Fuel cell with metal screen flow-field

DOEpatents

Wilson, M.S.; Zawodzinski, C.

1998-08-25

A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is provided with electrodes supplied with a reactant on each side of a catalyzed membrane assembly (CMA). The fuel cell includes a metal mesh defining a rectangular flow-field pattern having an inlet at a first corner and an outlet at a second corner located on a diagonal from the first corner, wherein all flow paths from the inlet to the outlet through the square flow field pattern are equivalent to uniformly distribute the reactant over the CMA. In a preferred form of metal mesh, a square weave screen forms the flow-field pattern. In a particular characterization of the present invention, a bipolar plate electrically connects adjacent fuel cells, where the bipolar plate includes a thin metal foil having an anode side and a cathode side; a first metal mesh on the anode side of the thin metal foil; and a second metal mesh on the cathode side of the thin metal foil. In another characterization of the present invention, a cooling plate assembly cools adjacent fuel cells, where the cooling plate assembly includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode formed of thin conducting foils; and a metal mesh flow field there between for distributing cooling water flow over the electrodes to remove heat generated by the fuel cells. 11 figs.

Fuel cell with metal screen flow-field

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.; Zawodzinski, Christine

2001-01-01

A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is provided with electrodes supplied with a reactant on each side of a catalyzed membrane assembly (CMA). The fuel cell includes a metal mesh defining a rectangular flow-field pattern having an inlet at a first corner and an outlet at a second corner located on a diagonal from the first corner, wherein all flow paths from the inlet to the outlet through the square flow field pattern are equivalent to uniformly distribute the reactant over the CMA. In a preferred form of metal mesh, a square weave screen forms the flow-field pattern. In a particular characterization of the present invention, a bipolar plate electrically connects adjacent fuel cells, where the bipolar plate includes a thin metal foil having an anode side and a cathode side; a first metal mesh on the anode side of the thin metal foil; and a second metal mesh on the cathode side of the thin metal foil. In another characterization of the present invention, a cooling plate assembly cools adjacent fuel cells, where the cooling plate assembly includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode formed of thin conducting foils; and a metal mesh flow field therebetween for distributing cooling water flow over the electrodes to remove heat generated by the fuel cells.

Fuel cell with metal screen flow-field

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.; Zawodzinski, Christine

1998-01-01

A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is provided with electrodes supplied with a reactant on each side of a catalyzed membrane assembly (CMA). The fuel cell includes a metal mesh defining a rectangular flow-field pattern having an inlet at a first corner and an outlet at a second corner located on a diagonal from the first corner, wherein all flow paths from the inlet to the outlet through the square flow field pattern are equivalent to uniformly distribute the reactant over the CMA. In a preferred form of metal mesh, a square weave screen forms the flow-field pattern. In a particular characterization of the present invention, a bipolar plate electrically connects adjacent fuel cells, where the bipolar plate includes a thin metal foil having an anode side and a cathode side; a first metal mesh on the anode side of the thin metal foil; and a second metal mesh on the cathode side of the thin metal foil. In another characterization of the present invention, a cooling plate assembly cools adjacent fuel cells, where the cooling plate assembly includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode formed of thin conducting foils; and a metal mesh flow field therebetween for distributing cooling water flow over the electrodes to remove heat generated by the fuel cells.

Sol-gel deposited Cu2O and CuO thin films for photocatalytic water splitting.

PubMed

Lim, Yee-Fun; Chua, Chin Sheng; Lee, Coryl Jing Jun; Chi, Dongzhi

2014-12-21

Cu2O and CuO are attractive photocatalytic materials for water splitting due to their earth abundance and low cost. In this paper, we report the deposition of Cu2O and CuO thin films by a sol-gel spin-coating process. Sol-gel deposition has distinctive advantages such as low-cost solution processing and uniform film formation over large areas with a precise stoichiometry and thickness control. Pure-phase Cu2O and CuO films were obtained by thermal annealing at 500 °C in nitrogen and ambient air, respectively. The films were successfully incorporated as photocathodes in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell, achieving photocurrents of -0.28 mA cm(-2) and -0.35 mA cm(-2) (for Cu2O and CuO, respectively) at 0.05 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The Cu2O photocurrent was enhanced to -0.47 mA cm(-2) upon incorporation of a thin layer of a NiOx co-catalyst. Preliminary stability studies indicate that CuO may be more stable than Cu2O as a photocathode for PEC water-splitting.

