Kuehn, Mark S. (Inventor); Cosentino, Gary B. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Secondary air flow is provided for a ducted fan having a reverse flow turbine engine core driving a fan blisk. The fan blisk incorporates a set of thrust fan blades extending from an outer hub and a set of integral secondary flow blades extending intermediate an inner hub and the outer hub. A nacelle provides an outer flow duct for the thrust fan blades and a secondary flow duct carries flow from the integral secondary flow blades as cooling air for components of the reverse flow turbine engine.

Dynamics of a lightning corona sheath—A constant field approach using the generalized traveling current source return stroke model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cvetic, Jovan; Heidler, Fridolin; Markovic, Slavoljub; Radosavljevic, Radovan; Osmokrovic, Predrag

2012-11-01

A generalized lightning traveling current source return stroke model has been used to examine the characteristics of the lightning channel corona sheath surrounding a thin channel core. A model of the lightning channel consisting of a charged corona sheath and a narrow, highly conducting central core that conducts the main current flow is assumed. Strong electric field, with a predominant radial direction, has been created during the return stroke between the channel core and the outer channel sheath containing the negative charge. The return stroke process is modeled with the positive charge coming from the channel core discharging the negative leader charge in the corona sheath. The corona sheath model that predicts the charge motion in the sheath is used to derive the expressions of the sheath radius vs. time during the return stroke. According to the corona sheath model proposed earlier by Maslowski and Rakov (2006) and Maslowski et al. (2009), it consists of three zones, zone 1 (surrounding channel core with net positive charge), zone 2 (surrounding zone 1 with negative charge) and zone 3 (outer zone representing the virgin air without charges). We adopted the assumption of a constant electric field inside zone 1 of the corona sheath observed in the experimental research of corona discharges in a coaxial geometry by Cooray (2000). This assumption seems to be more realistic than the assumption of a uniform corona space charge density used previously in the study of Maslowski and Rakov (2006), Marjanovic and Cvetic (2009), and Tausanovic et al. (2010). Applying the Gauss' law on the infinitesimally small cylindrical section of the channel the expressions for time-dependence of the radii of zones 1 and 2 during the return stroke are derived. The calculations have shown that the overall channel dynamics concerning electrical discharge is roughly 50% slower and the maximum radius of zone 1 is about 33% smaller compared to the corresponding values calculated in the study of Tausanovic et al. (2010).

Lateral release of proteins from the TOM complex into the outer membrane of mitochondria.

PubMed

Harner, Max; Neupert, Walter; Deponte, Marcel

2011-07-15

The TOM complex of the outer membrane of mitochondria is the entry gate for the vast majority of precursor proteins that are imported into the mitochondria. It is made up by receptors and a protein conducting channel. Although precursor proteins of all subcompartments of mitochondria use the TOM complex, it is not known whether its channel can only mediate passage across the outer membrane or also lateral release into the outer membrane. To study this, we have generated fusion proteins of GFP and Tim23 which are inserted into the inner membrane and, at the same time, are spanning either the TOM complex or are integrated into the outer membrane. Our results demonstrate that the TOM complex, depending on sequence determinants in the precursors, can act both as a protein conducting pore and as an insertase mediating lateral release into the outer membrane.

Systems to facilitate reducing flashback/flame holding in combustion systems

DOEpatents

Lacy, Benjamin Paul [Greer, SC; Kraemer, Gilbert Otto [Greer, SC; Varatharajan, Balachandar [Clifton Park, NY; Yilmaz, Ertan [Albany, NY; Zuo, Baifang [Simpsonville, SC

2012-02-21

A method for assembling a premixing injector is provided. The method includes providing a centerbody including a center axis and a radially outer surface, and providing an inlet flow conditioner. The inlet flow conditioner includes a radially outer wall, a radially inner wall, and an end wall coupled substantially perpendicularly between the outer wall and the inner wall. Each of the outer wall and the end wall include a plurality of openings defined therein. The outer wall, the inner wall, and the end wall define a first passage therebetween. The method also includes coupling the inlet flow conditioner to the centerbody such that the inlet flow conditioner substantially circumscribes the centerbody, such that the inner wall is substantially parallel to the centerbody outer surface, and such that a second passage is defined between the centerbody outer surface and the inner wall.

Unsteady laminar flow with convective heat transfer through a rotating curved square duct with small curvature

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

Mondal, Rabindra Nath, E-mail: rnmondal71@yahoo.com; Shaha, Poly Rani; Roy, Titob

Unsteady laminar flow with convective heat transfer through a curved square duct rotating at a constant angular velocity about the center of curvature is investigated numerically by using a spectral method, and covering a wide range of the Taylor number −300≤Tr≤1000 for the Dean number Dn = 1000. A temperature difference is applied across the vertical sidewalls for the Grashof number Gr = 100, where the outer wall is heated and the inner wall cooled, the top and bottom walls being adiabatic. Flow characteristics are investigated with the effects of rotational parameter, Tr, and the pressure-driven parameter, Dn, for themore » constant curvature 0.001. Time evolution calculations as well as their phase spaces show that the unsteady flow undergoes through various flow instabilities in the scenario ‘multi-periodic → chaotic → steady-state → periodic → multi-periodic → chaotic’, if Tr is increased in the positive direction. For negative rotation, however, time evolution calculations show that the flow undergoes in the scenario ‘multi-periodic → periodic → steady-state’, if Tr is increased in the negative direction. Typical contours of secondary flow patterns and temperature profiles are obtained at several values of Tr, and it is found that the unsteady flow consists of two- to six-vortex solutions if the duct rotation is involved. External heating is shown to generate a significant temperature gradient at the outer wall of the duct. This study also shows that there is a strong interaction between the heating-induced buoyancy force and the centrifugal-Coriolis instability in the curved channel that stimulates fluid mixing and consequently enhances heat transfer in the fluid.« less

Effects of flow on insulin fibril formation at an air/water interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Posada, David; Heldt, Caryn; Sorci, Mirco; Belfort, Georges; Hirsa, Amir

2009-11-01

The amyloid fibril formation process, which is implicated in several diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's, is characterized by the conversion of monomers to oligomers and then to fibrils. Besides well-studied factors such as pH, temperature and concentration, the kinetics of this process are significantly influenced by the presence of solid or fluid interfaces and by flow. By studying the nucleation and growth of a model system (insulin fibrils) in a well-defined flow field with an air/water interface, we can identify the flow conditions that impact protein aggregation kinetics both in the bulk solution and at the air/water interface. The present flow system (deep-channel surface viscometer) consists of an annular region bounded by stationary inner and outer cylinders, an air/water interface, and a floor driven at constant rotation. We show the effects of Reynolds number on the kinetics of the fibrillation process both in the bulk solution and at the air/water interface, as well as on the structure of the resultant amyloid aggregates.

An investigation of reactivity effect due to inadvertent filling of the irradiation channels with water in NIRR-1 Nigeria Research Reactor-1.

PubMed

Iliyasu, U; Ibrahim, Y V; Umar, Sadiq; Agbo, S A; Jibrin, Y

2017-05-01

Investigation of reactivity variation due to flooding of the irradiation channels of Nigeria Research Reactor (NIRR-1) a low power miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria using the MCNP code for High Enrich Uranium (HEU) and Low Enrich Uranium (LEU) core has been simulated in this present study. In this work, the excess reactivity worth of flooding HEU core for 1 inner, 2 inner, 3 inner, 4 inner and all inner are 0.318mk, 0.577mk, 0.318mk, 1.204mk and 1.503mk respectively, and outer irradiation channels are 0.119mk, 0.169mk, 0.348mk, 0.438mk and 0.418mk respectively, the highest excess reactivity result from flooding both inner and outer irradiation channels is 2.04mk (±1.72×10 -7 ), the excess reactivity for LEU core was 0.299mk, 0.568mk, 0.896mk, 1.195mk and 1.524mk in the inner irradiation channels, and the outer irradiation channels are 0.129mk, 0.189mk, 0.219mk, 0.269mk and 0.548mk where the highest excess reactivity was 1.942mk (±1.64×10 -7 ) resulting from flooding inner and outer irradiation channels. The reactivity induced by flooding of the irradiation channels of NIRR-1 with water is within design safety limit enshrined in Safety Analysis Report of NIRR-1. The results also compare well with literature. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancing nitrogen removal in an Orbal oxidation ditch by optimization of oxygen supply: practice in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Guo, Xuesong; Han, Yunping; Liu, Junxin; Ren, Jincheng; Wang, Yu; Guo, Yantao

2012-09-01

Seven different aeration modes, in which oxygen supply was changed by adjusting the number of aerators, were designed and applied in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant with Orbal oxidation ditch to investigate the influence of dissolved oxygen (DO) on nitrogen removal performance. The full-scale experiment results of 574 days showed that nitrogen removal efficiency depended on the degree of nitrification and denitrification in the outer channel, which was the largest contributor for TN removal in the Orbal oxidation ditch. Appropriate aeration control in the outer channel was essential to balance nitrification and denitrification in the Orbal oxidation ditch. When DO was as low as about 0.2 mg/L in the outer channel, the highest TN removal efficiency of 75% was obtained. Microbial analysis confirmed that aerobic and anaerobic bacteria coexisted in the outer channel. The greater species diversity and more intensive activities of these bacteria in aeration Mode V may be responsible for the higher TN removal efficiency compared with Mode III. These results suggest that different aerated conditions in the Orbal oxidation ditch might have a significant effect on microbial community characteristics and nitrogen removal efficiencies.

Peptidoglycan-associated outer membrane protein Mep45 of rumen anaerobe Selenomonas ruminantium forms a non-specific diffusion pore via its C-terminal transmembrane domain.

PubMed

Kojima, Seiji; Hayashi, Kanako; Tochigi, Saeko; Kusano, Tomonobu; Kaneko, Jun; Kamio, Yoshiyuki

2016-10-01

The major outer membrane protein Mep45 of Selenomonas ruminantium, an anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium, comprises two distinct domains: the N-terminal S-layer homologous (SLH) domain that protrudes into the periplasm and binds to peptidoglycan, and the remaining C-terminal transmembrane domain, whose function has been unknown. Here, we solubilized and purified Mep45 and characterized its function using proteoliposomes reconstituted with Mep45. We found that Mep45 forms a nonspecific diffusion channel via its C-terminal region. The channel was permeable to solutes smaller than a molecular weight of roughly 600, and the estimated pore radius was 0.58 nm. Truncation of the SLH domain did not affect the channel property. On the basis of the fact that Mep45 is the most abundant outer membrane protein in S. ruminantium, we conclude that Mep45 serves as a main pathway through which small solutes diffuse across the outer membrane of this bacterium.

Injectors for Multipoint Injection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prociw, Lev Alexander (Inventor); Ryon, Jason (Inventor)

2015-01-01

An injector for a multipoint combustor system includes an inner air swirler which defines an interior flow passage and a plurality of swirler inlet ports in an upstream portion thereof. The inlet ports are configured and adapted to impart swirl on flow in the interior flow passage. An outer air cap is mounted outboard of the inner swirler. A fuel passage is defined between the inner air swirler and the outer air cap, and includes a discharge outlet between downstream portions of the inner air swirler and the outer air cap for issuing fuel for combustion. The outer air cap defines an outer air circuit configured for substantially unswirled injection of compressor discharge air outboard of the interior flow passage.

Micro-droplet formation via 3D printed micro channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Zhen; Zhang, Jiaming; Li, Erqiang; Thoroddsen, Sigurdur T.

2016-11-01

Low cost, fast-designed and fast-fabricated 3D micro channel was used to create micro-droplets. Capillary with an outer diameter of 1.5 mm and an inner diameter of 150 μm was inserted into a 3D printed cylindrical channel with a diameter of 2 mm . Flow rate of the two inlets, insert depth, liquid (density, viscosity and surface tension) and solid (roughness, contact angle) properties all play a role in the droplet formation. Different regimes - dripping, jetting, unstable state - were observed in the micro-channel on varying these parameters. With certain parameter combinations, successive formation of micro-droplets with equal size was observed and its size can be much smaller than the smallest channel size. Based on our experimental results, the droplet formation via 3D printed micro T-junction was investigated through direct numerical simulations with a code called Gerris. Reynolds numbers Re = ρUL / μ and Weber numbers We = ρU2 L / σ of the two liquids were introduced to measure the liquid effect. The parameter regime where different physical dynamics occur was studied and the regime transition was observed with certain threshold values. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed as well between simulations and experiments.

Turbulence imaging and applications using beam emission spectroscopy on DIII-D (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKee, G. R.; Fenzi, C.; Fonck, R. J.; Jakubowski, M.

2003-03-01

Two-dimensional measurements of density fluctuations are obtained in the radial and poloidal plane of the DIII-D tokamak with the Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) diagnostic system. The goals are to visualize the spatial structure and time evolution of turbulent eddies, as well as to obtain the 2D statistical properties of turbulence. The measurements are obtained with an array of localized BES spatial channels configured to image a midplane region of the plasma. 32 channels have been deployed, each with a spatial resolution of about 1 cm in the radial and poloidal directions, thus providing measurements of turbulence in the wave number range 0

Transposition of a Process-Based Model, Flumy: from Meandering Fluvial Systems to Channelized Turbidite Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemay, M.; Cojan, I.; Rivoirard, J.; Grimaud, J. L.; Ors, F.

2017-12-01

Channelized turbidite systems are among the most important hydrocarbon reservoirs. Yet building realistic turbidite reservoir models is still a challenge. Flumy has been firstly developed to simulate the long-term evolution of aggrading meandering fluvial systems in order to build facies reservoir models. In this study, Flumy has been transposed to channelized turbidite systems. The channel migration linear model of Imran et al. (1999) dedicated to subaqueous flows has been implemented. The whole model has been calibrated taking into account the differences on channel morphology, avulsion frequency, and aggradation and migration rates. This calibration and the comparison of the model to natural systems rely on: i) the channel planform morphology characterized by the meander wavelength, amplitude, and sinuosity; ii) the channel trajectory and the resulting stratigraphic architecture described using Jobe et al. (2016) indexes. Flumy succeeds in reproducing turbidite channel planform morphology as shown by the mean sinuosity of 1.7, the wavelength to width and amplitude to width ratios around 4 and 1 respectively. First-order meander architecture, characterized by the ratios meander belt width versus channel width, meander belt thickness versus channel depth, and the deduced stratigraphic mobility number (the ratio between lateral versus vertical channel displacements), is also well reproduced: 2.5, 3.8, and 0.6 respectively. Both lateral and downstream channel normalized migrations are around 3.5 times lower than in fluvial systems. All these values are absolutely coherent with the observations. In the other hand, the channel trajectory observed on seismic cross sections (hockey stick geometry) is not fully reproduced: the local stratigraphic mobility number is divided upward by 3 whereas up to 10 is expected. This behavior is generally explained in the literature by an increasing aggradation rate through time and/or flow stripping at outer bend that decreases lateral migration rate (Peakall et al., 2000). These processes are not currently simulated in Flumy, and need to be implemented. This study shows that Flumy model reproduces quite well the first order characteristics observed in the nature and can be used to simulate channelized turbidite reservoirs.

Design of boron carbide-shielded irradiation channel of the outer irradiation channel of the Ghana Research Reactor-1 using MCNP.

PubMed

Abrefah, R G; Sogbadji, R B M; Ampomah-Amoako, E; Birikorang, S A; Odoi, H C; Nyarko, B J B

2011-01-01

The MCNP model for the Ghana Research Reactor-1 was redesigned to incorporate a boron carbide-shielded irradiation channel in one of the outer irradiation channels. Extensive investigations were made before arriving at the final design of only one boron carbide covered outer irradiation channel; as all the other designs that were considered did not give desirable results of neutronic performance. The concept of redesigning a new MCNP model, which has a boron carbide-shielded channel is to equip the Ghana Research Reactor-1 with the means of performing efficient epithermal neutron activation analysis. After the simulation, a comparison of the results from the original MCNP model for the Ghana Research Reactor-1 and the new redesigned model of the boron carbide shielded channel was made. The final effective criticality of the original MCNP model for the GHARR-1 was recorded as 1.00402 while that of the new boron carbide designed model was recorded as 1.00282. Also, a final prompt neutron lifetime of 1.5245 × 10(-4)s was recorded for the new boron carbide designed model while a value of 1.5571 × 10(-7)s was recorded for the original MCNP design of the GHARR-1. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toward Understanding the Outer Membrane Uptake of Small Molecules by Pseudomonas aeruginosa*

PubMed Central

Eren, Elif; Parkin, Jamie; Adelanwa, Ayodele; Cheneke, Belete; Movileanu, Liviu; Khalid, Syma; van den Berg, Bert

2013-01-01

Because small molecules enter Gram-negative bacteria via outer membrane (OM) channels, understanding OM transport is essential for the rational design of improved and new antibiotics. In the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, most small molecules are taken up by outer membrane carboxylate channel (Occ) proteins, which can be divided into two distinct subfamilies, OccD and OccK. Here we characterize substrate transport mediated by Occ proteins belonging to both subfamilies. Based on the determination of the OccK2-glucuronate co-crystal structure, we identify the channel residues that are essential for substrate transport. We further show that the pore regions of the channels are rigid in the OccK subfamily and highly dynamic in the OccD subfamily. We also demonstrate that the substrate carboxylate group interacts with central residues of the basic ladder, a row of arginine and lysine residues that leads to and away from the binding site at the channel constriction. Moreover, the importance of the basic ladder residues corresponds to their degree of conservation. Finally, we apply the generated insights by converting the archetype of the entire family, OccD1, from a basic amino acid-specific channel into a channel with a preference for negatively charged amino acids. PMID:23467408

Localization of the calcium channel subunits Cav1.2 (alpha1C) and Cav2.3 (alpha1E) in the mouse organ of Corti.

PubMed

Waka, N; Knipper, M; Engel, J

2003-10-01

Voltage-activated Ca2+ channels play an important role in synaptic transmission, signal processing and development. The immunohistochemical localization of Cav1.2 (alpha1C) and Cav2.3 (alpha1E) Ca2+ channels was studied in the developing and adult mouse organ of Corti using subunit-specific antibodies and fluorescent secondary antibodies with cochlear cryosections. Cav1.2 immunoreactivity has been detected from postnatal day 14 (P14) onwards at the synapses between cholinergic medial efferents and outer hair cells as revealed by co-staining with anti-synaptophysin and anti-choline acetyltransferase. Most likely the Cav1.2 immunoreactivity was located presynaptically at the site of contact of the efferent bouton with the outer hair cell which suggests a role for class C L-type Ca2+ channels in synaptic transmission of the medial efferent system. The localization of the second Ca2+ channel tested, Cav2.3, showed a pronounced change during cochlear development. From P2 until P10, Cav2.3 immunoreactivity was found in the outer spiral bundle followed by the inner spiral bundle, efferent endings and by medial efferent fibers. Around P14, Cav2.3 immunoreactivity disappeared from these structures and from P19 onwards it was observed in the basal poles of the outer hair cell membranes.

Direct Numerical Simulation of turbulent heat transfer up to Reτ = 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyas, Sergio; Pérez-Quiles, Jezabel; Lluesma-Rodríguez, Federico

2017-11-01

We present a new set of direct numerical simulations of turbulent heat transfer in a channel flow for a Prandtl number of 0.71 and a friction Reynolds number of 2000. Mixed boundary conditions, i.e., wall temperature is time independent and varies linearly along streamwise component, have been used as boundary conditions for the thermal field. The effect of the size of the box in the one point statistics of the thermal field, and the kinetic energy, dissipation and turbulent budgets has been studied, showing that a domain with streamwise and spanwise sizes of 4 πh and 2 πh, where h is the channel half-height, is large enough to reproduce the one point statistics of larger boxes. The scaling of the previous quantities with respect to the Reynolds number has been also studied using a new dataset of simulations at smaller Reynolds number, finding two different scales for the inner and outer layers of the flow. Funded by project ENE2015-71333-R of the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.

Magnetic tornadoes as energy channels into the solar corona.

PubMed

Wedemeyer-Böhm, Sven; Scullion, Eamon; Steiner, Oskar; van der Voort, Luc Rouppe; de la Cruz Rodriguez, Jaime; Fedun, Viktor; Erdélyi, Robert

2012-06-27

Heating the outer layers of the magnetically quiet solar atmosphere to more than one million kelvin and accelerating the solar wind requires an energy flux of approximately 100 to 300 watts per square metre, but how this energy is transferred and dissipated there is a puzzle and several alternative solutions have been proposed. Braiding and twisting of magnetic field structures, which is caused by the convective flows at the solar surface, was suggested as an efficient mechanism for atmospheric heating. Convectively driven vortex flows that harbour magnetic fields are observed to be abundant in the photosphere (the visible surface of the Sun). Recently, corresponding swirling motions have been discovered in the chromosphere, the atmospheric layer sandwiched between the photosphere and the corona. Here we report the imprints of these chromospheric swirls in the transition region and low corona, and identify them as observational signatures of rapidly rotating magnetic structures. These ubiquitous structures, which resemble super-tornadoes under solar conditions, reach from the convection zone into the upper solar atmosphere and provide an alternative mechanism for channelling energy from the lower into the upper solar atmosphere.

Nanowire liquid pumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jian Yu; Lo, Yu-Chieh; Niu, Jun Jie; Kushima, Akihiro; Qian, Xiaofeng; Zhong, Li; Mao, Scott X.; Li, Ju

2013-04-01

The ability to form tiny droplets of liquids and control their movements is important in printing or patterning, chemical reactions and biological assays. So far, such nanofluidic capabilities have principally used components such as channels, nozzles or tubes, where a solid encloses the transported liquid. Here, we show that liquids can flow along the outer surface of solid nanowires at a scale of attolitres per second and the process can be directly imaged with in situ transmission electron microscopy. Microscopy videos show that an ionic liquid can be pumped along tin dioxide, silicon or zinc oxide nanowires as a thin precursor film or as beads riding on the precursor film. Theoretical analysis suggests there is a critical film thickness of ~10 nm below which the liquid flows as a flat film and above which it flows as discrete beads. This critical thickness is the result of intermolecular forces between solid and liquid, which compete with liquid surface energy and Rayleigh-Plateau instability.

Turbine airfoil with controlled area cooling arrangement

DOEpatents

Liang, George

2010-04-27

A gas turbine airfoil (10) includes a serpentine cooling path (32) with a plurality of channels (34,42,44) fluidly interconnected by a plurality of turns (38,40) for cooling the airfoil wall material. A splitter component (50) is positioned within at least one of the channels to bifurcate the channel into a pressure-side channel (46) passing in between the outer wall (28) and the inner wall (30) of the pressure side (24) and a suction-side channel (48) passing in between the outer wall (28) and the inner wall (30) of the suction side (26) longitudinally downstream of an intermediate height (52). The cross-sectional area of the pressure-side channel (46) and suction-side channel (48) are thereby controlled in spite of an increasing cross-sectional area of the airfoil along its longitudinal length, ensuring a sufficiently high mach number to provide a desired degree of cooling throughout the entire length of the airfoil.

Large-Eddy-Simulation of a flow over a submerged rigid canopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monti, Alessandro; Omidyeganeh, Mohammad; Pinelli, Alfredo

2017-11-01

We have performed a wall-resolved Large-Eddy-Simulation of flow over a shallow submerged rigid canopy (H / h = 4 ; H and h are the open channel and the canopy heights respectively) in a transitional/dense regime (Nepf ARFM 44, 2011), at low Reynolds number (Reb =Ubulk H / ν = 6000). An immersed boundary method (Favier et al. JCP 261, 2013) has been adopted to represent filamentous rigid elements of the canopy. The presence of the permeable and porous canopy induces a typical inflection point in the mean velocity profile, depicting two separated and developed layers, outer boundary layer and in-canopy uniform flow. The aim of the work is to explore and unravel the mechanisms of the interaction between the fluid flow and the rigid canopy by identifying the physical parameters that govern the mixing mechanisms within the different flow layers and by exploring the impact of the sweep/ejection events at the canopy edge. The results show that the flow is characterised by large scale stream- and span-wise vortices and regions of different dynamics that affect also the filamentous layer, hence the mixing mechanisms.

Quartz antenna with hollow conductor

DOEpatents

Leung, Ka-Ngo; Benabou, Elie

2002-01-01

A radio frequency (RF) antenna for plasma ion sources is formed of a hollow metal conductor tube disposed within a glass tube. The hollow metal tubular conductor has an internal flow channel so that there will be no coolant leakage if the outer glass tube of the antenna breaks. A portion of the RF antenna is formed into a coil; the antenna is used for inductively coupling RF power to a plasma in an ion source chamber. The antenna is made by first inserting the metal tube inside the glass tube, and then forming the glass/metal composite tube into the desired coil shape.

Barrier island breach evolution: Alongshore transport and bay-ocean pressure gradient interactions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Safak, Ilgar; Warner, John C.; List, Jeffrey

2016-01-01

Physical processes controlling repeated openings and closures of a barrier island breach between a bay and the open ocean are studied using aerial photographs and atmospheric and hydrodynamic observations. The breach site is located on Pea Island along the Outer Banks, separating Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. Wind direction was a major control on the pressure gradients between the bay and the ocean to drive flows that initiate or maintain the breach opening. Alongshore sediment flux was found to be a major contributor to breach closure. During the analysis period from 2011 to 2016, three hurricanes had major impacts on the breach. First, Hurricane Irene opened the breach with wind-driven flow from bay to ocean in August 2011. Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 quadrupled the channel width from pressure gradient flows due to water levels that were first higher on the ocean side and then higher on the bay side. The breach closed sometime in Spring 2013, most likely due to an event associated with strong alongshore sediment flux but minimal ocean-bay pressure gradients. Then, in July 2014, Hurricane Arthur briefly opened the breach again from the bay side, in a similar fashion to Irene. In summary, opening and closure of breaches are shown to follow a dynamic and episodic balance between along-channel pressure gradient driven flows and alongshore sediment fluxes.

A one-dimensional model of flow in a junction of thin channels, including arterial trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozlov, V. A.; Nazarov, S. A.

2017-08-01

We study a Stokes flow in a junction of thin channels (of diameter O(h)) for fixed flows of the fluid at the inlet cross-sections and fixed peripheral pressure at the outlet cross-sections. On the basis of the idea of the pressure drop matrix, apart from Neumann conditions (fixed flow) and Dirichlet conditions (fixed pressure) at the outer vertices, the ordinary one-dimensional Reynolds equations on the edges of the graph are equipped with transmission conditions containing a small parameter h at the inner vertices, which are transformed into the classical Kirchhoff conditions as h\\to+0. We establish that the pre-limit transmission conditions ensure an exponentially small error O(e-ρ/h), ρ>0, in the calculation of the three-dimensional solution, but the Kirchhoff conditions only give polynomially small error. For the arterial tree, under the assumption that the walls of the blood vessels are rigid, for every bifurcation node a ( 2×2)-pressure drop matrix appears, and its influence on the transmission conditions is taken into account by means of small variations of the lengths of the graph and by introducing effective lengths of the one-dimensional description of blood vessels whilst keeping the Kirchhoff conditions and exponentially small approximation errors. We discuss concrete forms of arterial bifurcation and available generalizations of the results, in particular, the Navier-Stokes system of equations. Bibliography: 59 titles.

Axial flow positive displacement worm compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murrow, Kurt David (Inventor); Giffin, Rollin George (Inventor); Fakunle, Oladapo (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An axial flow positive displacement compressor has an inlet axially spaced apart and upstream from an outlet. Inner and outer bodies have offset inner and outer axes extend from the inlet to the outlet through first and second sections of a compressor assembly in serial downstream flow relationship. At least one of the bodies is rotatable about its axis. The inner and outer bodies have intermeshed inner and outer helical blades wound about the inner and outer axes respectively. The inner and outer helical blades extend radially outwardly and inwardly respectively. The helical blades have first and second twist slopes in the first and second sections respectively. The first twist slopes are less than the second twist slopes. An engine including the compressor has in downstream serial flow relationship from the compressor a combustor and a high pressure turbine drivingly connected to the compressor by a high pressure shaft.

Liquid metal reactor air cooling baffle

DOEpatents

Hunsbedt, Anstein

1994-01-01

A baffle is provided between a relatively hot containment vessel and a relatively cold silo for enhancing air cooling performance. The baffle includes a perforate inner wall positionable outside the containment vessel to define an inner flow riser therebetween, and an imperforate outer wall positionable outside the inner wall to define an outer flow riser therebetween. Apertures in the inner wall allow thermal radiation to pass laterally therethrough to the outer wall, with cooling air flowing upwardly through the inner and outer risers for removing heat.

Liquid metal reactor air cooling baffle

DOEpatents

Hunsbedt, A.

1994-08-16

A baffle is provided between a relatively hot containment vessel and a relatively cold silo for enhancing air cooling performance. The baffle includes a perforate inner wall positionable outside the containment vessel to define an inner flow riser therebetween, and an imperforate outer wall positionable outside the inner wall to define an outer flow riser therebetween. Apertures in the inner wall allow thermal radiation to pass laterally therethrough to the outer wall, with cooling air flowing upwardly through the inner and outer risers for removing heat. 3 figs.

Large-scale solar wind flow around Saturn's nonaxisymmetric magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulaiman, A. H.; Jia, X.; Achilleos, N.; Sergis, N.; Gurnett, D. A.; Kurth, W. S.

2017-09-01

The interaction between the solar wind and a magnetosphere is central to the dynamics of a planetary system. Here we address fundamental questions on the large-scale magnetosheath flow around Saturn using a 3-D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation. We find Saturn's polar-flattened magnetosphere to channel 20% more flow over the poles than around the flanks at the terminator. Further, we decompose the MHD forces responsible for accelerating the magnetosheath plasma to find the plasma pressure gradient as the dominant driver. This is by virtue of a high-β magnetosheath and, in turn, the high-MA bow shock. Together with long-term magnetosheath data by the Cassini spacecraft, we present evidence of how nonaxisymmetry substantially alters the conditions further downstream at the magnetopause, crucial for understanding solar wind-magnetosphere interactions such as reconnection and shear flow-driven instabilities. We anticipate our results to provide a more accurate insight into the global conditions upstream of Saturn and the outer planets.

Flow directing means for air-cooled transformers

DOEpatents

Jallouk, Philip A.

1977-01-01

This invention relates to improvements in systems for force-cooling transformers of the kind in which an outer helical winding and an insulation barrier nested therein form an axially extending annular passage for cooling-fluid flow. In one form of the invention a tubular shroud is positioned about the helical winding to define an axially extending annular chamber for cooling-fluid flow. The chamber has a width in the range of from about 4 to 25 times that of the axially extending passage. Two baffles extend inward from the shroud to define with the helical winding two annular flow channels having hydraulic diameters smaller than that of the chamber. The inlet to the chamber is designed with a hydraulic diameter approximating that of the coolant-entrance end of the above-mentioned annular passage. As so modified, transformers of the kind described can be operated at significantly higher load levels without exceeding safe operating temperatures. In some instances the invention permits continuous operation at 200% of the nameplate rating.

Possible roles of exceptionally conserved residues around the selectivity filters of sodium and calcium channels.

PubMed

Tikhonov, Denis B; Zhorov, Boris S

2011-01-28

In the absence of x-ray structures of sodium and calcium channels their homology models are used to rationalize experimental data and design new experiments. A challenge is to model the outer-pore region that folds differently from potassium channels. Here we report a new model of the outer-pore region of the NaV1.4 channel, which suggests roles of highly conserved residues around the selectivity filter. The model takes from our previous study (Tikhonov, D. B., and Zhorov, B. S. (2005) Biophys. J. 88, 184-197) the general disposition of the P-helices, selectivity filter residues, and the outer carboxylates, but proposes new intra- and inter-domain contacts that support structural stability of the outer pore. Glycine residues downstream from the selectivity filter are proposed to participate in knob-into-hole contacts with the P-helices and S6s. These contacts explain the adapted tetrodotoxin resistance of snakes that feed on toxic prey through valine substitution of isoleucine in the P-helix of repeat IV. Polar residues five positions upstream from the selectivity filter residues form H-bonds with the ascending-limb backbones. Exceptionally conserved tryptophans are engaged in inter-repeat H-bonds to form a ring whose π-electrons would facilitate passage of ions from the outer carboxylates to the selectivity filter. The outer-pore model of CaV1.2 derived from the NaV1.4 model is also stabilized by the ring of exceptionally conservative tryptophans and H-bonds between the P-helices and ascending limbs. In this model, the exceptionally conserved aspartate downstream from the selectivity-filter glutamate in repeat II facilitates passage of calcium ions to the selectivity-filter ring through the tryptophan ring. Available experimental data are discussed in view of the models.

Icelandic Analogs for Volcanic and Fluvial Processes on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEwen, A.; Burr, D.; Hardardottir, J.; Hoskuldsson, A.; Keszthelyi, L.; Lanagan, P.; Snorrason, A.; Thordarson, T.

2001-12-01

Iceland has proven to be an excellent location to study a wide range of Martian geologic analogs. Among these are basaltic volcanism and aqueous flooding--key geologic processes that have shaped the Martian surface and that remain active in Iceland. On both Mars and Iceland, volcanic units are interfingered in space and time with fluvial units. Well-preserved flood lavas in SE Elysium Planitia, Amazonis Planitia, and portions of the Tharsis rise are dominated by a distinctive morphology of plates and ridges, very similar to the "apalhraun" or "rubbly pahoehoe" of Iceland (Keszthelyi and Thordarson, 2000, GSA Abstract 52593). On both Iceland and Mars there are marginal regions of undisrupted inflated pahoehoe, small rootless cones, and long parallel structures in the wake of topographic obstacles. The Icelandic paleoflood channels of Jokulsa a Fjollum, extending from the Vatnajokull ice cap to the north coast, have eroded basaltic plains and provide many insights into morphologies seen on Mars. The manner in which different types of lava erode in a catastrophic flood is well illustrated and sometimes surprising. For example, there are channel floors where the crusts of inflated lavas have been completely stripped off by the floodwater, but then suddenly transitions upstream into a stretch with almost no erosion--even the cm-scale pahoehoe ropes are intact. This implies that significant aqueous floods could have occurred over some well-preserved lava flows on Mars. A streamlined "island" or mesa extending downstream from the volcanic crater Hrossaborg in Iceland appears to be mixture of remobilized older glacial deposits and a debris flow deposit. The debris flow apparently formed by collapse of the western outer crater slopes into the active floodwaters, diverting the flow northward; this process may have occurred on Mars at some of the impact craters eroded by outflow channels.

Very-Low-Cost, Rugged Vacuum System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kline-Schoder, Robert; Sorensen, Paul; Passow, Christian; Bilski, Steve

2013-01-01

NASA, DoD, DHS, and commercial industry have a need for miniaturized, rugged, low-cost vacuum systems. Recent advances in sensor technology have led to the development of very small mass spectrometer detectors as well as other miniature analytical instruments. However, the vacuum systems to support these sensors remain large, heavy, and power-hungry. To meet this need, a miniaturized vacuum system was created based on a very small, rugged, and inexpensive- to-manufacture molecular drag pump (MDP). The MDP is enabled by the development of a miniature, veryhigh- speed, rugged, low-power, brushless DC motor optimized for wide temperature operation and long life. Such a pump represents an order-of-magnitude reduction in mass, volume, and cost over current, commercially available, state-ofthe- art vacuum pumps. The vacuum system consists of the MDP coupled to a ruggedized rough pump (for terrestrial applications or for planets with substantial atmospheres). The rotor in the MDP consists of a simple smooth cylinder of aluminum spinning at approximately 200,000 RPM inside an outer stator housing. The pump stator comprises a cylindrical aluminum housing with one or more specially designed grooves that serve as flow channels. To minimize the length of the pump, the gas is forced down the flow channels of the outer stator to the base of the pump. The gas is then turned and pulled toward the top through a second set of channels cut into an inner stator housing that surrounds the motor. The compressed gas then flows down channels in the motor housing to the exhaust port of the pump. The exhaust port of the pump is connected to a diaphragm or scroll pump. This pump delivers very high performance in a very small envelope. The design was simplified so that a smaller compression ratio, easier manufacturing process, and enhanced ruggedness can be achieved at the lowest possible cost. The machining of the rotor and stators is very simple compared to that necessary to fabricate TMP (turbo molecular pump) rotor and stator blades. Also, the symmetry of the rotor is such that dynamic balancing of the rotor is greatly simplified. Finally, because of the simplified design, the number of parts in the unit is cut by nearly a factor of three. In fact, there are only five parts, not counting the motor and off-the-shelf screws and O-rings. This reduces the amount of machining and also makes fit-up much simpler while allowing the maintenance of close tolerances.

Outer Membrane Permeability of Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803: Studies of Passive Diffusion of Small Organic Nutrients Reveal the Absence of Classical Porins and Intrinsically Low Permeability

PubMed Central

Kowata, Hikaru; Tochigi, Saeko; Takahashi, Hideyuki

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The outer membrane of heterotrophic Gram-negative bacteria plays the role of a selective permeability barrier that prevents the influx of toxic compounds while allowing the nonspecific passage of small hydrophilic nutrients through porin channels. Compared with heterotrophic Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane properties of cyanobacteria, which are Gram-negative photoautotrophs, are not clearly understood. In this study, using small carbohydrates, amino acids, and inorganic ions as permeation probes, we determined the outer membrane permeability of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 in intact cells and in proteoliposomes reconstituted with outer membrane proteins. The permeability of this cyanobacterium was >20-fold lower than that of Escherichia coli. The predominant outer membrane proteins Slr1841, Slr1908, and Slr0042 were not permeable to organic nutrients and allowed only the passage of inorganic ions. Only the less abundant outer membrane protein Slr1270, a homolog of the E. coli export channel TolC, was permeable to organic solutes. The activity of Slr1270 as a channel was verified in a recombinant Slr1270-producing E. coli outer membrane. The lack of putative porins and the low outer membrane permeability appear to suit the cyanobacterial autotrophic lifestyle; the highly impermeable outer membrane would be advantageous to cellular survival by protecting the cell from toxic compounds, especially when the cellular physiology is not dependent on the uptake of organic nutrients. IMPORTANCE Because the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria affects the flux rates for various substances into and out of the cell, its permeability is closely associated with cellular physiology. The outer membrane properties of cyanobacteria, which are photoautotrophic Gram-negative bacteria, are not clearly understood. Here, we examined the outer membrane of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803. We revealed that it is relatively permeable to inorganic ions but is markedly less permeable to organic nutrients, with >20-fold lower permeability than the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Such permeability appears to fit the cyanobacterial lifestyle, in which the diffusion pathway for inorganic solutes may suffice to sustain the autotrophic physiology, illustrating a link between outer membrane permeability and the cellular lifestyle. PMID:28696278

Slanted spiral microfluidics for the ultra-fast, label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells.

PubMed

Warkiani, Majid Ebrahimi; Guan, Guofeng; Luan, Khoo Bee; Lee, Wong Cheng; Bhagat, Ali Asgar S; Chaudhuri, Parthiv Kant; Tan, Daniel Shao-Weng; Lim, Wan Teck; Lee, Soo Chin; Chen, Peter C Y; Lim, Chwee Teck; Han, Jongyoon

2014-01-07

The enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients, provide a potentially accessible source for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. This work reports on a novel spiral microfluidic device with a trapezoidal cross-section for ultra-fast, label-free enrichment of CTCs from clinically relevant blood volumes. The technique utilizes the inherent Dean vortex flows present in curvilinear microchannels under continuous flow, along with inertial lift forces which focus larger CTCs against the inner wall. Using a trapezoidal cross-section as opposed to a traditional rectangular cross-section, the position of the Dean vortex core can be altered to achieve separation. Smaller hematologic components are trapped in the Dean vortices skewed towards the outer channel walls and eventually removed at the outer outlet, while the larger CTCs equilibrate near the inner channel wall and are collected from the inner outlet. By using a single spiral microchannel with one inlet and two outlets, we have successfully isolated and recovered more than 80% of the tested cancer cell line cells (MCF-7, T24 and MDA-MB-231) spiked in 7.5 mL of blood within 8 min with extremely high purity (400-680 WBCs mL(-1); ~4 log depletion of WBCs). Putative CTCs were detected and isolated from 100% of the patient samples (n = 10) with advanced stage metastatic breast and lung cancer using standard biomarkers (CK, CD45 and DAPI) with the frequencies ranging from 3-125 CTCs mL(-1). We expect this simple and elegant approach can surmount the shortcomings of traditional affinity-based CTC isolation techniques as well as enable fundamental studies on CTCs to guide treatment and enhance patient care.

Inner-outer interactions in a turbulent boundary layer overlying complex roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathikonda, Gokul; Christensen, Kenneth T.

2017-04-01

Hot-wire measurements were performed in a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer overlying both a smooth and a rough wall for the purpose of investigating the details of inner-outer flow interactions. The roughness considered embodies a broad range of topographical scales arranged in an irregular manner and reflects the topographical complexity often encountered in practical flow systems. Single-probe point-wise measurements with a traversing probe were made at two different regions of the rough-wall flow, which was previously shown to be heterogeneous in the spanwise direction, to investigate the distribution of streamwise turbulent kinetic energy and large scale-small scale interactions. In addition, two-probe simultaneous measurements were conducted enabling investigation of inner-outer interactions, wherein the large scales were independently sampled in the outer layer. Roughness-induced changes to the near-wall behavior were investigated, particularly by contrasting the amplitude and frequency modulation effects of inner-outer interactions in the rough-wall flow with well-established smooth-wall flow phenomena. It was observed that the rough-wall flow exhibits both amplitude and frequency modulation features close to the wall in a manner very similar to smooth-wall flow, though the correlated nature of these effects was found to be more intense in the rough-wall flow. In particular, frequency modulation was found to illuminate these enhanced modulation effects in the rough-wall flow. The two-probe measurements helped in evaluating the suitability of the interaction-schematic recently proposed by Baars et al., Exp. Fluids 56, 1 (2015), 10.1007/s00348-014-1876-4 for rough-wall flows. This model was found to be suitable for the rough-wall flow considered herein, and it was found that frequency modulation is a "cleaner" measure of the inner-outer modulation interactions for this rough-wall flow.

Boiling heat transfer during flow of distilled water in an asymmetrically heated rectangular minichannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strąk, Kinga; Piasecka, Magdalena

This paper discusses test results concerning flow boiling heat transfer in a minichannel 1.7 mm in depth, 16 mm in width and 180 mm in length. The essential part of the experimental stand was a vertically oriented rectangular minichannel, which was heated asymmetrically with a plate made of Haynes-230 alloy. Distilled water was used as the cooling fluid. Changes in the temperature on the outer side of the heated plate in the central, axially symmetric part of the channel were measured using infrared thermography. Simultaneously, the other side of the heated plate in contact with the fluid was observed through a glass pane to identify the two-phase flow patterns. The one-dimensional model used for the heat transfer analysis took into account the heat flow direction, which was perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow in the minichannel. The study involved determining local values of the heat transfer coefficient and generating boiling curves. The data for water were compared with the findings reported for the FC-72 fluid.

Zinc-dependent multi-conductance channel activity in mitochondria isolated from ischemic brain.

PubMed

Bonanni, Laura; Chachar, Mushtaque; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Li, Hongmei; Jones, Adrienne; Yokota, Hidenori; Ofengeim, Dimitry; Flannery, Richard J; Miyawaki, Takahiro; Cho, Chang-Hoon; Polster, Brian M; Pypaert, Marc; Hardwick, J Marie; Sensi, Stefano L; Zukin, R Suzanne; Jonas, Elizabeth A

2006-06-21

Transient global ischemia is a neuronal insult that induces delayed cell death. A hallmark event in the early post-ischemic period is enhanced permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial function is disrupted are, as yet, unclear. Here we show that global ischemia promotes alterations in mitochondrial membrane contact points, a rise in intramitochondrial Zn2+, and activation of large, multi-conductance channels in mitochondrial outer membranes by 1 h after insult. Mitochondrial channel activity was associated with enhanced protease activity and proteolytic cleavage of BCL-xL to generate its pro-death counterpart, deltaN-BCL-xL. The findings implicate deltaN-BCL-xL in large, multi-conductance channel activity. Consistent with this, large channel activity was mimicked by introduction of recombinant deltaN-BCL-xL to control mitochondria and blocked by introduction of a functional BCL-xL antibody to post-ischemic mitochondria via the patch pipette. Channel activity was also inhibited by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, indicative of a role for the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane. In vivo administration of the membrane-impermeant Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA before ischemia or in vitro application of the membrane-permeant Zn2+ chelator tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine attenuated channel activity, suggesting a requirement for Zn2+. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which ischemic insults disrupt the functional integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane and implicate deltaN-BCL-xL and VDAC in the large, Zn2+-dependent mitochondrial channels observed in post-ischemic hippocampal mitochondria.