Low-cost ultra-thin broadband terahertz beam-splitter.

PubMed

Ung, Benjamin S-Y; Fumeaux, Christophe; Lin, Hungyen; Fischer, Bernd M; Ng, Brian W-H; Abbott, Derek

2012-02-27

A low-cost terahertz beam-splitter is fabricated using ultra-thin LDPE plastic sheeting coated with a conducting silver layer. The beam splitting ratio is determined as a function of the thickness of the silver layer--thus any required splitting ratio can be printed on demand with a suitable rapid prototyping technology. The low-cost aspect is a consequence of the fact that ultra-thin LDPE sheeting is readily obtainable, known more commonly as domestic plastic wrap or cling wrap. The proposed beam-splitter has numerous advantages over float zone silicon wafers commonly used within the terahertz frequency range. These advantages include low-cost, ease of handling, ultra-thin thickness, and any required beam splitting ratio can be readily fabricated. Furthermore, as the beam-splitter is ultra-thin, it presents low loss and does not suffer from Fabry-Pérot effects. Measurements performed on manufactured prototypes with different splitting ratios demonstrate a good agreement with our theoretical model in both P and S polarizations, exhibiting nearly frequency-independent splitting ratios in the terahertz frequency range.

Quantification of photocatalytic oxygenation of human blood.

PubMed

Subrahmanyam, Aryasomayajula; Thangaraj, Paul R; Kanuru, Chandrasekhar; Jayakumar, Albert; Gopal, Jayashree

2014-04-01

Photocatalytic oxygenation of human blood is an emerging concept based on the principle of photocatalytic splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen. This communication reports: (i) a design of a photocatalytic cell (PC) that separates the blood from UV (incident) radiation source, (ii) a pH, temperature and flow controlled circuit designed for quantifying the oxygenation of human blood by photocatalysis and (iii) measuring the current efficacy of ITO/TiO2 nano thin films in oxygenating human blood in a dynamic circuit in real time. The average increase in oxygen saturation was around 5% above baseline compared to control (p<0.0005). We believe this is one of the first attempts to quantify photocatalytic oxygenation of human blood under controlled conditions. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

3D-printed and CNC milled flow-cells for chemiluminescence detection.

PubMed

Spilstead, Kara B; Learey, Jessica J; Doeven, Egan H; Barbante, Gregory J; Mohr, Stephan; Barnett, Neil W; Terry, Jessica M; Hall, Robynne M; Francis, Paul S

2014-08-01

Herein we explore modern fabrication techniques for the development of chemiluminescence detection flow-cells with features not attainable using the traditional coiled tubing approach. This includes the first 3D-printed chemiluminescence flow-cells, and a milled flow-cell designed to split the analyte stream into two separate detection zones within the same polymer chip. The flow-cells are compared to conventional detection systems using flow injection analysis (FIA) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with the fast chemiluminescence reactions of an acidic potassium permanganate reagent with morphine and a series of adrenergic phenolic amines. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gas and Oil Flow through Wellbore Flaws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatambeigi, M.; Anwar, I.; Reda Taha, M.; Bettin, G.; Chojnicki, K. N.; Stormont, J.

2017-12-01

We have measured gas and oil flow through laboratory samples that represent two important potential flow paths in wellbores associated with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR): cement-steel interfaces (microannuli) and cement fractures. Cement fractures were created by tensile splitting of cement cores. Samples to represent microannuli were created by placing thin steel sheets within split cement cores so flow is channeled along the cement-steel interface. The test sequence included alternating gas and oil flow measurements. The test fluids were nitrogen and silicone oil with properties similar to a typical crude oil stored in the SPR. After correcting for non-linear (inertial) flow when necessary, flows were interpreted as effective permeability and hydraulic aperture using the cubic law. For both samples with cement fractures and those with cement-steel interfaces, initial gas and oil permeabilities were comparable. Once saturated with oil, a displacement pressure had to be overcome to establish gas flow through a sample, and the subsequent gas permeability were reduced by more than 50% compared to its initial value. Keywords: wellbore integrity, leakage, fracture, microannulus, SPR. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTESS/Honeywell, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. SAND2017-8168 A

Surface modifications of chalcopyrite CuInS2 thin films for photochatodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting under sunlight irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunawan; Haris, A.; Widiyandari, H.; Septina, W.; Ikeda, S.