Zinc-Dependent Multi-Conductance Channel Activity in Mitochondria Isolated from Ischemic Brain

PubMed Central

Bonanni, Laura; Chachar, Mushtaque; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Li, Hongmei; Jones, Adrienne; Yokota, Hidenori; Ofengeim, Dimitry; Flannery, Richard J.; Miyawaki, Takahiro; Cho, Chang-Hoon; Polster, Brian M.; Pypaert, Marc; Hardwick, J. Marie; Sensi, Stefano L.; Zukin, R. Suzanne; Jonas, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

Transient global ischemia is a neuronal insult that induces delayed cell death. A hallmark event in the early post-ischemic period is enhanced permeability of mitochondrial membranes. The precise mechanisms by which mitochondrial function is disrupted are, as yet, unclear.Here we show that global ischemia promotes alterations in mitochondrial membrane contact points, a rise in intramitochondrial Zn2+, and activation of large, multi-conductance channels in mitochondrial outer membranes by 1 h after insult. Mitochondrial channel activity was associated with enhanced protease activity and proteolytic cleavage of BCL-xL to generate its pro-death counterpart, ΔN-BCL-xL. The findings implicate ΔN-BCL-xL in large, multi-conductance channel activity. Consistent with this, large channel activity was mimicked by introduction of recombinant ΔN-BCL-xL to control mitochondria and blocked by introduction of a functional BCL-xL antibody to post-ischemic mitochondria via the patch pipette. Channel activity was also inhibited by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, indicative of a role for the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane. In vivo administration of the membrane-impermeant Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA before ischemia or in vitro application of the membrane-permeant Zn2+ chelator tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine attenuated channel activity, suggesting a requirement for Zn2+. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which ischemic insults disrupt the functional integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane and implicate ΔNBCL-xL and VDAC in the large, Zn2+-dependent mitochondrial channels observed in post-ischemic hippocampal mitochondria. PMID:16793892

Pyrometer mount for a closed-circuit thermal medium cooled gas turbine

DOEpatents

Jones, Raymond Joseph; Kirkpatrick, Francis Lawrence; Burns, James Lee; Fulton, John Robert

2002-01-01

A steam-cooled second-stage nozzle segment has an outer band and an outer cover defining a plenum therebetween for receiving cooling steam for flow through the nozzles to the inner band and cover therefor and return flow through the nozzles. To measure the temperature of the buckets of the stage forwardly of the nozzle stage, a pyrometer boss is electron beam-welded in an opening through the outer band and TIG-welded to the outer cover plate. By machining a hole through the boss and seating a linearly extending tube in the boss, a line of sight between a pyrometer mounted on the turbine frame and the buckets is provided whereby the temperature of the buckets can be ascertained. The welding of the boss to the outer band and outer cover enables steam flow through the plenum without leakage, while providing a line of sight through the outer cover and outer band to measure bucket temperature.

Alternative actions on the K stack problem

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

Spencer, H.G.

1958-09-29

On June 6, 1958, KW Operations had HCR Channel No. 16 borescoped to determine why this rod could not be inserted on May 3. Observations revealed 3X balls in the channel and horizontal separation between graphite blocks ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 1/4 inch. The separations were noted only in the first fifteen feet in from the outer skin and in the last five feet of the channel. As a result of these findings and past operational difficulties with certain HCR`s at both KE and KW Reactors, a program of measurements is in progress to determine the extent andmore » causes of the stack displacements. From measurements and observations so far obtained, the following conclusions may be drawn about separations at locations of consequence to the loss of 3X balls from channels: Side to side horizontal separations totaling two to three inches have been observed at both reactors. The significant separations lie outside of the VSR pattern and in the lower half of the stack. The VSR pattern does not include the six outer ball 3X channels. There are probably a few small separations (< 1/2 inch) at the outer VSR`s. There are probably no separations large enough to admit balls on inner VSR channels, i.e. VSR`s inside the outer front to rear rows of VSR`s. These conclusions can not be considered fully reliable, but no information obtained to date refutes them. A team was established on 9-17-58 to evaluate and provide information on alternate courses of action for elimination or alleviation of the problem. This report contains the information and recommendations developed by the team.« less

Comparative and scaling aspects of heart and body weights with reference to blood supply of cardiac fibers.

PubMed

Poupa, O; Lindström, L

1983-01-01

Relative heart weight (RHW) differs in vertebrates with the ratio 1:20 between extremes (bottom bound fishes--Pleuronectidae--and birds). When plotting heart weight (HW) against body weight (BW) one obtains channels which contain not only vertebrates of the same classes (poikilotherms, small and big mammals and birds) but also animals belonging to different classes: tuna fish data are located in the "small mammalian channel" together with data of large tropical snakes while large mammals (upwards 4000 g) belong to the "bird channel". Reasons for such groupings are not clear and physical activity seems not to be the only reason. When comparing active and non active vertebrates one finds that the RHW is as a rule greater in physically more active poikilotherms and homoiotherms. The RHW is also higher in wild than in domesticated forms the differences appearing after weaning (wild vs laboratory rat). In spongy type of myocardium the growth of cardiac fibers results in restriction of the blood flow through lacunae and the contact between endothelial cells lining growing strands of musculature probably provokes formation of capillaries. The appearance of mixed type of myocardium (outer compact and inner spongy compartments) is not bound to the water to land transition since it occurs also in some fishes; it does not occur or is rare in amphibia and is frequent in reptiles. The compact outer layer comprises a different proportion of the cardiac wall volume (5-73%). Metabolic differences were described between cardiac cells in compact and spongy compartments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In-line quincke tube muffler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patrick, William P.; Bryant, Rebecca S.; Greenwald, Larry E.

2002-05-01

A unique low-pressure-drop muffler is described which has been designed to attenuate low frequency tonal noise in ducts. Flow through the muffler is divided into two noncommunicating paths in the cylindrical configuration which was designed, built, and tested. Half of the flow is ducted through a straight central annulus and the other half is ducted through a partitioned outer annulus which directs the flow in a spiral flow pattern around the inner annulus. Thus the outer flow has a longer path length and the sound within the outer annulus is phase-delayed relative to the inner flow causing destructive interference between the inner and outer waves with resulting strong attenuation at the tuned frequencies. A procedure will be described for designing a muffler (with flow) to produce high attenuation at the fundamental noise tone and all harmonics (up to the first cross mode). Results will be presented which show that the muffler achieved over 20 dB attenuation for the first five harmonics of the incident noise in a flowing duct.

Transport across the outer membrane porin of mycolic acid containing actinomycetales: Nocardia farcinica.

PubMed

Singh, Pratik Raj; Bajaj, Harsha; Benz, Roland; Winterhalter, Mathias; Mahendran, Kozhinjampara R

2015-02-01

The role of the outer-membrane channel from a mycolic acid containing Gram-positive bacteria Nocardia farcinica, which forms a hydrophilic pathway across the cell wall, was characterized. Single channel electrophysiology measurements and liposome swelling assays revealed the permeation of hydrophilic solutes including sugars, amino acids and antibiotics. The cation selective N. farcinica channel exhibited strong interaction with the positively charged antibiotics; amikacin and kanamycin, and surprisingly also with the negatively charged ertapenem. Voltage dependent kinetics of amikacin and kanamycin interactions were studied to distinguish binding from translocation. Moreover, the importance of charged residues inside the channel was investigated using mutational studies that revealed rate limiting interactions during the permeation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of fast cooling pulsed magnets at the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center.

PubMed

Peng, Tao; Sun, Quqin; Zhao, Jianlong; Jiang, Fan; Li, Liang; Xu, Qiang; Herlach, Fritz

2013-12-01

Pulsed magnets with fast cooling channels have been developed at the Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center. Between the inner and outer sections of a coil wound with a continuous length of CuNb wire, G10 rods with cross section 4 mm × 5 mm were inserted as spacers around the entire circumference, parallel to the coil axis. The free space between adjacent rods is 6 mm. The liquid nitrogen flows freely in the channels between these rods, and in the direction perpendicular to the rods through grooves provided in the rods. For a typical 60 T pulsed magnetic field with pulse duration of 40 ms, the cooling time between subsequent pulses is reduced from 160 min to 35 min. Subsequently, the same technology was applied to a 50 T magnet with 300 ms pulse duration. The cooling time of this magnet was reduced from 480 min to 65 min.

Bubble Eliminator Based on Centrifugal Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonda, Steve R.; Tsao, Yow-Min D.; Lee, Wenshan

2004-01-01

The fluid bubble eliminator (FBE) is a device that removes gas bubbles from a flowing liquid. The FBE contains no moving parts and does not require any power input beyond that needed to pump the liquid. In the FBE, the buoyant force for separating the gas from the liquid is provided by a radial pressure gradient associated with a centrifugal flow of the liquid and any entrained bubbles. A device based on a similar principle is described in Centrifugal Adsorption Cartridge System (MSC- 22863), which appears on page 48 of this issue. The FBE was originally intended for use in filtering bubbles out of a liquid flowing relatively slowly in a bioreactor system in microgravity. Versions that operate in normal Earth gravitation at greater flow speeds may also be feasible. The FBE (see figure) is constructed as a cartridge that includes two concentric cylinders with flanges at the ends. The outer cylinder is an impermeable housing; the inner cylinder comprises a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane covering a perforated inner tube. Multiple spiral disks that collectively constitute a spiral ramp are mounted in the space between the inner and outer cylinders. The liquid enters the FBE through an end flange, flows in the annular space between the cylinders, and leaves through the opposite end flange. The spiral disks channel the liquid into a spiral flow, the circumferential component of which gives rise to the desired centrifugal effect. The resulting radial pressure gradient forces the bubbles radially inward; that is, toward the inner cylinder. At the inner cylinder, the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane allows the bubbles to enter the perforated inner tube while keeping the liquid in the space between the inner and outer cylinders. The gas thus collected can be vented via an endflange connection to the inner tube. The centripetal acceleration (and thus the radial pressure gradient) is approximately proportional to the square of the flow speed and approximately inversely proportional to an effective radius of the annular space. For a given FBE geometry, one could increase the maximum rate at which gas could be removed by increasing the rate of flow to obtain more centripetal acceleration. In experiments and calculations oriented toward the original microgravitational application, centripetal accelerations between 0.001 and 0.012 g [where g normal Earth gravitation (.9.8 m/s2)] were considered. For operation in normal Earth gravitation, it would likely be necessary to choose the FBE geometry and the rate of flow to obtain centripetal acceleration comparable to or greater than g.

Axial Flow Conditioning Device for Mitigating Instabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahuja, Vineet (Inventor); Birkbeck, Roger M. (Inventor); Hosangadi, Ashvin (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A flow conditioning device for incrementally stepping down pressure within a piping system is presented. The invention includes an outer annular housing, a center element, and at least one intermediate annular element. The outer annular housing includes an inlet end attachable to an inlet pipe and an outlet end attachable to an outlet pipe. The outer annular housing and the intermediate annular element(s) are concentrically disposed about the center element. The intermediate annular element(s) separates an axial flow within the outer annular housing into at least two axial flow paths. Each axial flow path includes at least two annular extensions that alternately and locally direct the axial flow radially outward and inward or radially inward and outward thereby inducing a pressure loss or a pressure gradient within the axial flow. The pressure within the axial flow paths is lower than the pressure at the inlet end and greater than the vapor pressure for the axial flow. The invention minimizes fluidic instabilities, pressure pulses, vortex formation and shedding, and/or cavitation during pressure step down to yield a stabilized flow within a piping system.

Singular perturbation analysis of the steady-state Poisson–Nernst–Planck system: Applications to ion channels

PubMed Central

SINGER, A.; GILLESPIE, D.; NORBURY, J.; EISENBERG, R. S.

2009-01-01

Ion channels are proteins with a narrow hole down their middle that control a wide range of biological function by controlling the flow of spherical ions from one macroscopic region to another. Ion channels do not change their conformation on the biological time scale once they are open, so they can be described by a combination of Poisson and drift-diffusion (Nernst–Planck) equations called PNP in biophysics. We use singular perturbation techniques to analyse the steady-state PNP system for a channel with a general geometry and a piecewise constant permanent charge profile. We construct an outer solution for the case of a constant permanent charge density in three dimensions that is also a valid solution of the one-dimensional system. The asymptotical current–voltage (I–V ) characteristic curve of the device (obtained by the singular perturbation analysis) is shown to be a very good approximation of the numerical I–V curve (obtained by solving the system numerically). The physical constraint of non-negative concentrations implies a unique solution, i.e., for each given applied potential there corresponds a unique electric current (relaxing this constraint yields non-physical multiple solutions for sufficiently large voltages). PMID:19809600

Size-dependent forced PEG partitioning into channels: VDAC, OmpC, and α-hemolysin

DOE PAGES

Aksoyoglu, M. Alphan; Podgornik, Rudolf; Bezrukov, Sergey M.; ...

2016-07-27

Nonideal polymer mixtures of PEGs of different molecular weights partition differently into nanosize protein channels. Here, we assess the validity of the recently proposed theoretical approach of forced partitioning for three structurally different beta-barrel channels: voltage-dependent anion channel from outer mitochondrial membrane VDAC, bacterial porin OmpC (outer membrane protein C), and bacterial channel-forming toxin alpha-hemolysin. Our interpretation is based on the idea that relatively less-penetrating polymers push the more easily penetrating ones into nanosize channels in excess of their bath concentration. Comparison of the theory with experiments is excellent for VDAC. Polymer partitioning data for the other two channels aremore » consistent with theory if additional assumptions regarding the energy penalty of pore penetration are included. In conclusion, the obtained results demonstrate that the general concept of "polymers pushing polymers" is helpful in understanding and quantification of concrete examples of size-dependent forced partitioning of polymers into protein nanopores.« less

Size-dependent forced PEG partitioning into channels: VDAC, OmpC, and α-hemolysin

PubMed Central

Aksoyoglu, M. Alphan; Podgornik, Rudolf; Bezrukov, Sergey M.; Gurnev, Philip A.; Muthukumar, Murugappan; Parsegian, V. Adrian

2016-01-01

Nonideal polymer mixtures of PEGs of different molecular weights partition differently into nanosize protein channels. Here, we assess the validity of the recently proposed theoretical approach of forced partitioning for three structurally different β-barrel channels: voltage-dependent anion channel from outer mitochondrial membrane VDAC, bacterial porin OmpC (outer membrane protein C), and bacterial channel-forming toxin α-hemolysin. Our interpretation is based on the idea that relatively less-penetrating polymers push the more easily penetrating ones into nanosize channels in excess of their bath concentration. Comparison of the theory with experiments is excellent for VDAC. Polymer partitioning data for the other two channels are consistent with theory if additional assumptions regarding the energy penalty of pore penetration are included. The obtained results demonstrate that the general concept of “polymers pushing polymers” is helpful in understanding and quantification of concrete examples of size-dependent forced partitioning of polymers into protein nanopores. PMID:27466408

Numerical simulation of axisymmetric valve operation for different outer cone angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smyk, Emil

One of the method of flow separation control is application of axisymmetric valve. It is composed of nozzle with core. Normally the main flow is attached to inner cone and flow by preferential collector to primary flow pipe. If through control nozzle starts flow jet (control jet) the main flow is switched to annular secondary collector. In both situation the main flow is deflected to inner or outer cone (placed at the outlet of the valve's nozzle) by Coanda effect. The paper deals with the numerical simulation of this axisymetric annular nozzle with integrated synthetic jet actuator. The aim of the work is influence examination of outer cone angle on deflection on main stream.

tRNAs and proteins use the same import channel for translocation across the mitochondrial outer membrane of trypanosomes.

PubMed

Niemann, Moritz; Harsman, Anke; Mani, Jan; Peikert, Christian D; Oeljeklaus, Silke; Warscheid, Bettina; Wagner, Richard; Schneider, André

2017-09-12

Mitochondrial tRNA import is widespread, but the mechanism by which tRNAs are imported remains largely unknown. The mitochondrion of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei lacks tRNA genes, and thus imports all tRNAs from the cytosol. Here we show that in T. brucei in vivo import of tRNAs requires four subunits of the mitochondrial outer membrane protein translocase but not the two receptor subunits, one of which is essential for protein import. The latter shows that it is possible to uncouple mitochondrial tRNA import from protein import. Ablation of the intermembrane space domain of the translocase subunit, archaic translocase of the outer membrane (ATOM)14, on the other hand, while not affecting the architecture of the translocase, impedes both protein and tRNA import. A protein import intermediate arrested in the translocation channel prevents both protein and tRNA import. In the presence of tRNA, blocking events of single-channel currents through the pore formed by recombinant ATOM40 were detected in electrophysiological recordings. These results indicate that both types of macromolecules use the same import channel across the outer membrane. However, while tRNA import depends on the core subunits of the protein import translocase, it does not require the protein import receptors, indicating that the two processes are not mechanistically linked.

Hot gas path component cooling system having a particle collection chamber

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

Miranda, Carlos Miguel; Lacy, Benjamin Paul

A cooling system for a hot gas path component includes a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one interior space. A passage is formed in the substrate between the outer surface and the inner surface. An access passage is formed in the substrate and extends from the outer surface to the inner space. The access passage is formed at a first acute angle to the passage and includes a particle collection chamber. The access passage is configured to channel a cooling fluid to the passage. Furthermore, the passage is configured tomore » channel the cooling fluid therethrough to cool the substrate.« less

Heat exchanger efficiently operable alternatively as evaporator or condenser

DOEpatents

Ecker, Amir L.

1981-01-01

A heat exchanger adapted for efficient operation alternatively as evaporator or condenser and characterized by flexible outer tube having a plurality of inner conduits and check valves sealingly disposed within the outer tube and connected with respective inlet and outlet master flow conduits and configured so as to define a parallel flow path for a first fluid such as a refrigerant when flowed in one direction and to define a serpentine and series flow path for the first fluid when flowed in the opposite direction. The flexible outer tube has a heat exchange fluid, such as water, flowed therethrough by way of suitable inlet and outlet connections. The inner conduits and check valves form a package that is twistable so as to define a spiral annular flow path within the flexible outer tube for the heat exchange fluid. The inner conduits have thin walls of highly efficient heat transfer material for transferring heat between the first and second fluids. Also disclosed are specific materials and configurations.

Ototoxicity of salicylate, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and quinine.

PubMed

Jung, T T; Rhee, C K; Lee, C S; Park, Y S; Choi, D C

1993-10-01

Salicylates and most NSAIDS in high doses cause mild to moderate temporary hearing loss, either flat or greater in the high frequencies. Hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus and suprathreshold changes. Salicylates may or may not exacerbate hearing loss and cochlear damage induced by noise. The mechanism of salicylate ototoxicity seems to be multifactorial. Morphologic studies suggest that no permanent cochlear damage occurs with salicylate ototoxicity. Electrophysiologic, morphologic, and in vitro data conclusively demonstrate that salicylate affects outer hair cells. In addition, salicylates appear to decrease cochlear blood flow. Salicylates and NSAIDs inhibit PG-forming cyclooxygenase, and recent studies suggest that abnormal levels of arachidonic acid metabolites consisting of decreased PGs and increased LTs may mediate salicylate ototoxicity. As with salicylate, quinine ototoxicity appears to be multifactorial in origin. The mechanism includes vasoconstriction and decreases in cochlear blood flow, as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, motion photographic studies, and histologic studies. Reversible alterations of outer hair cells also appear to play an important role, as demonstrated by histology, electron microscopy, isolated hair cell studies, and cochlear potential evaluations. Unlike with salicylate, however, the role of prostaglandins in quinine ototoxicity has not been clearly demonstrated. Also, one of quinine's principal actions, antagonism of calcium-dependent potassium channels, has yet to be investigated for its potential role in ototoxicity.

Axial flow positive displacement worm gas generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giffin, Rollin George (Inventor); Fakunle, Oladapo (Inventor); Murrow, Kurt David (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An axial flow positive displacement engine has an inlet axially spaced apart and upstream from an outlet. Inner and outer bodies have offset inner and outer axes extend from the inlet to the outlet through first, second, and third sections of a core assembly in serial downstream flow relationship. At least one of the bodies is rotatable about its axis. The inner and outer bodies have intermeshed inner and outer helical blades wound about the inner and outer axes respectively. The inner and outer helical blades extend radially outwardly and inwardly respectively. The helical blades have first, second, and third twist slopes in the first, second, and third sections respectively. The first twist slopes are less than the second twist slopes and the third twist slopes are less than the second twist slopes. A combustor section extends axially downstream through at least a portion of the second section.

Effect of slope failures on river-network pattern: A river piracy case study from the flysch belt of the Outer Western Carpathians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baroň, Ivo; Bíl, Michal; Bábek, Ondřej; Smolková, Veronika; Pánek, Tomáš; Macur, Lukáš

2014-06-01

Landslides are important geomorphic agents in various mountainous settings. We document here a case of river piracy from the upper part of the Malá Brodská Valley in the Vsetínské Mts., Czech Republic (Rača Unit of the flysch Magura Group of Nappes, flysch belt of the Outer Western Carpathians) controlled by mass movement processes. Based on the field geological, geomorphological and geophysical data, we found out that the landslide accumulations pushed the more active river of out of two subparallel river channels with different erosion activity westwards and forced intensive lateral erosion towards the recently abandoned valley. Apart from the landslide processes, the presence of the N-striking fault, accentuated by higher flow rates of the eastern channel as a result of its larger catchment area, were the most critical factors of the river piracy. As a consequence of the river piracy, intensive retrograde erosion in the elbow of capture and also within the upper portion of the western catchment occurred. Deposits of two landslide dams document recent minimum erosion rates to be 18.8 mm.ky- 1 in the western (captured) catchment, and 3.6 mm.ky- 1 in the eastern catchment respectively. The maximum age of the river piracy is estimated to be of the late Glacial and/or the early Holocene.

Pneumatic fractures in confined granular media.

PubMed

Eriksen, Fredrik K; Toussaint, Renaud; Turquet, Antoine L; Måløy, Knut J; Flekkøy, Eirik G

2017-06-01

We perform experiments where air is injected at a constant overpressure P_{in}, ranging from 5 to 250 kPa, into a dry granular medium confined within a horizontal linear Hele-Shaw cell. The setup allows us to explore compacted configurations by preventing decompaction at the outer boundary, i.e., the cell outlet has a semipermeable filter such that beads are stopped while air can pass. We study the emerging patterns and dynamic growth of channels in the granular media due to fluid flow, by analyzing images captured with a high speed camera (1000 images/s). We identify four qualitatively different flow regimes, depending on the imposed overpressure, ranging from no channel formation for P_{in} below 10 kPa, to large thick channels formed by erosion and fingers merging for high P_{in} around 200 kPa. The flow regimes where channels form are characterized by typical finger thickness, final depth into the medium, and growth dynamics. The shape of the finger tips during growth is studied by looking at the finger width w as function of distance d from the tip. The tip profile is found to follow w(d)∝d^{β}, where β=0.68 is a typical value for all experiments, also over time. This indicates a singularity in the curvature d^{2}d/dw^{2}∼κ∼d^{1-2β}, but not of the slope dw/dd∼d^{β-1}, i.e., more rounded tips rather than pointy cusps, as they would be for the case β>1. For increasing P_{in}, the channels generally grow faster and deeper into the medium. We show that the channel length along the flow direction has a linear growth with time initially, followed by a power-law decay of growth velocity with time as the channel approaches its final length. A closer look reveals that the initial growth velocity v_{0} is found to scale with injection pressure as v_{0}∝P_{in}^{3/2}, while at a critical time t_{c} there is a cross-over to the behavior v(t)∝t^{-α}, where α is close to 2.5 for all experiments. Finally, we explore the fractal dimension of the fully developed patterns. For example, for patterns resulting from intermediate P_{in} around 100-150 kPa, we find that the box-counting dimensions lie within the range D_{B}∈[1.53,1.62], similar to viscous fingering fractals in porous media.