2017-02-01

Copper chalcopyrite semiconductors include a wide range of compounds that are of interest for photoelectrochemical water splitting which enables them to be used as photochatodes for H2 generation. Among them, CuInS2 is one of the most important materials due to its optimum band gap energy for sunlight absorption. In the present study, we investigated the application of CuInS2 fabricated by electrodeposition as photochatodes for water splitting. Thin film of CuInS2 chalcopyrite was formed on Mo-coated glass substrate by stacked electrodeposition of copper and indium followed by sulfurization under H2S flow. The films worked as a H2 liberation electrode under cathodic polarization from a solution containing Na2SO4 after loading Pt deposits on the film. Introduction of an n-type CdS layer by chemical bath deposition on the CuInS2 surface before the Pt loading resulted appreciable improvements of H2 liberation efficiency and a higher photocurrent onset potential. Moreover, the use of In2S3 layer as an alternative n-type layer to the CdS significantly improved the H2 liberation performance: the CuInS2 film modified with In2S3 and Pt deposits worked as an efficient photocathode for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Fuel cell with interdigitated porous flow-field

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.

1997-01-01

A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is formed with an improved system for distributing gaseous reactants to the membrane surface. A PEM fuel cell has an ionic transport membrane with opposed catalytic surfaces formed thereon and separates gaseous reactants that undergo reactions at the catalytic surfaces of the membrane. The fuel cell may also include a thin gas diffusion layer having first and second sides with a first side contacting at least one of the catalytic surfaces. A macroporous flow-field with interdigitated inlet and outlet reactant channels contacts the second side of the thin gas diffusion layer for distributing one of the gaseous reactants over the thin gas diffusion layer for transport to an adjacent one of the catalytic surfaces of the membrane. The porous flow field may be formed from a hydrophilic material and provides uniform support across the backside of the electrode assembly to facilitate the use of thin backing layers.

Fuel cell with interdigitated porous flow-field

DOEpatents

Wilson, M.S.

1997-06-24

A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is formed with an improved system for distributing gaseous reactants to the membrane surface. A PEM fuel cell has an ionic transport membrane with opposed catalytic surfaces formed thereon and separates gaseous reactants that undergo reactions at the catalytic surfaces of the membrane. The fuel cell may also include a thin gas diffusion layer having first and second sides with a first side contacting at least one of the catalytic surfaces. A macroporous flow-field with interdigitated inlet and outlet reactant channels contacts the second side of the thin gas diffusion layer for distributing one of the gaseous reactants over the thin gas diffusion layer for transport to an adjacent one of the catalytic surfaces of the membrane. The porous flow field may be formed from a hydrophilic material and provides uniform support across the backside of the electrode assembly to facilitate the use of thin backing layers. 9 figs.

Integrating a Semitransparent, Fullerene-Free Organic Solar Cell in Tandem with a BiVO4 Photoanode for Unassisted Solar Water Splitting.

PubMed

Peng, Yuelin; Govindaraju, Gokul V; Lee, Dong Ki; Choi, Kyoung-Shin; Andrew, Trisha L

2017-07-12

We report an unassisted solar water splitting system powered by a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-containing semitransparent organic solar cell. Two major merits of this fullerene-free solar cell enable its integration with a BiVO 4 photoanode. First is the high open circuit voltage and high fill factor displayed by this single junction solar cell, which yields sufficient power to effect water splitting when serially connected to an appropriate electrode/catalyst. Second, the wavelength-resolved photoaction spectrum of the DPP-based solar cell has minimal overlap with that of the BiVO 4 photoanode, thus ensuring that light collection across these two components can be optimized. The latter feature enables a new water splitting device configuration wherein the solar cell is placed first in the path of incident light, before the BiVO 4 photoanode, although BiVO 4 has a wider bandgap. This configuration is accessed by replacing the reflective top electrode of the standard DPP-based solar cell with a thin metal film and an antireflection layer, thus rendering the solar cell semitransparent. In this configuration, incident light does not travel through the aqueous electrolyte to reach the solar cell or photoanode, and therefore, photon losses due to the scattering of water are reduced. Moreover, this new configuration allows the BiVO 4 photoanode to be back-illuminated, i.e., through the BiVO 4 /back contact interface, which leads to higher photocurrents compared to front illumination. The combination of a semitransparent single-junction solar cell and a BiVO 4 photoanode coated with oxygen evolution catalysts in a new device configuration yielded an unassisted solar water splitting system with a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 2.2% in water.