Pneumatic fractures in confined granular media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriksen, Fredrik K.; Toussaint, Renaud; Turquet, Antoine L.; Mâløy, Knut J.; Flekkøy, Eirik G.

2017-06-01

We perform experiments where air is injected at a constant overpressure Pin, ranging from 5 to 250 kPa, into a dry granular medium confined within a horizontal linear Hele-Shaw cell. The setup allows us to explore compacted configurations by preventing decompaction at the outer boundary, i.e., the cell outlet has a semipermeable filter such that beads are stopped while air can pass. We study the emerging patterns and dynamic growth of channels in the granular media due to fluid flow, by analyzing images captured with a high speed camera (1000 images/s). We identify four qualitatively different flow regimes, depending on the imposed overpressure, ranging from no channel formation for Pin below 10 kPa, to large thick channels formed by erosion and fingers merging for high Pin around 200 kPa. The flow regimes where channels form are characterized by typical finger thickness, final depth into the medium, and growth dynamics. The shape of the finger tips during growth is studied by looking at the finger width w as function of distance d from the tip. The tip profile is found to follow w (d ) ∝dβ , where β =0.68 is a typical value for all experiments, also over time. This indicates a singularity in the curvature d2d /d w2˜κ ˜d1 -2 β , but not of the slope d w /d d ˜dβ -1 , i.e., more rounded tips rather than pointy cusps, as they would be for the case β >1 . For increasing Pin, the channels generally grow faster and deeper into the medium. We show that the channel length along the flow direction has a linear growth with time initially, followed by a power-law decay of growth velocity with time as the channel approaches its final length. A closer look reveals that the initial growth velocity v0 is found to scale with injection pressure as v0∝Pin3/2 , while at a critical time tc there is a cross-over to the behavior v (t ) ∝t-α , where α is close to 2.5 for all experiments. Finally, we explore the fractal dimension of the fully developed patterns. For example, for patterns resulting from intermediate Pin around 100-150 kPa, we find that the box-counting dimensions lie within the range DB∈[1.53 ,1.62 ] , similar to viscous fingering fractals in porous media.

Flow rate measurement in a volume

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

Galvez, Cristhian

A system for measuring flow rate within a volume includes one or more transmission devices that transmit one or more signals through fluid contained within the volume. The volume may be bounded, at least in part, by an outer structure and by an object at least partially contained within the outer structure. A transmission device located at a first location of the outer structure transmits a first signal to a second location of the outer structure. A second signal is transmitted through the fluid from the second location to a third location of the outer structure. The flow rate ofmore » the fluid within the volume may be determined based, at least in part, on the time of flight of both the first signal and the second signal.« less

Staged fuel and air injection in combustion systems of gas turbines

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

Hughes, Michael John; Berry, Jonathan Dwight

A gas turbine including a working fluid flowpath extending aftward from a forward injector in a combustor. The combustor may include an inner radial wall, an outer radial wall, and, therebetween, a flow annulus, and a third radial wall formed about the outer radial wall that forms an outer flow annulus. A staged injector may intersect the flow annulus so to attain an injection point within the working fluid flowpath by which aftward and forward annulus sections are defined. Air directing structure may include an aftward intake section corresponding to the aftward annulus section and a forward intake section correspondingmore » to the forward annulus section. The air directing structure may include a switchback coolant flowpath to direct air from the compressor discharge cavity to the staged injector. The switchback coolant flowpath may include an upstream section through the flow annulus, and a downstream section through the outer flow annulus.« less

Turbine exhaust diffuser with a gas jet producing a coanda effect flow control

DOEpatents

Orosa, John; Montgomery, Matthew

2014-02-11

An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine includes an inner boundary and an outer boundary with a flow path defined therebetween. The inner boundary is defined at least in part by a hub structure that has an upstream end and a downstream end. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inward toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. The hub structure includes at least one jet exit located on the hub structure adjacent to the upstream end of the tail cone. The jet exit discharges a flow of gas substantially tangential to an outer surface of the tail cone to produce a Coanda effect and direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the inner boundary.

The flow field around a pair of cubic roughness elements with different spacings immersed in turbulent boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Karuna; Gao, Jian; Katz, Joseph

2017-11-01

The shape, size, and spacing between roughness elements in turbulent boundary layers affect the associated drag and noise. Understanding them require data on the flow structure around these elements. Dual-view tomographic holography is used to study the 3D 3-component velocity field around a pair of cubic roughness elements immersed in a turbulent boundary layer at Reτ = 2500 . These a = 1 mm high cubes correspond to 4% of the half channel height and 90 wall units (δν = 11 μ m). Tests are performed for spanwise spacings of a, 1.5 a and 2.5 a. The sample volume is 385δν × 250δν × 190δν and the vector spacing is 5.4δν. Conversed statistics is obtained by recording 1500 realizations in volumes centered upstream, downstream and around a cube. The boundary layer separating upstream of the cube does not reattach until the wake region, resulting in formation of a vortical ``canopy'' that engulfs each cube. It is dominated by spanwise vorticity above the cube and separated region, bounded by vertical vorticity on the sides. Flow channeling in the space between cubes causes asymmetry in the vorticity distributions along the inner and outer walls. The legs of horseshoe vortices remain near the wall between cubes, but grow and expand in the wake region. Funded by NSF and ONR.

Comparison of secondary flows and boundary-layer accumulations in several turbine nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kofskey, Milton G; Allen, Hubert W; Herzig, Howard Z

1953-01-01

An investigation was made of losses and secondary flows in three different turbine nozzle configurations in annular cascade. Appreciable outer shroud loss cores (passage vortices) were found to exist at the discharge of blades which had thickened suction surface boundary layers near the outer shroud. Blade designs having thinner boundary layers did not show such outer shroud loss cores, but indicated greater inward radial flow of low momentum air, in the wake loss is to this extent an indication of the presence or absence of radial flow. The blade wake was a combination of profile loss and low momentum air from the outer shroud, and the magnitude of the wake loss is to this extent an indication of the presence or absence of radial flow. At a high Mach number, shock-boundary-layer thickening on the blade suction surfaces provided an additional radial flow path for low momentum air, which resulted in large inner shroud loss regions accompanied by large deviations from design values of discharge angle. (author)

Architectures of Lipid Transport Systems for the Bacterial Outer Membrane.

PubMed

Ekiert, Damian C; Bhabha, Gira; Isom, Georgia L; Greenan, Garrett; Ovchinnikov, Sergey; Henderson, Ian R; Cox, Jeffery S; Vale, Ronald D

2017-04-06

How phospholipids are trafficked between the bacterial inner and outer membranes through the hydrophilic space of the periplasm is not known. We report that members of the mammalian cell entry (MCE) protein family form hexameric assemblies with a central channel capable of mediating lipid transport. The E. coli MCE protein, MlaD, forms a ring associated with an ABC transporter complex in the inner membrane. A soluble lipid-binding protein, MlaC, ferries lipids between MlaD and an outer membrane protein complex. In contrast, EM structures of two other E. coli MCE proteins show that YebT forms an elongated tube consisting of seven stacked MCE rings, and PqiB adopts a syringe-like architecture. Both YebT and PqiB create channels of sufficient length to span the periplasmic space. This work reveals diverse architectures of highly conserved protein-based channels implicated in the transport of lipids between the membranes of bacteria and some eukaryotic organelles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Folding similarity of the outer pore region in prokaryotic and eukaryotic sodium channels revealed by docking of conotoxins GIIIA, PIIIA, and KIIIA in a NavAb-based model of Nav1.4

PubMed Central

Korkosh, Viacheslav S.; Zhorov, Boris S.

2014-01-01

Voltage-gated sodium channels are targets for many drugs and toxins. However, the rational design of medically relevant channel modulators is hampered by the lack of x-ray structures of eukaryotic channels. Here, we used a homology model based on the x-ray structure of the NavAb prokaryotic sodium channel together with published experimental data to analyze interactions of the μ-conotoxins GIIIA, PIIIA, and KIIIA with the Nav1.4 eukaryotic channel. Using Monte Carlo energy minimizations and published experimentally defined pairwise contacts as distance constraints, we developed a model in which specific contacts between GIIIA and Nav1.4 were readily reproduced without deformation of the channel or toxin backbones. Computed energies of specific interactions between individual residues of GIIIA and the channel correlated with experimental estimates. The predicted complexes of PIIIA and KIIIA with Nav1.4 are consistent with a large body of experimental data. In particular, a model of Nav1.4 interactions with KIIIA and tetrodotoxin (TTX) indicated that TTX can pass between Nav1.4 and channel-bound KIIIA to reach its binding site at the selectivity filter. Our models also allowed us to explain experimental data that currently lack structural interpretations. For instance, consistent with the incomplete block observed with KIIIA and some GIIIA and PIIIA mutants, our computations predict an uninterrupted pathway for sodium ions between the extracellular space and the selectivity filter if at least one of the four outer carboxylates is not bound to the toxin. We found a good correlation between computational and experimental data on complete and incomplete channel block by native and mutant toxins. Thus, our study suggests similar folding of the outer pore region in eukaryotic and prokaryotic sodium channels. PMID:25156117

Assembly and Channel Opening of Outer Membrane Protein in Tripartite Drug Efflux Pumps of Gram-negative Bacteria*

PubMed Central

Xu, Yongbin; Moeller, Arne; Jun, So-Young; Le, Minho; Yoon, Bo-Young; Kim, Jin-Sik; Lee, Kangseok; Ha, Nam-Chul

2012-01-01

Gram-negative bacteria are capable of expelling diverse xenobiotic substances from within the cell by use of three-component efflux pumps in which the energy-activated inner membrane transporter is connected to the outer membrane channel protein via the membrane fusion protein. In this work, we describe the crystal structure of the membrane fusion protein MexA from the Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB-OprM pump in the hexameric ring arrangement. Electron microscopy study on the chimeric complex of MexA and the outer membrane protein OprM reveals that MexA makes a tip-to-tip interaction with OprM, which suggests a docking model for MexA and OprM. This docking model agrees well with genetic results and depicts detailed interactions. Opening of the OprM channel is accompanied by the simultaneous exposure of a protein structure resembling a six-bladed cogwheel, which intermeshes with the complementary cogwheel structure in the MexA hexamer. Taken together, we suggest an assembly and channel opening model for the MexAB-OprM pump. This study provides a better understanding of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. PMID:22308040

An inhibitor of TRPV1 channels isolated from funnel Web spider venom.

PubMed

Kitaguchi, Tetsuya; Swartz, Kenton J

2005-11-29

Capsaicin receptor channels (TRPV1) are nonselective cation channels that integrate multiple noxious stimuli in sensory neurons. In an effort to identify new inhibitors of these channels we screened a venom library for activity against TRPV1 channels and found robust inhibitory activity in venom from Agelenopsis aperta, a north American funnel web spider. Fractionation of the venom using reversed-phase HPLC resulted in the purification of two acylpolyamine toxins, AG489 and AG505, which inhibit TRPV1 channels from the extracellular side of the membrane. The activity of AG489 was characterized further, and the toxin was found to inhibit TRPV1 channels with a K(i) of 0.3 microM at -40 mV. Inhibition of TRPV1 channels by AG489 is strongly voltage-dependent, with relief of inhibition at positive voltages, consistent with the toxin inhibiting the channel through a pore-blocking mechanism. We used scanning mutagenesis throughout the TM5-TM6 linker, a region thought to form the outer pore of TRPV1 channels, to identify pore mutations that alter toxin affinity. Four mutants dramatically decrease toxin affinity and several mutants increase toxin affinity, consistent with the notion that the TM5-TM6 linker forms the outer vestibule of TRPV1 channels and that AG489 is a pore blocker.

Apparatus and filtering systems relating to combustors in combustion turbine engines

DOEpatents

Johnson, Thomas Edward [Greer, SC; Zuo, Baifang [Simpsonville, SC; Stevenson, Christian Xavier [Inman, SC

2012-07-24

A combustor for a combustion turbine engine, the combustor that includes: a chamber defined by an outer wall and forming a channel between windows defined through the outer wall toward a forward end of the chamber and at least one fuel injector positioned toward an aft end of the chamber; a screen; and a standoff comprising a raised area on an outer surface of the outer wall near the periphery of the windows; wherein the screen extends over the windows and is supported by the standoff in a raised position in relation to the outer surface of the outer wall and the windows.

Bandwidth efficient CCSDS coding standard proposals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.; Perez, Lance C.; Wang, Fu-Quan

1992-01-01

The basic concatenated coding system for the space telemetry channel consists of a Reed-Solomon (RS) outer code, a symbol interleaver/deinterleaver, and a bandwidth efficient trellis inner code. A block diagram of this configuration is shown. The system may operate with or without the outer code and interleaver. In this recommendation, the outer code remains the (255,223) RS code over GF(2 exp 8) with an error correcting capability of t = 16 eight bit symbols. This code's excellent performance and the existence of fast, cost effective, decoders justify its continued use. The purpose of the interleaver/deinterleaver is to distribute burst errors out of the inner decoder over multiple codewords of the outer code. This utilizes the error correcting capability of the outer code more efficiently and reduces the probability of an RS decoder failure. Since the space telemetry channel is not considered bursty, the required interleaving depth is primarily a function of the inner decoding method. A diagram of an interleaver with depth 4 that is compatible with the (255,223) RS code is shown. Specific interleaver requirements are discussed after the inner code recommendations.

Topographic Signatures of Meandering Rivers with Differences in Outer Bank Cohesion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, S. A.; Belmont, P.

2014-12-01

Within a given valley setting, interactions between river hydraulics, sediment, topography, and vegetation determine attributes of channel morphology, including planform, width and depth, slope, and bed and bank properties. These feedbacks also govern river behavior, including migration and avulsion. Bank cohesion, from the addition of fine sediment and/or vegetation has been recognized in flume experiments as a necessary component to create and maintain a meandering channel planform. Greater bank cohesion slows bank erosion, limiting the rate at which a river can adjust laterally and preventing so-called "runaway widening" to a braided state. Feedbacks of bank cohesion on channel hydraulics and sediment transport may thus produce distinct topographic signatures, or patterns in channel width, depth, and point bar transverse slope. We expect that in bends of greater outer bank cohesion the channel will be narrower, deeper, and bars will have greater transverse slopes. Only recently have we recognized that biotic processes may imprint distinct topographic signatures on the landscape. This study explores topographic signatures of three US rivers: the lower Minnesota River, near Mankato, MN, the Le Sueur River, south central MN, and the Fall River, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. Each of these rivers has variability in outer bank cohesion, quantified based on geotechnical and vegetation properties, and in-channel topography, which was derived from rtkGPS and acoustic bathymetry surveys. We present methods for incorporating biophysical feedbacks into geomorphic transport laws so that models can better simulate the spatial patterns and variability of topographic signatures.

Phosphorylation of rat brain purified mitochondrial Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel by c-Jun N-terminal kinase-3 modifies open-channel noise.

PubMed

Gupta, Rajeev

2017-09-02

The drift kinetic energy of ionic flow through single ion channels cause vibrations of the pore walls which are observed as open-state current fluctuations (open-channel noise) during single-channel recordings. Vibration of the pore wall leads to transitions among different conformational sub-states of the channel protein in the open-state. Open-channel noise analysis can provide important information about the different conformational sub-state transitions and how biochemical modifications of ion channels would affect their transport properties. It has been shown that c-Jun N-terminal kinase-3 (JNK3) becomes activated by phosphorylation in various neurodegenerative diseases and phosphorylates outer mitochondrion associated proteins leading to neuronal apoptosis. In our earlier work, JNK3 has been reported to phosphorylate purified rat brain mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in vitro and modify its conductance and opening probability. In this article we have compared the open-state noise profile of the native and the JNK3 phosphorylated VDAC using Power Spectral Density vs frequency plots. Power spectral density analysis of open-state noise indicated power law with average slope value α ≈1 for native VDAC at both positive and negative voltage whereas average α value < 0.5 for JNK3 phosphorylated VDAC at both positive and negative voltage. It is proposed that 1/f 1 power law in native VDAC open-state noise arises due to coupling of ionic transport and conformational sub-states transitions in open-state and this coupling is perturbed as a result of channel phosphorylation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study of Plasma Flow Modes in Imploding Nested Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitrofanov, K. N.; Aleksandrov, V. V.; Gritsuk, A. N.; Branitsky, A. V.; Frolov, I. N.; Grabovski, E. V.; Sasorov, P. V.; Ol'khovskaya, O. G.; Zaitsev, V. I.

2018-02-01

Results from experimental studies of implosion of nested wire and fiber arrays at currents of up to 4 MA at the Angara-5-1 facility are presented. Depending on the ratio between the radii of the inner and outer arrays, different modes of the plasma flow in the space between the inner and outer arrays were implemented: the sub-Alfvénic ( V r < V A ) and super-Alfvénic ( V r > V A ) modes and a mode with the formation of the transition shock wave (SW) region between the cascades. By varying the material of the outer array (tungsten wires or kapron fibers), it is shown that the plasma flow mode between the inner and outer arrays depends on the ratio between the plasma production rates ṁ in / ṁ out in the inner and outer arrays. The obtained experimental results are compared with the results of one-dimensional MHD simulation of the plasma flow between the arrays. Stable implosion of the inner array plasma was observed in experiments with combined nested arrays consisting of a fiber outer array and a tungsten inner array. The growth rates of magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instability in the inner array plasma at different numbers of fibers in the outer array and different ratios between the radii of the inner and outer arrays are compared. Suppression of MRT instability during the implosion of the inner array plasma results in the formation of a stable compact Z-pinch and generation of a soft X-ray pulse. A possible scenario of interaction between the plasmas of the inner and outer arrays is offered. The stability of the inner array plasma in the stage of final compression depends on the character of interaction of plasma jets from the outer array with the magnetic field of the inner array.

7. DETAIL VIEW, LOOKING SOUTHWEST OF MASONRY PIER OUTER END ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. DETAIL VIEW, LOOKING SOUTHWEST OF MASONRY PIER OUTER END AT HEADGATES, WITH WEST INTAKE CHANNEL WALL BEYOND - Dundee Canal, Headgates, Guardlock & Uppermost Section, 250 feet northeast of Randolph Avenue, opposite & in line with East Clifton Avenue, Clifton, Passaic County, NJ

Monodisperse microdroplet generation and stopping without coalescence

DOEpatents

Beer, Neil Reginald

2015-04-21

A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.

Monodisperse microdroplet generation and stopping without coalescence

DOEpatents

Beer, Neil Reginald

2016-02-23

A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.

Pore Helices Play a Dynamic Role as Integrators of Domain Motion during Kv11.1 Channel Inactivation Gating*

PubMed Central

Perry, Matthew D.; Ng, Chai Ann; Vandenberg, Jamie I.

2013-01-01

Proteins that form ion-selective pores in the membrane of cells are integral to many rapid signaling processes, including regulating the rhythm of the heartbeat. In potassium channels, the selectivity filter is critical for both endowing an exquisite selectivity for potassium ions, as well as for controlling the flow of ions through the pore. Subtle rearrangements in the complex hydrogen-bond network that link the selectivity filter to the surrounding pore helices differentiate conducting (open) from nonconducting (inactivated) conformations of the channel. Recent studies suggest that beyond the selectivity filter, inactivation involves widespread rearrangements of the channel protein. Here, we use rate equilibrium free energy relationship analysis to probe the structural changes that occur during selectivity filter gating in Kv11.1 channels, at near atomic resolution. We show that the pore helix plays a crucial dynamic role as a bidirectional interface during selectivity filter gating. We also define the molecular bases of the energetic coupling between the pore helix and outer helix of the pore domain that occurs early in the transition from open to inactivated states, as well as the coupling between the pore helix and inner helix late in the transition. Our data demonstrate that the pore helices are more than just static structural elements supporting the integrity of the selectivity filter; instead they play a crucial dynamic role during selectivity filter gating. PMID:23471968

Advanced porous electrodes with flow channels for vanadium redox flow battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Arjun; Wai, Nyunt; Schweiss, Ruediger; Whitehead, Adam; Lim, Tuti M.; Hng, Huey Hoon

2017-02-01

Improving the overall energy efficiency by reducing pumping power and improving flow distribution of electrolyte, is a major challenge for developers of flow batteries. The use of suitable channels can improve flow distribution through the electrodes and reduce flow resistance, hence reducing the energy consumption of the pumps. Although several studies of vanadium redox flow battery have proposed the use of bipolar plates with flow channels, similar to fuel cell designs, this paper presents the use of flow channels in the porous electrode as an alternative approach. Four types of electrodes with channels: rectangular open channel, interdigitated open cut channel, interdigitated circular poked channel and cross poked circular channels, are studied and compared with a conventional electrode without channels. Our study shows that interdigitated open channels can improve the overall energy efficiency up to 2.7% due to improvement in flow distribution and pump power reduction while interdigitated poked channel can improve up to 2.5% due to improvement in flow distribution.

Silica-forming articles having engineered surfaces to enhance resistance to creep sliding under high-temperature loading

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

Lipkin, Don Mark; Johnson, Curtis Alan; Meschter, Peter Joel

An article includes a silicon-containing region; at least one outer layer overlying a surface of the silicon-containing region; and a constituent layer on the surface of the silicon-containing region and between and contacting the silicon-containing region and the at least one outer layer, the constituent layer being formed by constituents of the silicon-containing region and being susceptible to creep within an operating environment of the article, wherein the silicon-containing region defines a plurality of channels and a plurality of ridges that interlock within the plurality of channels are formed in the silicon-containing region to physically interlock the at least onemore » outer layer with the silicon-containing region through the constituent layer.« less

Behavior of Rapidly Sheared Bubble Suspensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sangani, A. S.; Kushch, V. I.; Hoffmann, M.; Nahra, H.; Koch, D. L.; Tsang, Y.

2002-01-01

An experiment to be carried out aboard the International Space Station is described. A suspension consisting of millimeter-sized bubbles in water containing some dissolved salt, which prevents bubbles from coalescing, will be sheared in a Couette cylindrical cell. Rotation of the outer cylinder will produce centrifugal force which will tend to accumulate the bubbles near the inner wall. The shearing will enhance collisions among bubbles creating thereby bubble phase pressure that will resist the tendency of the bubbles to accumulate near the inner wall. The bubble volume fraction and velocity profiles will be measured and compared with the theoretical predictions. Ground-based research on measurement of bubble phase properties and flow in vertical channel are described.

Hot gas filter and system assembly

DOEpatents

Lippert, Thomas Edwin; Palmer, Kathryn Miles; Bruck, Gerald Joseph; Alvin, Mary Anne; Smeltzer, Eugene E.; Bachovchin, Dennis Michael

1999-01-01

A filter element for separating fine dirty particles from a hot gas. The filter element comprises a first porous wall and a second porous wall. Each porous wall has an outer surface and an inner surface. The first and second porous walls being coupled together thereby forming a substantially closed figure and open at one end. The open end is formed to be coupled to a hot gas clean up system support structure. The first and second porous walls define a channel beginning at the open end and terminate at the closed end through which a filtered clean gas can flow through and out into the clean gas side of a hot gas clean up system.

Hot gas filter and system assembly

DOEpatents

Lippert, T.E.; Palmer, K.M.; Bruck, G.J.; Alvin, M.A.; Smeltzer, E.E.; Bachovchin, D.M.

1999-08-31

A filter element is described for separating fine dirty particles from a hot gas. The filter element comprises a first porous wall and a second porous wall. Each porous wall has an outer surface and an inner surface. The first and second porous walls being coupled together thereby forming a substantially closed figure and open at one end. The open end is formed to be coupled to a hot gas clean up system support structure. The first and second porous walls define a channel beginning at the open end and terminate at the closed end through which a filtered clean gas can flow through and out into the clean gas side of a hot gas clean up system. 8 figs.

The neuromechanics of hearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araya, Mussie K.; Brownell, William E.

2015-12-01

Hearing requires precise detection and coding of acoustic signals by the inner ear and equally precise communication of the information through the auditory brainstem. A membrane based motor in the outer hair cell lateral wall contributes to the transformation of sound into a precise neural code. Structural, molecular and energetic similarities between the outer hair cell and auditory brainstem neurons suggest that a similar membrane based motor may contribute to signal processing in the auditory CNS. Cooperative activation of voltage gated ion channels enhances neuronal temporal processing and increases the upper frequency limit for phase locking. We explore the possibility that membrane mechanics contribute to ion channel cooperativity as a consequence of the nearly instantaneous speed of electromechanical signaling and the fact that membrane composition and mechanics modulate ion channel function.

Isotachophoresis system having larger-diameter channels flowing into channels with reduced diameter and with selectable counter-flow

DOEpatents

Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.

2018-03-06

An isotachophoresis system for separating a sample containing particles into discrete packets including a flow channel, the flow channel having a large diameter section and a small diameter section; a negative electrode operably connected to the flow channel; a positive electrode operably connected to the flow channel; a leading carrier fluid in the flow channel; a trailing carrier fluid in the flow channel; and a control for separating the particles in the sample into discrete packets using the leading carrier fluid, the trailing carrier fluid, the large diameter section, and the small diameter section.

Method for pressure modulation of turbine sidewall cavities

DOEpatents

Leone, Sal Albert; Book, Matthew David; Banares, Christopher R.

2002-01-01

A method is provided for controlling cooling air flow for pressure modulation of turbine components, such as the turbine outer sidewall cavities. The pressure at which cooling and purge air is supplied to the turbine outer side wall cavities is modulated, based on compressor discharge pressure (Pcd), thereby to generally maintain the back flow margin (BFM) so as to minimize excessive leakage and the consequent performance deterioration. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pressure within the third stage outer side wall cavity and the air pressure within the fourth stage outer side wall cavity are each controlled to a respective value that is a respective prescribed percentage of the concurrent compressor discharge pressure. The prescribed percentage may be determined from a ratio of the respective outer side wall pressure to compressor discharge pressure at Cold Day Turn Down (CDTD) required to provide a prescribed back flow margin.

System for pressure modulation of turbine sidewall cavities

DOEpatents

Leone, Sal Albert; Book, Matthew David; Banares, Christopher R.

2002-01-01

A system and method are provided for controlling cooling air flow for pressure modulation of turbine components, such as the turbine outer sidewall cavities. The pressure at which cooling and purge air is supplied to the turbine outer side wall cavities is modulated, based on compressor discharge pressure (Pcd), thereby to generally maintain the back flow margin (BFM) so as to minimize excessive leakage and the consequent performance deterioration. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pressure within the third stage outer side wall cavity and the air pressure within the fourth stage outer side wall cavity are each controlled to a respective value that is a respective prescribed percentage of the concurrent compressor discharge pressure. The prescribed percentage may be determined from a ratio of the respective outer side wall pressure to compressor discharge pressure at Cold Day Turn Down (CDTD) required to provide a prescribed back flow margin.

Surfactant-Influenced Gas-Liquid Interfaces: Nonlinear Equation of State and Finite Surface Viscosities.

PubMed

Lopez; Hirsa

2000-09-15

A canonical flow geometry was utilized for a fundamental study of the coupling between bulk flow and a Newtonian gas-liquid interface in the presence of an insoluble surfactant. We develop a Navier-Stokes numerical model of the flow in the deep-channel surface viscometer geometry, which consists of stationary inner and outer cylinders, a floor rotating at a constant angular velocity, and an interface covered initially by a uniformly distributed surfactant. Here, the floor of the annular channel is rotated fast enough so the flow is nonlinear and drives the film toward the inner cylinder. The boundary conditions at the interface are functions of the surface tension, surface shear viscosity, and surface dilatational viscosity, as described by the Boussinesq-Scriven surface model. A physical surfactant system, namely hemicyanine, an insoluble monolayer on an air-water interface, with measured values of surface tension and surface shear viscosity versus concentration, was used in this study. We find that a surfactant front can form, depending on the Reynolds number and the initial surfactant concentration. The stress balance in the radial direction was found to be dominated by the Marangoni stress, but the azimuthal stress was only due to the surface shear viscosity. Numerical studies are presented comparing results of surfactant-influenced interface cases implementing the derived viscoelastic interfacial stress balance with those using a number of idealized stress balances, as well as a rigid no-slip surface, providing added insight into the altered dynamics that result from the presence of a surfactant monolayer. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The Mechanism of Isotonic Water Transport

PubMed Central

Diamond, Jared M.

1964-01-01

The mechanism by which active solute transport causes water transport in isotonic proportions across epithelial membranes has been investigated. The principle of the experiments was to measure the osmolarity of the transported fluid when the osmolarity of the bathing solution was varied over an eightfold range by varying the NaCl concentration or by adding impermeant non-electrolytes. An in vitro preparation of rabbit gall bladder was suspended in moist oxygen without an outer bathing solution, and the pure transported fluid was collected as it dripped off the serosal surface. Under all conditions the transported fluid was found to approximate an NaCl solution isotonic to whatever bathing solution used. This finding means that the mechanism of isotonic water transport in the gall bladder is neither the double membrane effect nor co-diffusion but rather local osmosis. In other words, active NaCl transport maintains a locally high concentration of solute in some restricted space in the vicinity of the cell membrane, and water follows NaCl in response to this local osmotic gradient. An equation has been derived enabling one to calculate whether the passive water permeability of an organ is high enough to account for complete osmotic equilibration of actively transported solute. By application of this equation, water transport associated with active NaCl transport in the gall bladder cannot go through the channels for water flow under passive conditions, since these channels are grossly too impermeable. Furthermore, solute-linked water transport fails to produce the streaming potentials expected for water flow through these passive channels. Hence solute-linked water transport does not occur in the passive channels but instead involves special structures in the cell membrane, which remain to be identified. PMID:14212146

Damage prediction of 7025 aluminum alloy during equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, M.; Attarilar, Sh.; Gode, C.; Djavanroodi, F.

2014-10-01

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a prominent technique that imposes severe plastic deformation into materials to enhance their mechanical properties. In this research, experimental and numerical approaches were utilized to investigate the mechanical properties, strain behavior, and damage prediction of ECAPed 7025 aluminum alloy in various conditions, such as die channel angle, outer corner angle, and friction coefficient. Experimental results indicate that, after the first pass, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and hardness magnitude are improved by approximately 95%, 28%, and 48.5%, respectively, compared with the annealed state, mainly due to grain refinement during the deformation. Finite element analysis shows that the influence of die channel angle is more important than that of outer corner angle or friction coefficient on both the strain behavior and the damage prediction. Also, surface cracks are the main cause of damage during the ECAP process for every die channel angle except for 90°; however, the cracks initiated from the neighborhood of the central regions are the possible cause of damage in the ECAPed sample with the die channel angle of 90°.

Current State of Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC)

PubMed Central

Noskov, Sergei Yu.; Rostovtseva, Tatiana K.; Chamberlin, Adam C.; Teijido, Oscar; Jiang, Wei; Bezrukov, Sergey M.

2016-01-01

Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), the major channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane provides a controlled pathway for respiratory metabolites in and out of the mitochondria. In spite of the wealth of experimental data from structural, biochemical, and biophysical investigations, the exact mechanisms governing selective ion and metabolite transport, especially the role of titratable charged residues and interactions with soluble cytosolic proteins, remain hotly debated in the field. The computational advances hold a promise to provide a much sought-after solution to many of the scientific disputes around solute and ion transport through VDAC and hence, across the mitochondrial outer membrane. In this review, we examine how Molecular Dynamics, Free Energy, and Brownian Dynamics simulations of the large β-barrel channel, VDAC, advanced our understanding. We will provide a short overview of non-conventional techniques and also discuss examples of how the modeling excursions into VDAC biophysics prospectively aid experimental efforts. PMID:26940625

Large-Eddy Simulations of Fully Developed Turbulent Channel and Pipe Flows with Smooth and Rough Walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Namiko

Studies in turbulence often focus on two flow conditions, both of which occur frequently in real-world flows and are sought-after for their value in advancing turbulence theory. These are the high Reynolds number regime and the effect of wall surface roughness. In this dissertation, a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) recreates both conditions over a wide range of Reynolds numbers Retau = O(102) - O(108) and accounts for roughness by locally modeling the statistical effects of near-wall anisotropic fine scales in a thin layer immediately above the rough surface. A subgrid, roughness-corrected wall model is introduced to dynamically transmit this modeled information from the wall to the outer LES, which uses a stretched-vortex subgrid-scale model operating in the bulk of the flow. Of primary interest is the Reynolds number and roughness dependence of these flows in terms of first and second order statistics. The LES is first applied to a fully turbulent uniformly-smooth/rough channel flow to capture the flow dynamics over smooth, transitionally rough and fully rough regimes. Results include a Moody-like diagram for the wall averaged friction factor, believed to be the first of its kind obtained from LES. Confirmation is found for experimentally observed logarithmic behavior in the normalized stream-wise turbulent intensities. Tight logarithmic collapse, scaled on the wall friction velocity, is found for smooth-wall flows when Re tau ≥ O(106) and in fully rough cases. Since the wall model operates locally and dynamically, the framework is used to investigate non-uniform roughness distribution cases in a channel, where the flow adjustments to sudden surface changes are investigated. Recovery of mean quantities and turbulent statistics after transitions are discussed qualitatively and quantitatively at various roughness and Reynolds number levels. The internal boundary layer, which is defined as the border between the flow affected by the new surface condition and the unaffected part, is computed, and a collapse of the profiles on a length scale containing the logarithm of friction Reynolds number is presented. Finally, we turn to the possibility of expanding the present framework to accommodate more general geometries. As a first step, the whole LES framework is modified for use in the curvilinear geometry of a fully-developed turbulent pipe flow, with implementation carried out in a spectral element solver capable of handling complex wall profiles. The friction factors have shown favorable agreement with the superpipe data, and the LES estimates of the Karman constant and additive constant of the log-law closely match values obtained from experiment.

Error control techniques for satellite and space communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costello, D. J., Jr.

1986-01-01

High rate concatenated coding systems with trellis inner codes and Reed-Solomon (RS) outer codes for application in satellite communication systems are considered. Two types of inner codes are studied: high rate punctured binary convolutional codes which result in overall effective information rates between 1/2 and 1 bit per channel use; and bandwidth efficient signal space trellis codes which can achieve overall effective information rates greater than 1 bit per channel use. Channel capacity calculations with and without side information performed for the concatenated coding system. Concatenated coding schemes are investigated. In Scheme 1, the inner code is decoded with the Viterbi algorithm and the outer RS code performs error-correction only (decoding without side information). In scheme 2, the inner code is decoded with a modified Viterbi algorithm which produces reliability information along with the decoded output. In this algorithm, path metrics are used to estimate the entire information sequence, while branch metrics are used to provide the reliability information on the decoded sequence. This information is used to erase unreliable bits in the decoded output. An errors-and-erasures RS decoder is then used for the outer code. These two schemes are proposed for use on NASA satellite channels. Results indicate that high system reliability can be achieved with little or no bandwidth expansion.

Enhanced sediment loading facilitates point bar growth and accelerates bank erosion along a modelled meander bend on the Sacramento River, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, J.; Constantine, J. A.; Hales, T. C.

2017-12-01

Meandering channels provide a conduit through which sediment and water is routed from the uplands to the sea. Alluvial material is periodically stored and transported through the channel network as permitted by the prevailing hydrologic conditions. The lowlands are typically characterised by accumulations of sediment attached to the inner banks of meander bends (point bars). These bedforms have been identified as important for facilitating a link between in-stream sediment supplies and channel dynamism. A 2D curvilinear hydrodynamic model (MIKE 21C) was used to perform a number of experiments in which the sediment load was adjusted to investigate how changes in alluvial material fluxes affect the development of point bars and the resultant patterns of bank erosion. A doubling of the sediment load caused a longitudinal increase in the bar in the upstream direction and caused a coeval doubling of the transverse channel slope at the meander apex. The upstream growth of the point bar was accompanied by an increase in length over which lateral migration took place at the outer bank. The magnitude of outer bank erosion was 9-times greater for the high-sediment simulation. These results suggest that enhanced sediment loads (potentially the result of changes in land use or climate) can trigger greater rates of bank erosion and channel change through the sequestration of alluvial material on point bars, which encourage high-velocity fluid deflection towards the outer bank of the meander. This controls riparian habitat development and exchanges of sediment and nutrients across the channel-floodplain interface.

Design and Operating Characteristics of High-Speed, Small-Bore Cylindrical-Roller Bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinel, Stanley, I.; Signer, Hans R.; Zaretsky, Erwin V.

2000-01-01

The computer program SHABERTH was used to analyze 35-mm-bore cylindrical roller bearings designed and manufactured for high-speed turbomachinery applications. Parametric tests of the bearings were conducted on a high-speed, high-temperature bearing tester and the results were compared with the computer predictions. Bearings with a channeled inner ring were lubricated through the inner ring, while bearings with a channeled outer ring were lubricated with oil jets. Tests were run with and without outer-ring cooling. The predicted bearing life decreased with increasing speed because of increased contact stresses caused by centrifugal load. Lower temperatures, less roller skidding, and lower power losses were obtained with channeled inner rings. Power losses calculated by the SHABERTH computer program correlated reasonably well with the test results. The Parker formula for XCAV (used in SHABERTH as a measure of oil volume in the bearing cavity) needed to be adjusted to reflect the prevailing operating conditions. The XCAV formula will need to be further refined to reflect roller bearing lubrication, ring design, cage design, and location of the cage-controlling land.

Effect of two inner-ring oil-flow distribution schemes on the operating characteristics of a 35 millimeter bore ball bearing to 2.5 million DN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuller, F. T.; Pinel, S. I.; Signer, H. R.

1985-01-01

Parametric tests were conducted with a 35-mm-bore, split-inner-ring ball bearing with a double-inner-land-guided cage. Provisions were made for through-the-inner-ring lubrication. Test condictions were either a thrust load of 667 N (150 lb) or a combined load of 667 N (150 lb) thrust and 222 N (50 lb) radial, shaft speeds from 32000 to 72000 rpm, and an oil-inlet temperature of 394 K (250 deg F). Outer ring cooling was used in some tests. Tests were run with either 50 or 75 percent of the total oil flow distributed to the inner-ring raceway. Successful operation was experienced with both 50% and 75% flow patterns to 2.5 million DN. Cooling the outer ring had little effect on inner-ring temperature; however, the outer-ring temperature decreased as much as 7% at 2.5 million DN. Maximum recorded power loss was 3.1 kW (4.2 hp), and maximum cage slip was 8.7 percent. Both occurred at a shaft speed of 72000 rpm, a lubricant flow rate of 1900 cu/min (0.50 gal/min), a combined load, and no outer-ring cooling.

Determination of the temperature distribution in a minichannel using ANSYS CFX and a procedure based on the Trefftz functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maciejewska, Beata; Błasiak, Sławomir; Piasecka, Magdalena

This work discusses the mathematical model for laminar-flow heat transfer in a minichannel. The boundary conditions in the form of temperature distributions on the outer sides of the channel walls were determined from experimental data. The data were collected from the experimental stand the essential part of which is a vertical minichannel 1.7 mm deep, 16 mm wide and 180 mm long, asymmetrically heated by a Haynes-230 alloy plate. Infrared thermography allowed determining temperature changes on the outer side of the minichannel walls. The problem was analysed numerically through either ANSYS CFX software or special calculation procedures based on the Finite Element Method and Trefftz functions in the thermal boundary layer. The Trefftz functions were used to construct the basis functions. Solutions to the governing differential equations were approximated with a linear combination of Trefftz-type basis functions. Unknown coefficients of the linear combination were calculated by minimising the functional. The results of the comparative analysis were represented in a graphical form and discussed.

Unusual Recharge Processes near Arroyos of the Rio Grande Aquifer, El Paso/Juarez Area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merino, M.; Hibbs, B. J.; Hogan, J.; Eastoe, C. J.; Druhan, J.

2005-12-01

The twin-cities of El Paso and Juarez share the water resources of the Hueco Bolson aquifer and overlying Rio Grande aquifer. Both aquifers span the international border between Mexico and the United States. Salinity in the Rio Grande aquifer varies widely, some parts of the shallow aquifer containing less than 1,000 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS), other parts of the aquifer exceeding 5,000 mg/L TDS. One sizable part of the "Lower Valley" area, approximately 45 km below El Paso contains very dilute water near the outer edge of the floodplain. Historically it had been thought that the dilute waters in this location were derived from recharge from arroyos that drained proximal parts of the Hueco Bolson. Instead, our hydrogen and oxygen isotope data and carbon-14 data indicate that these dilute waters were derived from pre-dam infiltration of the Rio Grande. Relatively light and slightly evaporated pre-dam waters (-11.5 del O18) at the arroyos are also relatively young (60 to 90 percent modern carbon), tagging them as runoff waters from pre-dam snowmelt in Colorado. These isotopically light waters are found up to 110 meters beneath land surface. Prior to Rio Grande rectification and channelization of the mid-1930's, the Rio Grande flowed near the outer edge of the floodplain where these pre-dam, dilute waters are found at depth. Review of predevelopment drill stem tests indicated a permeable zone about 150 to 230 meters deep that had a lower hydraulic head than the overlying Rio Grande aquifer. The permeable zone acted as a predevelopment sink for flow that induced recharge from the Rio Grande and Rio Grande aquifer. Thus, we can account for local predevelopment recharge of the Rio Grande aquifer from infiltration of dilute water from the Rio Grande prior to the historic era of channel rectification, and not from recharge from flanking arroyos as had been postulated by previous researchers.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Mitochondrial Outer Membrane β-Barrel Channels

PubMed Central

Wojtkowska, Małgorzata; Jąkalski, Marcin; Pieńkowska, Joanna R.; Stobienia, Olgierd; Karachitos, Andonis; Przytycka, Teresa M.; Weiner, January; Kmita, Hanna; Makałowski, Wojciech

2012-01-01

Transport of molecules across mitochondrial outer membrane is pivotal for a proper function of mitochondria. The transport pathways across the membrane are formed by ion channels that participate in metabolite exchange between mitochondria and cytoplasm (voltage-dependent anion-selective channel, VDAC) as well as in import of proteins encoded by nuclear genes (Tom40 and Sam50/Tob55). VDAC, Tom40, and Sam50/Tob55 are present in all eukaryotic organisms, encoded in the nuclear genome, and have β-barrel topology. We have compiled data sets of these protein sequences and studied their phylogenetic relationships with a special focus on the position of Amoebozoa. Additionally, we identified these protein-coding genes in Acanthamoeba castellanii and Dictyostelium discoideum to complement our data set and verify the phylogenetic position of these model organisms. Our analysis show that mitochondrial β-barrel channels from Archaeplastida (plants) and Opisthokonta (animals and fungi) experienced many duplication events that resulted in multiple paralogous isoforms and form well-defined monophyletic clades that match the current model of eukaryotic evolution. However, in representatives of Amoebozoa, Chromalveolata, and Excavata (former Protista), they do not form clearly distinguishable clades, although they locate basally to the plant and algae branches. In most cases, they do not posses paralogs and their sequences appear to have evolved quickly or degenerated. Consequently, the obtained phylogenies of mitochondrial outer membrane β-channels do not entirely reflect the recent eukaryotic classification system involving the six supergroups: Chromalveolata, Excavata, Archaeplastida, Rhizaria, Amoebozoa, and Opisthokonta. PMID:22155732

Numerical simulations of the stratified oceanic bottom boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, John R.

Numerical simulations are used to consider several problems relevant to the turbulent oceanic bottom boundary layer. In the first study, stratified open channel flow is considered with thermal boundary conditions chosen to approximate a shallow sea. Specifically, a constant heat flux is applied at the free surface and the lower wall is assumed to be adiabatic. When the surface heat flux is strong, turbulent upwellings of low speed fluid from near the lower wall are inhibited by the stable stratification. Subsequent studies consider a stratified bottom Ekman layer over a non-sloping lower wall. The influence of the free surface is removed by using an open boundary condition at the top of the computational domain. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the outer layer stratification on the boundary layer structure. When the density field is initialized with a linear profile, a turbulent mixed layer forms near the wall, which is separated from the outer layer by a strongly stable pycnocline. It is found that the bottom stress is not strongly affected by the outer layer stratification. However, stratification reduces turbulent transport to the outer layer and strongly limits the boundary layer height. The mean shear at the top of the boundary layer is enhanced when the outer layer is stratified, and this shear is strong enough to cause intermittent instabilities above the pycnocline. Turbulence-generated internal gravity waves are observed in the outer layer with a relatively narrow frequency range. An explanation for frequency content of these waves is proposed, starting with an observed broad-banded turbulent spectrum and invoking linear viscous decay to explain the preferential damping of low and high frequency waves. During the course of this work, an open-source computational fluid dynamics code has been developed with a number of advanced features including scalar advection, subgrid-scale models for large-eddy simulation, and distributed memory parallelism.