A new flux splitting scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.

1993-01-01

A new flux splitting scheme is proposed. The scheme is remarkably simple and yet its accuracy rivals and in some cases surpasses that of Roe's solver in the Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions performed in this study. The scheme is robust and converges as fast as the Roe splitting. An approximately defined cell-face advection Mach number is proposed using values from the two straddling cells via associated characteristic speeds. This interface Mach number is then used to determine the upwind extrapolation for the convective quantities. Accordingly, the name of the scheme is coined as Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM). A new pressure splitting is introduced which is shown to behave successfully, yielding much smoother results than other existing pressure splittings. Of particular interest is the supersonic blunt body problem in which the Roe scheme gives anomalous solutions. The AUSM produces correct solutions without difficulty for a wide range of flow conditions as well as grids.

A new flux splitting scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.

1991-01-01

A new flux splitting scheme is proposed. The scheme is remarkably simple and yet its accuracy rivals and in some cases surpasses that of Roe's solver in the Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions performed in this study. The scheme is robust and converges as fast as the Roe splitting. An approximately defined cell-face advection Mach number is proposed using values from the two straddling cells via associated characteristic speeds. This interface Mach number is then used to determine the upwind extrapolation for the convective quantities. Accordingly, the name of the scheme is coined as Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM). A new pressure splitting is introduced which is shown to behave successfully, yielding much smoother results than other existing pressure splittings. Of particular interest is the supersonic blunt body problem in which the Roe scheme gives anomalous solutions. The AUSM produces correct solutions without difficulty for a wide range of flow conditions as well as grids.

The influence of underlying topography on lava channel networks and flow behavior (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietterich, H. R.; Cashman, K. V.; Rust, A.

2013-12-01

New high resolution mapping of historical lava flows in Hawai';i reveals complex topographically controlled channel networks. Network morphologies range from distributary systems dominated by branching around local obstacles, to tributary systems constricted by topographic confinement. Because channel networks govern the distribution of lava within the flow, they can dramatically alter the effective volumetric flux, which affects both flow length and advance rate. The influence of flow bifurcations is evidenced by (1) channelized flows from Pu';u ';O';o episodes 1-20 at Kilauea Volcano, where flow front velocities decreased by approximately half each time a flow split, and (2) the length of confined flows, such as the Mauna Loa 1859 flow, which traveled twice as far as the distributary Mauna Loa 1984 flow, despite similar effusion rates and durations. To study the underlying controls on flow bifurcations, we have undertaken a series of analogue experiments with golden syrup (a Newtonian fluid) to better understand the physics of obstacle interaction and its influence on flow behavior and morphology. Controlling the effusion rate and surface slope, we extrude flows onto a surface with a cylindrical or V-shaped obstacle of variable angle. When the flow is sufficiently fast, a stationary wave forms upslope of the obstacle; if the stationary wave is sufficiently high, the flow can overtop, rather than split around, the obstacle. The stationary wave height increases with flow velocity and with the effective obstacle width. Evidence for stationary waves in Hawaiian lava flows comes from both photographs of active flows and waveforms frozen into solidified flows. We have also performed a preliminary set of similar experiments with molten basalt to identify the effect of cooling and investigate flow merging. In these experiments, a stationary wave develops upslope of the obstacle, which allows the surface to cool and thicken. After splitting, the syrup experiments show minimal impact of the split on flow advance, except in cases where the flow is very thin, and surface tension controls the flow behavior. In contrast, the experiments with molten basalt slow markedly, as measured by both flow front and surface velocities. This difference demonstrates the effect of cooling and crust formation on flowing lava. Crust formation also controls the ability of split flows to merge below an obstacle, such that flows can converge only at high flow rates, which limits time for crust formation, and at narrow obstacle angles, which limits the lateral spreading required for convergence. Our experiments qualitatively support theoretical descriptions of crustal controls on flow spreading and levee development, but our poor knowledge of the appropriate parameter values, particularly that of the strength of the viscoelastic crust, prevents a quantitative comparison. These experiments, and our observations from natural systems, have significant implications for predicting lava flow behavior and inform efforts to mitigate flow hazards with diversion barriers.

Effects of annealing temperature on the physicochemical, optical and photoelectrochemical properties of nanostructured hematite thin films prepared via electrodeposition method

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

Phuan, Yi Wen; Chong, Meng Nan, E-mail: Chong.Meng.Nan@monash.edu; Sustainable Water Alliance, Advanced Engineering Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 46150 Selangor DE

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Nanostructured hematite thin films were synthesized via electrodeposition method. • Effects of annealing on size, grain boundary and PEC properties were examined. • Photocurrents generation was enhanced when the thin films were annealed at 600 °C. • The highest photocurrent density of 1.6 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl was achieved. - Abstract: Hematite (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) is a promising photoanode material for hydrogen production from photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its wide abundance, narrow band-gap energy, efficient light absorption and high chemical stability under aqueous environment. The key challenge to the wider utilisation of nanostructuredmore » hematite-based photoanode in PEC water splitting, however, is limited by its low photo-assisted water oxidation caused by large overpotential in the nominal range of 0.5–0.6 V. The main aim of this study was to enhance the performance of hematite for photo-assisted water oxidation by optimising the annealing temperature used during the synthesis of nanostructured hematite thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-based photoanodes prepared via the cathodic electrodeposition method. The resultant nanostructured hematite thin films were characterised using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for their elemental composition, average nanocrystallites size and morphology; phase and crystallinity; UV-absorptivity and band gap energy; and the functional groups, respectively. Results showed that the nanostructured hematite thin films possess good ordered nanocrystallites array and high crystallinity after annealing treatment at 400–600 °C. FE-SEM images illustrated an increase in the average hematite nanocrystallites size from 65 nm to 95 nm when the annealing temperature was varied from 400 °C to 600 °C. As the crystallites size increases, the grain boundaries reduce and this suppresses the recombination rate of electron–hole pairs on the nanostructured hematite thin films. As a result, the measured photocurrent densities of nanostructured hematite thin films also increased. The highest measured photocurrent density of 1.6 mA/cm{sup 2} at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl in 1 M NaOH electrolyte was achieved for the nanostructured hematite thin film annealed at 600 °C. This study had confirmed that strong interdependencies exist between the average hematite nanocrystallites size and grain boundaries with annealing temperature on the eventual PEC water splitting performance of nanostructured hematite thin films. The annealed hematite thin films at a higher temperature will enhance the nanocrystals growth and thus, suppressing the electron–hole pairs recombination rate, lowering the grain boundary resistance and enabling higher photocurrent flow at the molecular level. As a result, the photocurrent density and thus, the overall PEC water splitting performance of the nanostructured hematite thin films are significantly enhanced.« less

Flow of foams in two-dimensional disordered porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dollet, Benjamin; Geraud, Baudouin; Jones, Sian A.; Meheust, Yves; Cantat, Isabelle; Institut de Physique de Rennes Team; Geosciences Rennes Team

2015-11-01

Liquid foams are a yield stress fluid with elastic properties. When a foam flow is confined by solid walls, viscous dissipation arises from the contact zones between soap films and walls, giving very peculiar friction laws. In particular, foams potentially invade narrow pores much more efficiently than Newtonian fluids, which is of great importance for enhanced oil recovery. To quantify this effect, we study experimentally flows of foam in a model two-dimensional porous medium, consisting of an assembly of circular obstacles placed randomly in a Hele-Shaw cell, and use image analysis to quantify foam flow at the local scale. We show that bubbles split as they flow through the porous medium, by a mechanism of film pinching during contact with an obstacle, yielding two daughter bubbles per split bubble. We quantify the evolution of the bubble size distribution as a function of the distance along the porous medium, the splitting probability as a function of bubble size, and the probability distribution function of the daughter bubbles. We propose an evolution equation to model this splitting phenomenon and compare it successfully to the experiments, showing how at long distance, the porous medium itself dictates the size distribution of the foam.