Measurement and computation of hydrodynamic coupling at an air/water interface with an insoluble monolayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirsa, Amir H.; Lopez, Juan M.; Miraghaie, Reza

2001-09-01

The coupling between a bulk vortical flow and a surfactant-influenced air/water interface has been examined in a canonical flow geometry through experiments and computations. The flow in an annular region bounded by stationary inner and outer cylinders is driven by the constant rotation of the floor and the free surface is initially covered by a uniformly distributed insoluble monolayer. When driven slowly, this geometry is referred to as the deep-channel surface viscometer and the flow is essentially azimuthal. The only interfacial property that affects the flow in this regime is the surface shear viscosity, [mu]s, which is uniform on the surface due to the vanishingly small concentration gradient. However, when operated at higher Reynolds number, secondary flow drives the surfactant film towards the inner cylinder until the Marangoni stress balances the shear stress on the bulk fluid. In general, the flow can be influenced by the surface tension, [sigma], and the surface dilatational viscosity, [kappa]s, as well as [mu]s. However, because of the small capillary number of the present flow, the effects of surface tension gradients dominate the surface viscosities in the radial stress balance, and the effect of [mu]s can only come through the azimuthal stress. Vitamin K1 was chosen for this study since it forms a well-behaved insoluble monolayer on water and [mu]s is essentially zero in the range of concentration on the surface, c, encountered. Thus the effect of Marangoni elasticity on the interfacial stress could be isolated. The flow near the interface was measured in an optical channel using digital particle image velocimetry. Steady axisymmetric flow was observed at the nominal Reynolds number of 8500. A numerical model has been developed using the axisymmetric Navier Stokes equations to examine the details of the coupling between the bulk and the interface. The nonlinear equation of state, [sigma](c), for the vitamin K1 monolayer was measured and utilized in the computations. Agreement was demonstrated between the measurements and computations, but the flow is critically dependent on the nonlinear equation of state.

Catalytic reaction in confined flow channel

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

Van Hassel, Bart A.

A chemical reactor comprises a flow channel, a source, and a destination. The flow channel is configured to house at least one catalytic reaction converting at least a portion of a first nanofluid entering the channel into a second nanofluid exiting the channel. The flow channel includes at least one turbulating flow channel element disposed axially along at least a portion of the flow channel. A plurality of catalytic nanoparticles is dispersed in the first nanofluid and configured to catalytically react the at least one first chemical reactant into the at least one second chemical reaction product in the flowmore » channel.« less

Characterization of the Effect of Wing Surface Instrumentation on UAV Airfoil Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratnayake, Nalin A.

2009-01-01

Recently proposed flight research at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) has prompted study into the aerodynamic effects of modifications made to the surfaces of laminar airfoils. The research is focused on the high-aspect ratio, laminar-flow type wings commonly found on UAVs and other aircraft with a high endurance requirement. A broad range of instrumentation possibilities, such as structural, pressure, and temperature sensing devices may require the alteration of the airfoil outer mold line as part of the installation process. This study attempts to characterize the effect of installing this additiona1 instrumentation on key airfoil performance factors, such as transition location, lift and drag curves, and stall point. In particular, the general case of an airfoil that is channeled in the spanwise direction is considered, and the impact on key performance characteristics is assessed. Particular attention is focused on exploring the limits of channel depth and low-Reynolds number on performance and stall characteristics. To quantify the effect of increased skin friction due to premature transition caused by protruding or recessed instrumentation, two simplified, conservative scenarios are used to consider two potential sources of diaturbance: A) that leading edge alterations would cause linearly expanding areas (triangles) of turbulent flow on both surfaces of the wing upstream of the natural transition point, and B) that a channel or bump on the upper surface would trip turbulent flow across the whole upper surface upstream of the natural transition point. A potentially more important consideration than the skin friction drag increment is the change in overall airfoil performance due to the installation of instrumentation along most of the wingspan. To quantify this effect, 2D CFD simulations of the flow over a representative mid-span airfoil section were conducted in order to assess the change in lift and drag curves for the airfoil in the presence of disturbed flow due to the installed instrumentation. A discussion as to the impact on high-altitude and low-speed operation of this and similar aircraft is provided.

Turbulent structures of non-Newtonian solutions containing rigid polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadtabar, M.; Sanders, R. S.; Ghaemi, S.

2017-10-01

The turbulent structure of a channel flow of Xanthan Gum (XG) polymer solution is experimentally investigated and compared with water flow at a Reynolds number of Re = 7200 (based on channel height and properties of water) and Reτ = 220 (based on channel height and friction velocity, uτ0). The polymer concentration is varied from 75, 100, and 125 ppm to reach the point of maximum drag reduction (MDR). Measurements are carried out using high-resolution, two-component Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to capture the inner and outer layer turbulence. The measurements showed that the logarithmic layer shifts away from the wall with increasing polymer concentration. The slopes of the mean velocity profile for flows containing 100 and 125 ppm XG are greater than that measured for XG at 75 ppm, which is parallel with the slope obtained for deionized water. The increase in slope results in thickening buffer layer. At MDR, the streamwise Reynolds stresses are as large as those of the Newtonian flow while the wall-normal Reynolds stresses and Reynolds shear stresses are significantly attenuated. The sweep-dominated region in the immediate vicinity of the wall extends further from the wall with increasing polymer concentration. The near-wall skewness intensifies towards positive streamwise fluctuations and covers a larger wall-normal length at larger drag reduction values. The quadrant analysis at y + 0 = 25 shows that the addition of polymers inclines the principal axis of v versus u plot to almost zero (horizontal) as the joint probability density function of fluctuations becomes symmetric with respect to the u axis at MDR. The reduction of turbulence production is mainly associated with the attenuation of the ejection motions. The spatial-correlation of the fluctuating velocity field shows that increasing the polymer concentration increases the spatial coherence of u fluctuations in the streamwise direction while they appear to have the opposite effect in the wall-normal direction. The proper orthogonal decomposition of velocity fluctuations shows that the inclined shear layer structure of Newtonian wall flows becomes horizontal at the MDR and does not contribute to turbulence production.

Gas turbine engine exhaust diffuser including circumferential vane

DOEpatents

Orosa, John A.; Matys, Pawel

2015-05-19

A flow passage defined between an inner and an outer boundary for guiding a fluid flow in an axial direction. A flow control vane is supported at a radial location between the inner and outer boundaries. A fluid discharge opening is provided for discharging a flow of the compressed fluid from a trailing edge of the vane, and a fluid control surface is provided adjacent to the fluid discharge opening and extends in the axial direction at the trailing edge of the vane. The fluid control surface has a curved trailing edge forming a Coanda surface. The fluid discharge opening is selectively provided with a compressed fluid to produce a Coanda effect along the control surface. The Coanda effect has a component in the radial direction effecting a turning of the fluid flow in the flow path radially inward or outward toward one of the inner and outer boundaries.

Fractionation of Magnetic Microspheres in a Microfluidic Spiral: Interplay between Magnetic and Hydrodynamic Forces

PubMed Central

Hayden, M. E.; Häfeli, U. O.

2017-01-01

Magnetic forces and curvature-induced hydrodynamic drag have both been studied and employed in continuous microfluidic particle separation and enrichment schemes. Here we combine the two. We investigate consequences of applying an outwardly directed magnetic force to a dilute suspension of magnetic microspheres circulating in a spiral microfluidic channel. This force is realized with an array of permanent magnets arranged to produce a magnetic field with octupolar symmetry about the spiral axis. At low flow rates particles cluster around an apparent streamline of the flow near the outer wall of the turn. At high flow rates this equilibrium is disrupted by the induced secondary (Dean) flow and a new equilibrium is established near the inner wall of the turn. A model incorporating key forces involved in establishing these equilibria is described, and is used to extract quantitative information about the magnitude of local Dean drag forces from experimental data. Steady-state fractionation of suspensions by particle size under the combined influence of magnetic and hydrodynamic forces is demonstrated. Extensions of this work could lead to new continuous microscale particle sorting and enrichment processes with improved fidelity and specificity. PMID:28107472

Film cooling air pocket in a closed loop cooled airfoil

DOEpatents

Yu, Yufeng Phillip; Itzel, Gary Michael; Osgood, Sarah Jane; Bagepalli, Radhakrishna; Webbon, Waylon Willard; Burdgick, Steven Sebastian

2002-01-01

Turbine stator vane segments have radially inner and outer walls with vanes extending between them. The inner and outer walls are compartmentalized and have impingement plates. Steam flowing into the outer wall plenum passes through the impingement plate for impingement cooling of the outer wall upper surface. The spent impingement steam flows into cavities of the vane having inserts for impingement cooling the walls of the vane. The steam passes into the inner wall and through the impingement plate for impingement cooling of the inner wall surface and for return through return cavities having inserts for impingement cooling of the vane surfaces. To provide for air film cooing of select portions of the airfoil outer surface, at least one air pocket is defined on a wall of at least one of the cavities. Each air pocket is substantially closed with respect to the cooling medium in the cavity and cooling air pumped to the air pocket flows through outlet apertures in the wall of the airfoil to cool the same.

Preparation of Geophysical Fluid Flow Experiments With The Rotating Spherical Gap Flow Model In Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egbers, C.

The'GeoFlow' is an ESA experiment planned for the Fluid Science Laboratory on ISS under the scientific coordination (PI) of the Department of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics (LAS) at the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) of Cottbus, Germany. The objective of the experiment is to study thermal convection in the gap between two concentric rotating (full) spheres. A central symmetric force field simi- lar to the gravity field acting on planets can be produced by applying a high voltage between inner and outer sphere using the dielectrophoretic effect (rotating capacitor). To counter the unidirectional gravity under terrestrial conditions, this experiment re- quires a microgravity environment. The parameters of the experiment are chosen in analogy to the thermal convective motions in the outer core of the Earth. In analogy to geophysical motions in the Earth`s liquid core the experiment can rotate as solid body as well as differential (inner to outer). Thermal convection is produced by heat- ing the inner sphere and cooling the outer ones. Furtheron, the variation of radius ratio between inner and outer sphere is foreseen as a parameter variation. The flows to be investigated will strongly depend on the gap width and on the Prandtl number.

Solid-cryogen-stabilized, cable-in-conduit (CIC) superconducting cables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voccio, J. P.; Michael, P. C.; Bromberg, L.; Hahn, S.

2015-12-01

This paper considers the use of a solid cryogen as a means to stabilize, both mechanically and thermally, magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting strands within a dual-channel cable-in-conduit (CIC) cable for use in AC applications, such as a generator stator winding. The cable consists of two separate channels; the outer channel contains the superconducting strands and is filled with a fluid (liquid or gas) that becomes solid at the device operating temperature. Several options for fluid will be presented, such as liquid nitrogen, hydrocarbons and other chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that have a range of melting temperatures and volumetric expansions (from solid at operating temperature to fixed volume at room temperature). Implications for quench protection and conductor stability, enhanced through direct contact with the solid cryogen, which has high heat capacity and thermal conductivity (compared with helium gas), will be presented. Depending on the cryogen, the conductor will be filled initially either with liquid at atmospheric conditions or a gas at high pressure (∼100 atm). After cooldown, the cryogen in the stranded-channel will be solid, essentially locking the strands in place, preventing strand motion and degradation due to mechanical deformation while providing enhanced thermal capacity for stability and protection. The effect of cryogen porosity is also considered. The relatively high heat capacity of solid cryogens at these lower temperatures (compared to gaseous helium) enhances the thermal stability of the winding. During operation, coolant flow through the open inner channel will minimize pressure drop.

Experimental investigation of the effect of variously-shaped ribs on local heat transfer on the outer wall of the turning portion of a U-channel inside solar air heater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salameh, Tareq; Alami, Abdul Hai; Sunden, Bengt

2016-03-01

In the present work, an experimental investigation of convective heat transfer and pressure drop was carried out for the turning portion of a U-channel where the outer wall was equipped with ribs. The shape of the ribs was varied. The investigation aims to give guidelines for improving the thermo-hydraulic performance of a solar air heater at the turning portion of a U-channel. Both the U-channel and the ribs were made in acrylic material to allow optical access for measuring the surface temperature by using a high-resolution technique based on narrow band thermochromic liquid crystals (TLC R35C5 W) and a CCD camera placed to face the turning portion of the U-channel. The uncertainties were estimated to 5 and 7 % for the Nusselt number and friction factor, respectively. The pressure drop was approximately the same for all the considered shapes of the ribs while the dimpled rib case gave the highest heat transfer coefficient while the grooved rib presented the highest performance index.

Active bypass flow control for a seal in a gas turbine engine

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

Ebert, Todd A.; Kimmel, Keith D.

An active bypass flow control system for controlling bypass compressed air based upon leakage flow of compressed air flowing past an outer balance seal between a stator and rotor of a first stage of a gas turbine in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The active bypass flow control system is an adjustable system in which one or more metering devices may be used to control the flow of bypass compressed air as the flow of compressed air past the outer balance seal changes over time as the outer balance seal between the rim cavity and the cooling cavity wearsmore » In at least one embodiment, the metering device may include an annular ring having at least one metering orifice extending therethrough, whereby alignment of the metering orifice with the outlet may be adjustable to change a cross-sectional area of an opening of aligned portions of the outlet and the metering orifice.« less

Supersonic cavity flows over concave and convex walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, A. Ran; Das, Rajarshi; Setoguchi, Toshiaki; Kim, Heuy Dong

2016-04-01

Supersonic cavity flows are characterized by compression and expansion waves, shear layer, and oscillations inside the cavity. For decades, investigations into cavity flows have been conducted, mostly with flows at zero pressure gradient entering the cavity in straight walls. Since cavity flows on curved walls exert centrifugal force, the features of these flows are likely to differ from those of straight wall flows. The aim of the present work is to study the flow physics of a cavity that is cut out on a curved wall. Steady and unsteady numerical simulations were carried out for supersonic flow through curved channels over the cavity with L/H = 1. A straight channel flow was also analyzed which serves as the base model. The velocity gradient along the width of the channel was observed to increase with increasing the channel curvature for both concave and convex channels. The pressure on the cavity floor increases with the increase in channel curvature for concave channels and decreases for convex channels. Moreover, unsteady flow characteristics are more dependent on channel curvature under supersonic free stream conditions.

A key role for cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in cGMP-related retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Paquet-Durand, François; Beck, Susanne; Michalakis, Stylianos; Goldmann, Tobias; Huber, Gesine; Mühlfriedel, Regine; Trifunović, Dragana; Fischer, M Dominik; Fahl, Edda; Duetsch, Gabriele; Becirovic, Elvir; Wolfrum, Uwe; van Veen, Theo; Biel, Martin; Tanimoto, Naoyuki; Seeliger, Mathias W

2011-03-01

The rd1 natural mutant is one of the first and probably the most commonly studied mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a severe and frequently blinding human retinal degeneration. In several decades of research, the link between the increase in photoreceptor cGMP levels and the extremely rapid cell death gave rise to a number of hypotheses. Here, we provide clear evidence that the presence of cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in the outer segment membrane is the key to rod photoreceptor loss. In Cngb1(-/-) × rd1 double mutants devoid of regular CNG channels, cGMP levels are still pathologically high, but rod photoreceptor viability and outer segment morphology are greatly improved. Importantly, cone photoreceptors, the basis for high-resolution daylight and colour vision, survived and remained functional for extended periods of time. These findings strongly support the hypothesis of deleterious calcium (Ca(2+))-influx as the cause of rapid rod cell death and highlight the importance of CNG channels in this process. Furthermore, our findings suggest that targeting rod CNG channels, rather than general Ca(2+)-channel blockade, is a most promising symptomatic approach to treat otherwise incurable forms of cGMP-related RP.

Channel Formation by CarO, the Carbapenem Resistance-Associated Outer Membrane Protein of Acinetobacter baumannii

PubMed Central

Siroy, Axel; Molle, Virginie; Lemaître-Guillier, Christelle; Vallenet, David; Pestel-Caron, Martine; Cozzone, Alain J.; Jouenne, Thierry; Dé, Emmanuelle

2005-01-01

It has been recently shown that resistance to both imipenem and meropenem in multidrug-resistant clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii is associated with the loss of a heat-modifiable 25/29-kDa outer membrane protein, called CarO. This study aimed to investigate the channel-forming properties of CarO. Mass spectrometry analyses of this protein band detected another 25-kDa protein (called Omp25), together with CarO. Both proteins presented similar physicochemical parameters (Mw and pI). We overproduced and purified the two polypeptides as His-tagged recombinant proteins. Circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that the secondary structure of these proteins was mainly a β-strand conformation with spectra typical of porins. We studied the channel-forming properties of proteins by reconstitution into artificial lipid bilayers. In these conditions, CarO induced ion channels with a conductance value of 110 pS in 1 M KCl, whereas the Omp25 protein did not form any channels, despite its suggested porin function. The pores formed by CarO showed a slight cationic selectivity and no voltage closure. No specific imipenem binding site was found in CarO, and this protein would rather form unspecific monomeric channels. PMID:16304148

Analytical and experimental investigation of stator endwall contouring in a small axial-flow turbine. 1: Stator performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haas, J. E.

1982-01-01

Three stator configurations were studied to determine the effect of stator outer endwall contouring on stator performance. One configuration was a cylindrical stator design. One contoured stator configuration had an S-shaped outer endwall, the other had a conical-convergent outer endwall. The experimental investigation consisted of annular surveys of stator exit total pressure and flow angle for each stator configuration over a range of stator pressure ratio. Radial variations in stator loss and aftermixed flow conditions were obtained when these data were compared with the analytical results to assess the validity of the analysis, good agreement was found.

Large-scale structures in turbulent Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jung Hoon; Lee, Jae Hwa

2016-11-01

Direct numerical simulation of fully developed turbulent Couette flow is performed with a large computational domain in the streamwise and spanwise directions (40 πh and 6 πh) to investigate streamwise-scale growth mechanism of the streamwise velocity fluctuating structures in the core region, where h is the channel half height. It is shown that long streamwise-scale structures (> 3 h) are highly energetic and they contribute to more than 80% of the turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress, compared to previous studies in canonical Poiseuille flows. Instantaneous and statistical analysis show that negative-u' structures on the bottom wall in the Couette flow continuously grow in the streamwise direction due to mean shear, and they penetrate to the opposite moving wall. The geometric center of the log layer is observed in the centerline with a dominant outer peak in streamwise spectrum, and the maximum streamwise extent for structure is found in the centerline, similar to previous observation in turbulent Poiseuille flows at high Reynolds number. Further inspection of time-evolving instantaneous fields clearly exhibits that adjacent long structures combine to form a longer structure in the centerline. This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2014R1A1A2057031).

Simulations of the effects of U.S. Highway 231 and the proposed Montgomery outer loop on flooding in the Catoma Creek and Little Catoma Creek Basins near Montgomery, Alabama

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hedgecock, T. Scott

1999-01-01

A two-dimensional finite-element surface-water model was used to study the effects of U.S. Highway 231 and the proposed Montgomery Outer Loop on the water-surface elevations and flow distributions during flooding in the Catoma Creek and Little Catoma Creek Basins southeast of Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama. The effects of flooding were simulated for two scenarios--existing and proposed conditions--for the 100- and 500-year recurrence intervals. The first scenario was to model the existing bridge and highway configuration for U.S. Highway 231 and the existing ponds that lie just upstream from this crossing. The second scenario was to model the proposed bridge and highway configuration for the Montgomery Outer Loop and the Montgomery Loop Interchange at U.S. Highway 231 as well as the proposed modifications to the ponds upstream. Simulation of floodflow for Little Catoma Creek for the existing conditions at U.S. Highway 231 indicates that, for the 100-year flood, 54 percent of the flow (8,140 cubic feet per second) was conveyed by the northernmost bridge, 21 percent (3,130 cubic feet per second) by the middle bridge, and 25 percent (3,780 cubic feet per second) by the southernmost bridge. No overtopping of U.S. Highway 231 occurred. However, the levees of the catfish ponds immediately upstream from the crossing were completely overtopped. The average water- surface elevations for the 100-year flood at the upstream limits of the study reach for Catoma Creek and Little Catoma Creek were 216.9 and 218.3 feet, respectively. For the 500-year flood, the simulatin indicates that 51 percent of the flow (11,200 cubic feet per second) was conveyed by the northernmost bridge, 25 percent (5,480 cubic feet per second) by the middle bridge, and 24 percent (5,120 cubic feet per second) by the southernmost bridge. The average water0surface elevations for the 500-year flood at the upstream limits of the study reach for Catoma Creek and Little Catoma Creek were 218.2 and 219.5 feet, respectively. For the 500-year flood, no overtopping of U.S. Highway 231 occurred. Simulation of the 100-year floodflow for Little Catoma Creek for the proposed conditions indicates that, for the existing bridges on U.S. Highway 231, 54 percent of the flow (8,190 cubic feet per second) was conveyed by the northernmost bridge, 22 percent (3,350 cubic feet per second) by the middle bridge, and 24 percent (3,490 cubic feet per second) by the southernmost bridge. The two proposed relief bridges on the Montgomery Outer Loop upstream from the proposed remaining catfish ponds conveyed about 7,750 cubic feet per second (3,400 cubic feet per second for the west relief bridge and 4,350 cubic feet per second for the east relief bridge) with an average depth of flow of about 7 feet. The average water-surface elevation at the upstream limit of the study reach for Little Catoma Creek was 218.8 feet, which is about 0.5 foot higher than the average water-surface elevation for the existing conditions. For the 100-year flood, there was no overtopping of either U.S. Highway 231 or the Montgomery Outer Loop. However, the levees of the proposed remaining catfish ponds were completely overtopped. For the Montgomery Outer Loop crossing of Catoma Creek, simulation of the 100-year floodflow indicates that about 58 percent of the flow (14,100 cubic feet per second) was conveyed by the proposed main channel bridge and 42 percent (10,200 cubic feet per second) by the proposed relief bridge. The average water-surface elevation at the upstream limit of the study reach for Catoma Creek was 216.9 feet, which is the same as the water-surface elevation for the existing conditions. Results of model simulations for the 500-year flood for the proposed conditions indicate that there was no overtopping on either U.S. Highway 231 or the Montgomery Outer Loop. For the existing bridges on U.S. Highway 231, 42 percent of the flow (11,300 cubic feet per second) was conveyed by the northernmost bridge

Glycogen synthase kinase 3-mediated voltage-dependent anion channel phosphorylation controls outer mitochondrial membrane permeability during lipid accumulation.

PubMed

Martel, Cecile; Allouche, Maya; Esposti, Davide Degli; Fanelli, Elena; Boursier, Céline; Henry, Céline; Chopineau, Joel; Calamita, Giuseppe; Kroemer, Guido; Lemoine, Antoinette; Brenner, Catherine

2013-01-01

Nonalcoholic steatosis is a liver pathology characterized by fat accumulation and severe metabolic alterations involving early mitochondrial impairment and late hepatocyte cell death. However, mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms remain elusive. Using four models of nonalcoholic steatosis, i.e., livers from patients with fatty liver disease, ob/ob mice, mice fed a high-fat diet, and in vitro models of lipotoxicity, we show that outer mitochondrial membrane permeability is altered and identified a posttranslational modification of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), a membrane channel and NADH oxidase, as a cause of early mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, in nonalcoholic steatosis VDAC exhibits reduced threonine phosphorylation, which increases the influx of water and calcium into mitochondria, sensitizes the organelle to matrix swelling, depolarization, and cytochrome c release without inducing cell death. This also amplifies VDAC enzymatic and channel activities regulation by calcium and modifies its interaction with proteic partners. Moreover, lipid accumulation triggers a rapid lack of VDAC phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Pharmacological and genetic manipulations proved GSK3 to be responsible for VDAC phosphorylation in normal cells. Notably, VDAC phosphorylation level correlated with steatosis severity in patients. VDAC acts as an early sensor of lipid toxicity and its GSK3-mediated phosphorylation status controls outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization in hepatosteatosis. Copyright © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Microwave heating of aqueous samples on a micro-optical-electro-mechanical system

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

Beer, Neil Reginald

2016-04-12

Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carriermore » fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.« less

Microwave heating of aqueous samples on a micro-optical-electro-mechanical system

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

Beer, Neil Reginald

Apparatus for heating a sample includes a microchip; a microchannel flow channel in the microchip, the microchannel flow channel containing the sample; a microwave source that directs microwaves onto the sample for heating the sample; a wall section of the microchannel flow channel that receives the microwaves and enables the microwaves to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel, the wall section the microchannel flow channel being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; a carrier fluid within the microchannel flow channel for moving the sample in the microchannel flow channel, the carriermore » fluid being made of a material that is not appreciably heated by the microwaves; wherein the microwaves pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel and heat the sample.« less

Toward the rational design of carbapenem uptake in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Isabella, Vincent M; Campbell, Arthur J; Manchester, John; Sylvester, Mark; Nayar, Asha S; Ferguson, Keith E; Tommasi, Ruben; Miller, Alita A

2015-04-23

Understanding how compound penetration occurs across the complex cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria is one of the greatest challenges in discovering new drugs to treat the infections they cause. A combination of next-generation transposon sequencing, computational metadynamics simulations (CMDS), and medicinal chemistry was used to define genetic and structural elements involved in facilitated carbapenem entry into Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we show for the first time that these compounds are taken up not only by the major outer membrane channel OccD1 (also called OprD or PA0958) but also by a closely related channel OccD3 (OpdP or PA4501). Transport-mediating molecular interactions predicted by CMDS for these channels were first confirmed genetically, then used to guide the design of carbapenem analogs with altered uptake properties. These results bring us closer to the rational design of channel transmissibility and may ultimately lead to improved permeability of compounds across bacterial outer membranes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lubrication of 35-millimeter-bore ball bearings of several designs to 2.5 million DN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuller, F. T.

1983-01-01

Parametric tests were conducted with 35mm bore, angular contact ball bearings with either a single or double outer and guided cage. The bearings were either lubricated by oil jets or employed inner ring lubrication. Outer ring cooling was added in selected tests. Lubricant flow to the bearing ranged from 300 to 1900 cc/min. All bearings were successfully run at speeds to 2.5 million DN. Increasing the lubricant flow decreased bearing ring temperatures but increased bearing power lines. The power loss and race temperatures of a jet lubricated with double outer land guided cage were always higher than those of the single land guided design at similar test conditions. The lowest bearing operating temperatures were achieved when inner ring lubrication and outer ring cooling were combined. It is found that cage slip of a double outer land guided cage is approximately twice that of a single outer land guided cage.

Capacitively-coupled inductive sensor

DOEpatents

Ekdahl, Carl A.

1984-01-01

A capacitively coupled inductive shunt current sensor which utilizes capacitive coupling between flanges having an annular inductive channel formed therein. A voltage dividing capacitor is connected between the coupling capacitor and ground to provide immediate capacitive division of the output signal so as to provide a high frequency response of the current pulse to be detected. The present invention can be used in any desired outer conductor such as the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line, the outer conductor of an electron beam transmission line, etc.

Interwoven channels for internal cooling of airfoil

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

Weaver, Adam M.

An apparatus and method for passing fluid flow through at least a portion of a blade of turbomachinery, such as a gas turbine or the like. The fluid flow is directed through a plurality of flow channels which are interwoven with each other. Each flow channel is non-intersecting with any other flow channel and thus does not contact fluid flowing within any other flow channel. The method and apparatus can be used to reduce heat transfer and thus reduce thermal stresses, particularly in the blade.

Nuclear reactor building

DOEpatents

Gou, P.F.; Townsend, H.E.; Barbanti, G.

1994-04-05

A reactor building for enclosing a nuclear reactor includes a containment vessel having a wetwell disposed therein. The wetwell includes inner and outer walls, a floor, and a roof defining a wetwell pool and a suppression chamber disposed there above. The wetwell and containment vessel define a drywell surrounding the reactor. A plurality of vents are disposed in the wetwell pool in flow communication with the drywell for channeling into the wetwell pool steam released in the drywell from the reactor during a LOCA for example, for condensing the steam. A shell is disposed inside the wetwell and extends into the wetwell pool to define a dry gap devoid of wetwell water and disposed in flow communication with the suppression chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the wetwell roof is in the form of a slab disposed on spaced apart support beams which define there between an auxiliary chamber. The dry gap, and additionally the auxiliary chamber, provide increased volume to the suppression chamber for improving pressure margin. 4 figures.

Nuclear reactor building

DOEpatents

Gou, Perng-Fei; Townsend, Harold E.; Barbanti, Giancarlo

1994-01-01

A reactor building for enclosing a nuclear reactor includes a containment vessel having a wetwell disposed therein. The wetwell includes inner and outer walls, a floor, and a roof defining a wetwell pool and a suppression chamber disposed thereabove. The wetwell and containment vessel define a drywell surrounding the reactor. A plurality of vents are disposed in the wetwell pool in flow communication with the drywell for channeling into the wetwell pool steam released in the drywell from the reactor during a LOCA for example, for condensing the steam. A shell is disposed inside the wetwell and extends into the wetwell pool to define a dry gap devoid of wetwell water and disposed in flow communication with the suppression chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the wetwell roof is in the form of a slab disposed on spaced apart support beams which define therebetween an auxiliary chamber. The dry gap, and additionally the auxiliary chamber, provide increased volume to the suppression chamber for improving pressure margin.

Role of Unchannelized Flow in Determining Bifurcation Angle in Distributary Channel Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffey, T.

2016-02-01

Distributary channel bifurcations on river deltas are important features in both actively prograding river deltas and in lithified deltas within the stratigraphic record. Attributes of distributary channels have long been thought to be defined by flow velocity, grain size and channel aspect ratio where the channel enters the basin. Interestingly, bifurcations in groundwater-fed tributary networks have been shown to grow and bifurcate independent of flow within the exposed channel network. These networks possess a characteristic bifurcation angle of 72°, based on Laplacian flow (water surface concavity equals zero) in the groundwater flow field near tributary channel tips. Based on the tributary channel model, we develop and test the hypothesis that bifurcation angles in distributary channels are likewise dictated by the external flow field, in this case the surface water surrounding the subaqueous portion of distributary channel tips in a deltaic setting. We measured 64 unique distributary bifurcations in an experimental delta, yielding a characteristic angle of 70.2°±2.2° (95% confidence interval), in line with the theoretical prediction for tributary channels. This similarity between bifurcation angles suggests that (A) flow directly outside of the distributary network is Laplacian, (B) the external flow field controls the bifurcation dynamics of distributary channels, and (C) that flow within the channel plays a secondary role in network dynamics.

New design of a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel to improve the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yulin; Yue, Like; Wang, Shixue

2017-03-01

The cathode flow-field design of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells determines the distribution of reactant gases and the removal of liquid water. A suitable design can result in perfect water management and thus high cell performance. In this paper, a new design for a cathode flow-field with a sub-channel was proposed and had been experimentally analyzed in a parallel flow-field PEM fuel cell. Three sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel. The main-channel inlet was fed with moist air to humidify the membrane and maintain high proton conductivity, whereas, the sub-channel inlet was fed with dry air to enhance water removal in the flow channel. The experimental results indicated that the sub-channel design can decrease the pressure drop in the flow channel, and the sub-channels inlet positions (SIP, where the sub-channel inlets were placed along the cathode channel) and flow rates (SFR, percentage of air from the sub-channel inlet in the total cathode flow rate) had a considerable impact on water removal and cell performance. A proposed design that combines the SIP and SFR can effectively eliminate water from the fuel cell, increasing the maximum power density by more than 13.2% compared to the conventional design.

Rotational Splittings of Acoustic Modes in an Experimental Model of a Planetary Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, M. M.; Stone, D.; Lathrop, D. P.

2014-12-01

Planetary zonal flows can be probed in principle using the tools of helioseismology. We explore this technique using laboratory experiments where the measurement of zonal flows is also of geophysical relevance. The experiments are carried out in a device with a geometry similar to that of Earth's core. It consists of a 60 cm diameter outer spherical shell concentric with a 20 cm diameter inner sphere. Air between the inner sphere and outer shell is used as the working fluid. A turbulent shear flow is driven in the air by independently rotating the inner sphere and outer shell. Acoustic modes are excited in the vessel with a speaker, and microphones are used to measure the rotational splittings of these modes. The radial profile of azimuthal velocities is inferred from these splittings, in an approach analogous to that used in helioseismology to determine solar velocity profiles. By varying the inner and outer rotation rates, different turbulent states can be investigated. Comparison is made to previous experimental investigations of turbulent spherical Couette flow. These experiments also serve as a test of this diagnostic, which may be used in the future in liquid sodium experiments, providing information on zonal flows in hydromagnetic experiments.

Autogenic dynamics of debris-flow fans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Berg, Wilco; de Haas, Tjalling; Braat, Lisanne; Kleinhans, Maarten

2015-04-01

Alluvial fans develop their semi-conical shape by cyclic avulsion of their geomorphologically active sector from a fixed fan apex. These cyclic avulsions have been attributed to both allogenic and autogenic forcings and processes. Autogenic dynamics have been extensively studied on fluvial fans through physical scale experiments, and are governed by cyclic alternations of aggradation by unconfined sheet flow, fanhead incision leading to channelized flow, channel backfilling and avulsion. On debris-flow fans, however, autogenic dynamics have not yet been directly observed. We experimentally created debris-flow fans under constant extrinsic forcings, and show that autogenic dynamics are a fundamental intrinsic process on debris-flow fans. We found that autogenic cycles on debris-flow fans are driven by sequences of backfilling, avulsion and channelization, similar to the cycles on fluvial fans. However, the processes that govern these sequences are unique for debris-flow fans, and differ fundamentally from the processes that govern autogenic dynamics on fluvial fans. We experimentally observed that backfilling commenced after the debris flows reached their maximum possible extent. The next debris flows then progressively became shorter, driven by feedbacks on fan morphology and flow-dynamics. The progressively decreasing debris-flow length caused in-channel sedimentation, which led to increasing channel overflow and wider debris flows. This reduced the impulse of the liquefied flow body to the flow front, which then further reduced flow velocity and runout length, and induced further in-channel sedimentation. This commenced a positive feedback wherein debris flows became increasingly short and wide, until the channel was completely filled and the apex cross-profile was plano-convex. At this point, there was no preferential transport direction by channelization, and the debris flows progressively avulsed towards the steepest, preferential, flow path. Simultaneously, the debris flows started to channelize, forced by increasingly effective concentration of the flow impulse to the flow front, which caused more effective lateral levee formation and an increasingly well-defined channel. This process continued until the debris flows reached their maximum possible extent and the cycle was reverted. Channelization occurred in the absence of erosion, in contrast with fluvial fans. Backfilling and channelization cycles were gradual and symmetric, requiring multiple debris flows to be completed. These results add debris-flow fans to the spectrum of fan-shaped aqueous systems that are affected by autogenic dynamics, now ranging from low-gradient rivers systems to steep-gradient mass-flow fans.

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) driven droplet mixer

DOEpatents

Lee, Abraham P.; Lemoff, Asuncion V.; Miles, Robin R.

2004-05-11

A magnetohydrodynamic fluidic system mixes a first substance and a second substance. A first substrate section includes a first flow channel and a first plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the first flow channel. A second substrate section includes a second flow channel and a second plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the second flow channel. A third substrate section includes a third flow channel and a third plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the third flow channel. A magnetic section and a control section are operatively connected to the spaced electrodes. The first substrate section, the second substrate section, the third substrate section, the first plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes, the second plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes, the third plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes, the magnetic section, and the control section are operated to move the first substance through the first flow channel, the second substance through the second flow channel, and both the first substance and the second substance into the third flow channel where they are mixed.

Single-channel measurements of an N-acetylneuraminic acid-inducible outer membrane channel in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Giri, Janhavi; Tang, John M.; Wirth, Christophe; Peneff, Caroline M.

2012-01-01

NanC is an Escherichia coli outer membrane protein involved in sialic acid (Neu5Ac, i.e., N-acetylneuraminic acid) uptake. Expression of the NanC gene is induced and controlled by Neu5Ac. The transport mechanism of Neu5Ac is not known. The structure of NanC was recently solved (PDB code: 2WJQ) and includes a unique arrangement of positively charged (basic) side chains consistent with a role in acidic sugar transport. However, initial functional measurements of NanC failed to find its role in the transport of sialic acids, perhaps because of the ionic conditions used in the experiments. We show here that the ionic conditions generally preferred for measuring the function of outer-membrane porins are not appropriate for NanC. Single channels of NanC at pH 7.0 have: (1) conductance 100 pS to 800 pS in 100 mM KCl to 3 M KCl), (2) anion over cation selectivity (Vreversal = +16 mV in 250 mM KCl || 1 M KCl), and (3) two forms of voltage-dependent gating (channel closures above ±200 mV). Single-channel conductance decreases by 50% when HEPES concentration is increased from 100 μM to 100 mM in 250 mM KCl at pH 7.4, consistent with the two HEPES binding sites observed in the crystal structure. Studying alternative buffers, we find that phosphate interferes with the channel conductance. Single-channel conductance decreases by 19% when phosphate concentration is increased from 0 mM to 5 mM in 250 mM KCl at pH 8.0. Surprisingly, TRIS in the baths reacts with Ag|AgCl electrodes, producing artifacts even when the electrodes are on the far side of agar–KCl bridges. A suitable baseline solution for NanC is 250 mM KCl adjusted to pH 7.0 without buffer. PMID:22246445

Ion concentrations and velocity profiles in nanochannel electroosmotic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, R.; Aluru, N. R.

2003-03-01

Ion distributions and velocity profiles for electroosmotic flow in nanochannels of different widths are studied in this paper using molecular dynamics and continuum theory. For the various channel widths studied in this paper, the ion distribution near the channel wall is strongly influenced by the finite size of the ions and the discreteness of the solvent molecules. The classical Poisson-Boltzmann equation fails to predict the ion distribution near the channel wall as it does not account for the molecular aspects of the ion-wall and ion-solvent interactions. A modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation based on electrochemical potential correction is introduced to account for ion-wall and ion-solvent interactions. The electrochemical potential correction term is extracted from the ion distribution in a smaller channel using molecular dynamics. Using the electrochemical potential correction term extracted from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of electroosmotic flow in a 2.22 nm channel, the modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation predicts the ion distribution in larger channel widths (e.g., 3.49 and 10.00 nm) with good accuracy. Detailed studies on the velocity profile in electro-osmotic flow indicate that the continuum flow theory can be used to predict bulk fluid flow in channels as small as 2.22 nm provided that the viscosity variation near the channel wall is taken into account. We propose a technique to embed the velocity near the channel wall obtained from MD simulation of electroosmotic flow in a narrow channel (e.g., 2.22 nm wide channel) into simulation of electroosmotic flow in larger channels. Simulation results indicate that such an approach can predict the velocity profile in larger channels (e.g., 3.49 and 10.00 nm) very well. Finally, simulation of electroosmotic flow in a 0.95 nm channel indicates that viscosity cannot be described by a local, linear constitutive relationship that the continuum flow theory is built upon and thus the continuum flow theory is not applicable for electroosmotic flow in such small channels.

Cooling circuit for steam and air-cooled turbine nozzle stage

DOEpatents

Itzel, Gary Michael; Yu, Yufeng

2002-01-01

The turbine vane segment includes inner and outer walls with a vane extending therebetween. The vane includes leading and trailing edge cavities and intermediate cavities. An impingement plate is spaced from the outer wall to impingement-cool the outer wall. Post-impingement cooling air flows through holes in the outer wall to form a thin air-cooling film along the outer wall. Cooling air is supplied an insert sleeve with openings in the leading edge cavity for impingement-cooling the leading edge. Holes through the leading edge afford thin-film cooling about the leading edge. Cooling air is provided the trailing edge cavity and passes through holes in the side walls of the vane for thin-film cooling of the trailing edge. Steam flows through a pair of intermediate cavities for impingement-cooling of the side walls. Post-impingement steam flows to the inner wall for impingement-cooling of the inner wall and returns the post-impingement cooling steam through inserts in other intermediate cavities for impingement-cooling the side walls of the vane.

Structural basis for maintenance of bacterial outer membrane lipid asymmetry.

PubMed

Abellón-Ruiz, Javier; Kaptan, Shreyas S; Baslé, Arnaud; Claudi, Beatrice; Bumann, Dirk; Kleinekathöfer, Ulrich; van den Berg, Bert

2017-12-01

The Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane (OM) is a unique bilayer that forms an efficient permeation barrier to protect the cell from noxious compounds 1 , 2 . The defining characteristic of the OM is lipid asymmetry, with phospholipids comprising the inner leaflet and lipopolysaccharides comprising the outer leaflet 1-3 . This asymmetry is maintained by the Mla pathway, a six-component system that is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and is thought to mediate retrograde transport of misplaced phospholipids from the outer leaflet of the OM to the cytoplasmic membrane 4 . The OM lipoprotein MlaA performs the first step in this process via an unknown mechanism that does not require external energy input. Here we show, using X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro and in vivo functional assays, that MlaA is a monomeric α-helical OM protein that functions as a phospholipid translocation channel, forming a ~20-Å-thick doughnut embedded in the inner leaflet of the OM with a central, amphipathic pore. This architecture prevents access of inner leaflet phospholipids to the pore, but allows outer leaflet phospholipids to bind to a pronounced ridge surrounding the channel, followed by diffusion towards the periplasmic space. Enterobacterial MlaA proteins form stable complexes with OmpF/C 5,6 , but the porins do not appear to play an active role in phospholipid transport. MlaA represents a lipid transport protein that selectively removes outer leaflet phospholipids to help maintain the essential barrier function of the bacterial OM.

Exit chimney joint and method of forming the joint for closed circuit steam cooled gas turbine nozzles

DOEpatents

Burdgick, Steven Sebastian; Burns, James Lee

2002-01-01

A nozzle segment for a gas turbine includes inner and outer band portions and a vane extending between the band portions. The inner and outer band portions are each divided into first and second plenums separated by an impingement plate. Cooling steam is supplied to the first cavity for flow through the apertures to cool the outer nozzle wall. The steam flows through a leading edge cavity in the vane into the first cavity of the inner band portion for flow through apertures of the impingement plate to cool the inner nozzle wall. Spent cooling steam flows through a plurality of cavities in the vane, exiting through an exit chimney in the outer band. The exit chimney is secured at its inner end directly to the nozzle vane wall surrounding the exit cavities, to the margin of the impingement plate at a location intermediate the ends of the exit chimney and to margins of an opening through the cover whereby each joint is externally accessible for joint formation and for subsequent inspection.

Chloride currents in cones modify feedback from horizontal cells to cones in goldfish retina

PubMed Central

Endeman, Duco; Fahrenfort, Iris; Sjoerdsma, Trijntje; Steijaert, Marvin; ten Eikelder, Huub; Kamermans, Maarten

2012-01-01

In neuronal systems, excitation and inhibition must be well balanced to ensure reliable information transfer. The cone/horizontal cell (HC) interaction in the retina is an example of this. Because natural scenes encompass an enormous intensity range both in temporal and spatial domains, the balance between excitation and inhibition in the outer retina needs to be adaptable. How this is achieved is unknown. Using electrophysiological techniques in the isolated retina of the goldfish, it was found that opening Ca2+-dependent Cl− channels in recorded cones reduced the size of feedback responses measured in both cones and HCs. Furthermore, we show that cones express Cl− channels that are gated by GABA released from HCs. Similar to activation of ICl(Ca), opening of these GABA-gated Cl− channels reduced the size of light-induced feedback responses both in cones and HCs. Conversely, application of picrotoxin, a blocker of GABAA and GABAC receptors, had the opposite effect. In addition, reducing GABA release from HCs by blocking GABA transporters also led to an increase in the size of feedback. Because the independent manipulation of Ca2+-dependent Cl− currents in individual cones yielded results comparable to bath-applied GABA, it was concluded that activation of either Cl− current by itself is sufficient to reduce the size of HC feedback. However, additional effects of GABA on outer retinal processing cannot be excluded. These results can be accounted for by an ephaptic feedback model in which a cone Cl− current shunts the current flow in the synaptic cleft. The Ca2+-dependent Cl− current might be essential to set the initial balance between the feedforward and the feedback signals active in the cone HC synapse. It prevents that strong feedback from HCs to cones flood the cone with Ca2+. Modulation of the feedback strength by GABA might play a role during light/dark adaptation, adjusting the amount of negative feedback to the signal to noise ratio of the cone output. PMID:22890705

A novel technique to study pore-forming peptides in a natural membrane.