Desertification of the peritoneum by thin-film evaporation during laparoscopy.

PubMed

Ott, Douglas E

2003-01-01

To assess the effects of gas flow during insufflation on peritoneal fluid and peritoneal tissue regarding transient thermal behavior and thin-film evaporation. The effects of laparoscopic gas on peritoneal cell desiccation and peritoneal fluid thin-film evaporation were analyzed. Measurment of tissue and peritoneal fluid and analysis of gas flow dynamics during laparoscopy. High-velocity gas interface conditions during laparoscopic gas insufflation result in peritoneal surface temperature and decreases up to 20 degrees C/second due to rapid thin-film evaporation of the peritoneal fluid. Evaporation of the thin film of peritoneal fluid extends quickly to the peritoneal cell membrane, causing peritoneal cell desiccation, internal cytoplasmic stress, and disruption of the cell membrane, resulting in loss of peritoneal surface continuity and integrity. Changing the gas conditions to 35 degrees C and 95% humidity maintains normal peritoneal fluid thin-film characteristics, cellular integrity, and prevents evaporative losses. Cold, dry gas and the characteristics of the laparoscopic gas delivery apparatus cause local peritoneal damaging alterations by high-velocity gas flow with extremely dry gas, creating extreme arid surface conditions, rapid evaporative and hydrological changes, tissue desiccation, and peritoneal fluid alterations that contribute to the process of desertification and thin-film evaporation. Peritoneal desertification is preventable by preconditioning the gas to 35 degrees C and 95% humidity.

Outdoor measurements of a photovoltaic system using diffractive spectrum-splitting and concentration

DOE PAGES

Mohammad, N.; Schulz, M.; Wang, P.; ...

2016-09-16

In a single-bandgap absorber, photons having energy less than the bandgap are not absorbed, while those having energy larger than the bandgap lose the excess energy via thermalization. We present outdoor measurements of a photovoltaic system that overcomes these losses via spectrum splitting and concentration using a planar diffractive optic. The system was comprised of the diffractive optic coupled with GaInP and CIGS solar cells. The optic provides a geometric concentration of 3X for each solar cell. It is easily fabricated by single-step grayscale lithography and it is ultra-thin with a maximum thickness of only 2.5μm. Electrical measurements under directmore » sunlight demonstrated an increase of ~25% in total output power compared to the reference case without spectrum splitting and concentration. Since different bandgaps are in the same plane, the proposed photovoltaic system successfully circumvents the lattice-matching and current-matching issues in conventional tandem multi-junction solar cells. As a result, this system is also tolerant to solar spectrum variation and fill-factor degradation of constitutive solar cells.« less

Outdoor measurements of a photovoltaic system using diffractive spectrum-splitting and concentration

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

Mohammad, N.; Schulz, M.; Wang, P.

In a single-bandgap absorber, photons having energy less than the bandgap are not absorbed, while those having energy larger than the bandgap lose the excess energy via thermalization. We present outdoor measurements of a photovoltaic system that overcomes these losses via spectrum splitting and concentration using a planar diffractive optic. The system was comprised of the diffractive optic coupled with GaInP and CIGS solar cells. The optic provides a geometric concentration of 3X for each solar cell. It is easily fabricated by single-step grayscale lithography and it is ultra-thin with a maximum thickness of only 2.5μm. Electrical measurements under directmore » sunlight demonstrated an increase of ~25% in total output power compared to the reference case without spectrum splitting and concentration. Since different bandgaps are in the same plane, the proposed photovoltaic system successfully circumvents the lattice-matching and current-matching issues in conventional tandem multi-junction solar cells. As a result, this system is also tolerant to solar spectrum variation and fill-factor degradation of constitutive solar cells.« less

Broad-spectrum enhanced absorption of graphene-molybdenum disulfide photovoltaic cells in metal-mirror microcavity.