PubMed

Vedovato, Natascia; Rispoli, Giorgio

2007-09-01

The biophysical characteristics and the pore formation dynamics of synthetic or naturally occurring peptides forming membrane-spanning channels were investigated by using isolated photoreceptor rod outer segments (OS) recorded in whole-cell configuration. Once blocking the two OS endogenous conductances (the cGMP channels by light and the Na(+):Ca(2+),K(+) exchanger by removing one of the transported ion species from both sides of the membrane, i.e. K(+), Na(+) or Ca(2+)), the OS membrane resistance (R ( m )) was typically larger than 1 GOmega in the presence of 1 mM external Ca(2+). Therefore, any exogenous current could be studied down to the single channel level. The peptides were applied to (and removed from) the extracellular OS side in approximately 50 ms with a computer-controlled microperfusion system, in which every perfusion parameter, as the rate of solution flow, the temporal sequence of solution changes or the number of automatic, self-washing cycles were controlled by a user-friendly interface. This technique was then used to determine the biophysical properties and the pore formation dynamics of antibiotic peptaibols, as the native alamethicin mixture, the synthesized major component of the neutral fraction (F50/5) of alamethicin, and the synthetic trichogin GA IV.

Gas turbine structural mounting arrangement between combustion gas duct annular chamber and turbine vane carrier

DOEpatents

Wiebe, David J.; Charron, Richard C.; Morrison, Jay A.

2016-10-18

A gas turbine engine ducting arrangement (10), including: an annular chamber (14) configured to receive a plurality of discrete flows of combustion gases originating in respective can combustors and to deliver the discrete flows to a turbine inlet annulus, wherein the annular chamber includes an inner diameter (52) and an outer diameter (60); an outer diameter mounting arrangement (34) configured to permit relative radial movement and to prevent relative axial and circumferential movement between the outer diameter and a turbine vane carrier (20); and an inner diameter mounting arrangement (36) including a bracket (64) secured to the turbine vane carrier, wherein the bracket is configured to permit the inner diameter to move radially with the outer diameter and prevent axial deflection of the inner diameter with respect to the outer diameter.

Classification and sedimentary characteristics of lacustrine hyperpycnal channels: Triassic outcrops in the south Ordos Basin, central China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xian, Benzhong; Wang, Junhui; Gong, Chenglin; Yin, Yu; Chao, Chuzhi; Liu, Jianping; Zhang, Guodong; Yan, Qi

2018-06-01

Subaquatic channels are known as active conduits for the delivery of terrigenous sediments into related marine and lacustrine basins, as well as important targets for hydrocarbon exploration. Compared to submarine channels, lacustrine subaqueous channels created by hyperpycnal flows are understudied. Using well-exposed outcrops collected from three different locations in the southern Ordos Basin, central China, morphologies and architecture of a channelized hyperpycnal system were studied and classified. Six facies associations represent sedimentary processes from strong erosion by bedload dominated hyperpycnal flows, to transitional deposition jointly controlled by bedload and suspended-load dominated hyperpycnal flows, finally to deposition from suspended-load dominated hyperpycnal flows. On the basis of channel morphologies, infilling sediments and sedimentary processes, the documented channels can be classified into four main categories, which are erosional, bedload dominated, suspended-load dominated, and depositional channels. In very proximal and very distal locations, erosional channels and depositional channels serve as two end-members, while in middle areas, bedload-dominated channels and suspended-load dominated channels are transitional types. Erosional channels, as a response to strong erosion from bedload dominated hyperpycnal flows on upper slope, were mainly filled by mud interbedded with thin sand beds. As flow energy decreases, bedload dominated channels develop on middle slopes, which are characterized mainly by under- to balanced sediment infillings with cross-bedded sandstones and/or minor massive sandstones. Compared to bedload dominated channels, suspended-load dominated channels mainly develop in deeper water, and were filled mainly by massive or planar-laminated sandstones. Depositional channels, as a response to suspended-load dominated hyperpycnal flows in deep-water areas, are characterized by thin-medium bed classical turbidites with Bouma sequences and thin- to thick massive sandstones. Such evolution patterns of hyperpycnal channel systems are ascribed to the progressive decrease in flow capacity of hyperpycnal flows, and provide an adequate explanation for the basinward channelization behavior of hyperpycnal systems.

Experimental modeling of gravity underflow in submarine channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Mohammad Ashraful

Active and relic meandering channels are common on the seafloor adjacent to continental margins. These channels and their associated submarine fan deposits are products of the density-driven gravity flows known as turbidity currents. Unlike natural rivers, few attempts have been made to explore the process of channel meandering in the submarine environment. This research focuses on resolving the flow field of submarine channels by conducting experiments in a large laboratory basin. Saline and particulate density flows were studied in a straight channel, a single bend sinuous channel with vertical sidewalls and a multiple-bend sinuous channel with sloping sidewalls. Instantaneous velocities in steady developed currents were measured using 3-component acoustic Doppler velocity probes. Excess fractional density was measured at selected locations by collecting water sample using a siphon rake. Turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress components are derived from the instantaneous velocity data of the straight channel experiments. Structure functions for mean velocity, Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy profiles are derived by fitting normalized data. The normalized Reynolds-averaged velocity shows excellent similarity collapse while the Reynolds-stress and the turbulent kinetic energy profiles display reasonable similarity. Vertical profiles of the turbulent kinetic energy display two peaks separated by a zone of low turbulence; the ratio of the maximum to the depth-averaged turbulent kinetic energy is approximately 1.5. Theoretical profile of turbulent kinetic energy is derived. Comparisons of experimentally and theoretically derived turbulent kinetic energy profiles show reasonable agreement except at the position of velocity maximum where the theoretical profile displays a very small value. Velocity profiles derived from the measurements with confined flow in the single bend channel reveal that channel curvature drives two helical flow cells, one stacked upon the other. The lower cell forms near the channel bed surface and has a circulation pattern similar to fluvial channels where a near-bed flow is directed inward. The other circulation cell forms in the upper part of the gravity flow and has a streamwise vorticity opposite to the lower cell. The lower circulation cell can be reasonably approximated by open channel flow theory. The curvature induced mixing is found to shift the position of the maximum streamwise velocity in the upward direction. Experiments conducted in the multiple-bend channel reveals that the channel side slope does not alter the structure of the secondary flow as long as the flow remains confined within the channel. However, if flow spilling occurs at the channel bend, the lateral convection suppresses the upper circulation cell. The lateral slope promotes high superelevation of the dense-light fluid interface at a channel bend and the current almost entirely separates from the inner bank. Compared with the saline flow, the silt-laden flow has larger thickness and thus easily experiences spilling at the bend apex. The overbank flow approximately follows the pre-bend direction of the in-channel flow. Unlike the flow in the channel with vertical sidewalls, the maximum velocity position does not experience an upward shift. This may be attributed to the highly superelevated current interface. The saline flow experiences little reduction in flow velocity while the velocity of the particulate flow drops significantly in the downstream direction primarily due to in-channel sediment deposit.

Exploration of the pore structure of a peptide-gated Na+channel

PubMed Central

Poët, Mallorie; Tauc, Michel; Lingueglia, Eric; Cance, Peggy; Poujeol, Philippe; Lazdunski, Michel; Counillon, Laurent

2001-01-01

The FMRF-amide-activated sodium channel (FaNaC), a member of the ENaC/Degenerin family, is a homotetramer, each subunit containing two transmembrane segments. We changed independently every residue of the first transmembrane segment (TM1) into a cysteine and tested each position’s accessibility to the cysteine covalent reagents MTSET and MTSES. Eleven mutants were accessible to the cationic MTSET, showing that TM1 faces the ion translocation pathway. This was confirmed by the accessibility of cysteines present in the acid-sensing ion channels and other mutations introduced in FaNaC TM1. Modification of accessibilities for positions 69, 71 and 72 in the open state shows that the gating mechanism consists of the opening of a constriction close to the intracellular side. The anionic MTSES did not penetrate into the channel, indicating the presence of a charge selectivity filter in the outer vestibule. Furthermore, amiloride inhibition resulted in the channel occlusion in the middle of the pore. Summarizing, the ionic pore of FaNaC includes a large aqueous cavity, with a charge selectivity filter in the outer vestibule and the gate close to the interior. PMID:11598003

Direct modulation of the outer mitochondrial membrane channel, voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) by cannabidiol: a novel mechanism for cannabinoid-induced cell death

PubMed Central

Rimmerman, N; Ben-Hail, D; Porat, Z; Juknat, A; Kozela, E; Daniels, M P; Connelly, P S; Leishman, E; Bradshaw, H B; Shoshan-Barmatz, V; Vogel, Z

2013-01-01

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive plant cannabinoid that inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell death of cancer cells and activated immune cells. It is not an agonist of the classical CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors and the mechanism by which it functions is unknown. Here, we studied the effects of CBD on various mitochondrial functions in BV-2 microglial cells. Our findings indicate that CBD treatment leads to a biphasic increase in intracellular calcium levels and to changes in mitochondrial function and morphology leading to cell death. Density gradient fractionation analysis by mass spectrometry and western blotting showed colocalization of CBD with protein markers of mitochondria. Single-channel recordings of the outer-mitochondrial membrane protein, the voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) functioning in cell energy, metabolic homeostasis and apoptosis revealed that CBD markedly decreases channel conductance. Finally, using microscale thermophoresis, we showed a direct interaction between purified fluorescently labeled VDAC1 and CBD. Thus, VDAC1 seems to serve as a novel mitochondrial target for CBD. The inhibition of VDAC1 by CBD may be responsible for the immunosuppressive and anticancer effects of CBD. PMID:24309936

Differential Expression of Renal Outer Medullary K+ Channel and Voltage-gated K+ Channel 7.1 in Bladder Urothelium of Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

PubMed

Lee, Jane-Dar; Lee, Ming-Huei; Yang, Wen-Kai; Wang, Kuan-Lin; Lee, Tsung-Han

2017-03-01

To investigate the changes including expression and localization of 2 potassium channels, renal outer medullary K + channel (ROMK) and voltage-gated K + channel 7.1 (KCNQ1), after increased urinary potassium leakage in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). The study group included 24 patients with IC/PBS and a control group consisting of 12 volunteers without any IC/PBS symptoms. Bladder biopsies were taken from both groups. We determined the protein expression and distribution of potassium channels using immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescent staining under confocal laser microscopy. The results revealed that ROMK was predominantly expressed in apical cells of the bladder urothelium at significantly higher levels (3.3-fold) in the study group than in the control group. In contrast, KCNQ1 was expressed in the basolateral membrane according to confocal microscopy results and did not significantly differ between groups. Our data showed that the abundance of ROMK protein in apical cells was increased in the IC/PBS group, whereas KCNQ1, which was distributed in the basolateral membrane of the bladder urothelium, showed similar abundance between groups. These results suggest that upregulation of the ROMK channel in apical cells might permit avid potassium flux into the bladder lumen to maintain intracellular K + homeostasis in the dysfunctional urothelium. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bacterial Origin of a Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Protein Translocase

PubMed Central

Harsman, Anke; Niemann, Moritz; Pusnik, Mascha; Schmidt, Oliver; Burmann, Björn M.; Hiller, Sebastian; Meisinger, Chris; Schneider, André; Wagner, Richard

2012-01-01

Mitochondria are of bacterial ancestry and have to import most of their proteins from the cytosol. This process is mediated by Tom40, an essential protein that forms the protein-translocating pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Tom40 is conserved in virtually all eukaryotes, but its evolutionary origin is unclear because bacterial orthologues have not been identified so far. Recently, it was shown that the parasitic protozoon Trypanosoma brucei lacks a conventional Tom40 and instead employs the archaic translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (ATOM), a protein that shows similarities to both eukaryotic Tom40 and bacterial protein translocases of the Omp85 family. Here we present electrophysiological single channel data showing that ATOM forms a hydrophilic pore of large conductance and high open probability. Moreover, ATOM channels exhibit a preference for the passage of cationic molecules consistent with the idea that it may translocate unfolded proteins targeted by positively charged N-terminal presequences. This is further supported by the fact that the addition of a presequence peptide induces transient pore closure. An in-depth comparison of these single channel properties with those of other protein translocases reveals that ATOM closely resembles bacterial-type protein export channels rather than eukaryotic Tom40. Our results support the idea that ATOM represents an evolutionary intermediate between a bacterial Omp85-like protein export machinery and the conventional Tom40 that is found in mitochondria of other eukaryotes. PMID:22778261

THE OUTER RADIATION BELT OF THE EARTH AT THE ALTITUDE OF 320 KM

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

Vernov, S.N.; Savenko, I.A.; Shavrin, P.I.

1962-11-01

Scintillation and gas-discharge counters on the second Soviet spaceship allowed a detailed investigation of the outer radiation belt near the earth and established its boundaries in relation to longitude. The spaceship orbit was almost circular at an altitude of 306 to 339 km. The energy threshold of the counter channel was 25 kev. (W,D.M.)

Role of Unchannelized Flow in Determining Bifurcation Angle in Distributary Channel Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffey, T.

2016-12-01

Distributary channel bifurcations on river deltas are important features in both modern systems, where the channels control water, sediment, and nutrient routing, and in ancient deltas, where the channel networks can dictate large-scale stratigraphic heterogeneity. Geometric features of distributary channels, such as channel dimensions and network structure, have long been thought to be defined by factors such as flow velocity, grain size, or channel aspect ratio where the channel enters the basin. We use theory originally developed for tributary networks fed by groundwater seepage to understand the dynamics of distributary channel bifurcations. Interestingly, bifurcations in groundwater-fed tributary networks have been shown to evolve dependent on the diffusive flow patterns around the channel network. These networks possess a characteristic bifurcation angle of 72°, due to Laplacian flow (gradient2h2=0, where h is water surface elevation) in the groundwater flow field near tributary channel tips. We develop and test the hypothesis that bifurcation angles in distributary channel networks are likewise dictated by the external flow field, in this case the shallow surface water surrounding the subaqueous portion of distributary channel bifurcations in a deltaic setting. We measured 130 unique distributary channel bifurcations in a single experimental delta and in 10 natural deltas, yielding a mean angle of 70.35°±2.59° (95% confidence interval), in line with the theoretical prediction. This similarity implies that flow outside of the distributary channel network is also Laplacian, which we use scaling arguments to justify. We conclude that the dynamics of the unchannelized flow control bifurcation formation in distributary networks.

Experimental and numerical characterization of the water flow in spacer-filled channels of spiral-wound membranes.

PubMed

Bucs, Szilard S; Linares, Rodrigo Valladares; Marston, Jeremy O; Radu, Andrea I; Vrouwenvelder, Johannes S; Picioreanu, Cristian

2015-12-15

Micro-scale flow distribution in spacer-filled flow channels of spiral-wound membrane modules was determined with a particle image velocimetry system (PIV), aiming to elucidate the flow behaviour in spacer-filled flow channels. Two-dimensional water velocity fields were measured in a flow cell (representing the feed spacer-filled flow channel of a spiral wound reverse osmosis membrane module without permeate production) at several planes throughout the channel height. At linear flow velocities (volumetric flow rate per cross-section of the flow channel considering the channel porosity, also described as crossflow velocities) used in practice (0.074 and 0.163 m·s(-1)) the recorded flow was laminar with only slight unsteadiness in the upper velocity limit. At higher linear flow velocity (0.3 m·s(-1)) the flow was observed to be unsteady and with recirculation zones. Measurements made at different locations in the flow cell exhibited very similar flow patterns within all feed spacer mesh elements, thus revealing the same hydrodynamic conditions along the length of the flow channel. Three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed using the same geometries and flow parameters as the experiments, based on steady laminar flow assumption. The numerical results were in good agreement (0.85-0.95 Bray-Curtis similarity) with the measured flow fields at linear velocities of 0.074 and 0.163 m·s(-1), thus supporting the use of model-based studies in the optimization of feed spacer geometries and operational conditions of spiral wound membrane systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depositional sequences and facies in the Torok Formation, National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska (NPRA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Houseknecht, David W.; Schenk, Christopher J.

2002-01-01

Brookian turbidites (Cretaceous through Tertiary) have become oil exploration objectives on the NorthSlope of Alaska during the past decade, and it is likely this focus will extend into the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA). A regional grid of 2-D seismic data, sparse well control, and field work in the Brooks Range foothills provide constraints for an ongoing effort to establish a sequence stratigraphic framework for Brookian turbidites in the Torok Formation across NPRA. The Torok Formation and overlying Nanushuk Formation (both mostly Albian) display the overall seismic geometry of bottomset-clinoform-topset strata indicating northeastward migration of a shelf margin. Within bottomset and clinoform strata of the Torok, depositional sequences have been identified that represent four distinct phases of shelf-margin sedimentation. (1) Regression, representing low relative sea level, is characterized by the development of an erosional surface on the shelf and upper slope, and the deposition of turbidite channel deposits on the middle to lower slope and submarine fan deposits at the base of slope. These deposits constitute a lowstand systems tract (LST). (2) Transgression, representing rising relative sea level, is characterized by the deposition of a mudstone drape on the basin floor, slope, and outer shelf. This drape comprises relatively condensed facies that constitute a transgressive systems tract (TST). (3) Aggradation, representing high relative sea level, is characterized by the deposition of relatively thick strata on the outer shelf and moderately thick mudstones on the slope. (4) Progradation, also representing high relative sea level, is characterized by the deposition of relatively thin strata on the outer shelf and very thick mudstones on the slope. Together, deposits of the aggradation and progradation phases constitute a highstand systems tract (HST). Large scale geometries of Torok strata vary across the Colville basin. In southern NPRA, high rates of subsidence accommodated the deposition of a "foredeep clinoform wedge" that contains a high proportion of sand-rich LST deposits. In northern NPRA, lower rates of subsidence favored the accumulation of mud-rich HST deposits. The most favorable stratigraphic trapping geometries in the Torok Formation occur where amalgamated sandstones deposited in turbidite channels incised on the mid- to lower-slope and on the proximal parts of submarine fans during regression (LSTs) are capped by relatively condensed mudstone facies deposited during transgression (TSTs). Common successions observed in Torok cores include a spectrum of slope and turbidite facies. Upper slope facies comprise laminated mudstones and siltstones that locally display evidence of slumping, sliding, and chaotic failure. Lower slope facies comprise heterolithic turbidites at some locations and interlaminated mudstones and thin, very fine-grained sandstones at others. Torok turbidites include amalgamated sandstones deposited in channel systems as well as thin-bedded, widespread sandstones deposited by unconfined flows on lobes or in channel overbank settings. These turbidite facies likely occur in both channel-lobe systems and slope apron systems within the Torok.

Mass conservation: 1-D open channel flow equations

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeLong, Lewis L.

1989-01-01

Unsteady flow simulation in natural rivers is often complicated by meandering channels of compound section. Hydraulic properties and the length of the wetted channel may vary significantly as a meandering river inundates its adjacent floodplain. The one-dimensional, unsteady, open-channel flow equations can be extended to simulate floods in channels of compound section. It will be shown that equations derived from the addition of differential equations individually describing flow in main and overbank channels do not in general conserve mass when overbank and main channels are of different lengths.

Interactive calculation procedure for supersonic flows. Ph.D. Thesis - Case Western Reserve Univ., 1976. Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tassa, Y.; Anderson, B. H.; Reshotko, E.

1977-01-01

An interactive procedure was developed for supersonic viscous flows that can be used for either two-dimensional or axisymmetric configurations. The procedure is directed to supersonic internal flows as well as those supersonic external flows that require consideration of mutual interaction between the outer flow and the boundary layer flow. The flow field is divided into two regions: an inner region which is highly viscous and mostly subsonic and an outer region where the flow is supersonic and in which viscous effects are small but not negligible. For the outer region a numerical solution is obtained by applying the method of characteristics to a system of equations which includes viscous and conduction transport terms only normal to the streamlines. The inner region is treated by a system of equations of the boundary layer type that includes higher order effects such as longitudinal and transverse curvature and normal pressure gradients. These equations are coupled and solved simultaneously in the physical coordinates by using an implicit finite difference scheme. This system can also be used to calculate laminar and turbulent boundary layers using a scalar eddy viscosity concept.

Glass-silicon column

DOEpatents

Yu, Conrad M.

2003-12-30

A glass-silicon column that can operate in temperature variations between room temperature and about 450.degree. C. The glass-silicon column includes large area glass, such as a thin Corning 7740 boron-silicate glass bonded to a silicon wafer, with an electrode embedded in or mounted on glass of the column, and with a self alignment silicon post/glass hole structure. The glass/silicon components are bonded, for example be anodic bonding. In one embodiment, the column includes two outer layers of silicon each bonded to an inner layer of glass, with an electrode imbedded between the layers of glass, and with at least one self alignment hole and post arrangement. The electrode functions as a column heater, and one glass/silicon component is provided with a number of flow channels adjacent the bonded surfaces.

Turbine blade with spar and shell

DOEpatents

Davies, Daniel O [Palm City, FL; Peterson, Ross H [Loxahatchee, FL

2012-04-24

A turbine blade with a spar and shell construction in which the spar and the shell are both secured within two platform halves. The spar and the shell each include outward extending ledges on the bottom ends that fit within grooves formed on the inner sides of the platform halves to secure the spar and the shell against radial movement when the two platform halves are joined. The shell is also secured to the spar by hooks extending from the shell that slide into grooves formed on the outer surface of the spar. The hooks form a serpentine flow cooling passage between the shell and the spar. The spar includes cooling holes on the lower end in the leading edge region to discharge cooling air supplied through the platform root and into the leading edge cooling channel.

Subauroral polarization stream on the outer boundary of the ring current during an energetic ion injection event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhigang; Qiao, Zheng; Li, Haimeng; Huang, Shiyong; Wang, Dedong; Yu, Xiongdong; Yu, Tao

2017-04-01

Subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) electric field can play an important role in the coupling between the inner magnetosphere and ionosphere; however, the production mechanism of SAPS has not been yet solved. During an energetic ion injection event on 26 March 2004, at latitudes lower than the equatorward boundaries of precipitating plasma sheet electrons and ions, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F13 satellite simultaneously observed a strong SAPS with the peak velocity of 1294 m/s and downward flowing field-aligned currents (FACs). Conjugate observations of DMSP F13 and NOAA 15 satellites have shown that FACs flowing into the ionosphere just lie in the outer boundary of the ring current (RC). The downward flowing FACs were observed in a region of positive latitudinal gradients of the ion energy density, implying that the downward flowing FACs are more likely linked to the azimuthal gradient than the radial gradient of the RC ion pressure. Our result demonstrates that RC ion pressure gradients on the outer boundary of the RC in the evening sector during energetic ion injection events can lead to downward flowing FACs so as to cause strong SAPS in condition of low ionospheric conductivities.