PubMed

Jiang-Tao, Liu; Yun-Kai, Cao; Hong, Tong; Dai-Qiang, Wang; Zhen-Hua, Wu

2018-04-06

The optical absorption of graphene-molybdenum disulfide photovoltaic cells (GM-PVc) in wedge-shaped metal-mirror microcavities (w-MMCs) combined with a spectrum-splitting structure was studied. Results showed that the combination of spectrum-splitting structure and w-MMC can enable the light absorption of GM-PVcs to reach about 65% in the broad spectrum. The influence of processing errors on the absorption of GM-PVcs in w-MMCs was 3-14 times lower than that of GM-PVcs in wedge photonic crystal microcavities. The light absorption of GM-PVcs reached 60% in the broad spectrum, even with the processing errors. The proposed structure is easy to implement and may have potentially important applications in the development of ultra-thin and high-efficiency solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Broad-spectrum enhanced absorption of graphene-molybdenum disulfide photovoltaic cells in metal-mirror microcavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang-Tao, Liu; Yun-Kai, Cao; Hong, Tong; Dai-Qiang, Wang; Zhen-Hua, Wu

2018-04-01

The optical absorption of graphene-molybdenum disulfide photovoltaic cells (GM-PVc) in wedge-shaped metal-mirror microcavities (w-MMCs) combined with a spectrum-splitting structure was studied. Results showed that the combination of spectrum-splitting structure and w-MMC can enable the light absorption of GM-PVcs to reach about 65% in the broad spectrum. The influence of processing errors on the absorption of GM-PVcs in w-MMCs was 3-14 times lower than that of GM-PVcs in wedge photonic crystal microcavities. The light absorption of GM-PVcs reached 60% in the broad spectrum, even with the processing errors. The proposed structure is easy to implement and may have potentially important applications in the development of ultra-thin and high-efficiency solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Dye-Sensitized Hydrobromic Acid Splitting for Hydrogen Solar Fuel Production.

PubMed

Brady, Matthew D; Sampaio, Renato N; Wang, Degao; Meyer, Thomas J; Meyer, Gerald J

2017-11-08

Hydrobromic acid (HBr) has significant potential as an inexpensive feedstock for hydrogen gas (H 2 ) solar fuel production through HBr splitting. Mesoporous thin films of anatase TiO 2 or SnO 2 /TiO 2 core-shell nanoparticles were sensitized to visible light with a new Ru II polypyridyl complex that served as a photocatalyst for bromide oxidation. These thin films were tested as photoelectrodes in dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells. In 1 N HBr (aq), the photocatalyst undergoes excited-state electron injection and light-driven Br - oxidation. The injected electrons induce proton reduction at a Pt electrode. Under 100 mW cm -2 white-light illumination, sustained photocurrents of 1.5 mA cm -2 were measured under an applied bias. Faradaic efficiencies of 71 ± 5% for Br - oxidation and 94 ± 2% for H 2 production were measured. A 12 μmol h -1 sustained rate of H 2 production was maintained during illumination. The results demonstrate a molecular approach to HBr splitting with a visible light absorbing complex capable of aqueous Br - oxidation and excited-state electron injection.

Engineering Fracking Fluids with Computer Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaqfeh, Eric

2015-11-01

There are no comprehensive simulation-based tools for engineering the flows of viscoelastic fluid-particle suspensions in fully three-dimensional geometries. On the other hand, the need for such a tool in engineering applications is immense. Suspensions of rigid particles in viscoelastic fluids play key roles in many energy applications. For example, in oil drilling the ``drilling mud'' is a very viscous, viscoelastic fluid designed to shear-thin during drilling, but thicken at stoppage so that the ``cuttings'' can remain suspended. In a related application known as hydraulic fracturing suspensions of solids called ``proppant'' are used to prop open the fracture by pumping them into the well. It is well-known that particle flow and settling in a viscoelastic fluid can be quite different from that which is observed in Newtonian fluids. First, it is now well known that the ``fluid particle split'' at bifurcation cracks is controlled by fluid rheology in a manner that is not understood. Second, in Newtonian fluids, the presence of an imposed shear flow in the direction perpendicular to gravity (which we term a cross or orthogonal shear flow) has no effect on the settling of a spherical particle in Stokes flow (i.e. at vanishingly small Reynolds number). By contrast, in a non-Newtonian liquid, the complex rheological properties induce a nonlinear coupling between the sedimentation and shear flow. Recent experimental data have shown both the shear thinning and the elasticity of the suspending polymeric solutions significantly affects the fluid-particle split at bifurcations, as well as the settling rate of the solids. In the present work, we use the Immersed Boundary Method to develop computer simulations of viscoelastic flow in suspensions of spheres to study these problems. These simulations allow us to understand the detailed physical mechanisms for the remarkable physical behavior seen in practice, and actually suggest design rules for creating new fluid recipes.

Methodology for sensitivity analysis, approximate analysis, and design optimization in CFD for multidisciplinary applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Arthur C., III; Hou, Gene W.

1993-01-01

In this study involving advanced fluid flow codes, an incremental iterative formulation (also known as the delta or correction form) together with the well-known spatially-split approximate factorization algorithm, is presented for solving the very large sparse systems of linear equations which are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. For smaller 2D problems, a direct method can be applied to solve these linear equations in either the standard or the incremental form, in which case the two are equivalent. Iterative methods are needed for larger 2D and future 3D applications, however, because direct methods require much more computer memory than is currently available. Iterative methods for solving these equations in the standard form are generally unsatisfactory due to an ill-conditioning of the coefficient matrix; this problem can be overcome when these equations are cast in the incremental form. These and other benefits are discussed. The methodology is successfully implemented and tested in 2D using an upwind, cell-centered, finite volume formulation applied to the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented for two sample airfoil problems: (1) subsonic low Reynolds number laminar flow; and (2) transonic high Reynolds number turbulent flow.

Particulate Photocatalyst Sheets Based on Carbon Conductor Layer for Efficient Z-Scheme Pure-Water Splitting at Ambient Pressure.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Hisatomi, Takashi; Suzuki, Yohichi; Pan, Zhenhua; Seo, Jeongsuk; Katayama, Masao; Minegishi, Tsutomu; Nishiyama, Hiroshi; Takata, Tsuyoshi; Seki, Kazuhiko; Kudo, Akihiko; Yamada, Taro; Domen, Kazunari

2017-02-01

Development of sunlight-driven water splitting systems with high efficiency, scalability, and cost-competitiveness is a central issue for mass production of solar hydrogen as a renewable and storable energy carrier. Photocatalyst sheets comprising a particulate hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP) and an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP) embedded in a conductive thin film can realize efficient and scalable solar hydrogen production using Z-scheme water splitting. However, the use of expensive precious metal thin films that also promote reverse reactions is a major obstacle to developing a cost-effective process at ambient pressure. In this study, we present a standalone particulate photocatalyst sheet based on an earth-abundant, relatively inert, and conductive carbon film for efficient Z-scheme water splitting at ambient pressure. A SrTiO 3 :La,Rh/C/BiVO 4 :Mo sheet is shown to achieve unassisted pure-water (pH 6.8) splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) of 1.2% at 331 K and 10 kPa, while retaining 80% of this efficiency at 91 kPa. The STH value of 1.0% is the highest among Z-scheme pure water splitting operating at ambient pressure. The working mechanism of the photocatalyst sheet is discussed on the basis of band diagram simulation. In addition, the photocatalyst sheet split pure water more efficiently than conventional powder suspension systems and photoelectrochemical parallel cells because H + and OH - concentration overpotentials and an IR drop between the HEP and OEP were effectively suppressed. The proposed carbon-based photocatalyst sheet, which can be used at ambient pressure, is an important alternative to (photo)electrochemical systems for practical solar hydrogen production.

Teleseismic shear-wave splitting in SE Tibet: Insight into complex crust and upper-mantle deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhouchuan; Wang, Liangshu; Xu, Mingjie; Ding, Zhifeng; Wu, Yan; Wang, Pan; Mi, Ning; Yu, Dayong; Li, Hua

2015-12-01

We measured shear-wave splitting of teleseismic XKS phases (i.e., SKS, SKKS and PKS) recorded by more than 300 temporary ChinArray stations in Yunnan of SE Tibet. The first-order pattern of XKS splitting measurements shows that the fast polarization directions (φ) change (at ∼26-27°N) from dominant N-S in the north to E-W in the south. While splitting observations around the eastern Himalayan syntax well reflect anisotropy in the lithosphere under left-lateral shear deformation, the dominant E-W φ to the south of ∼26°N is consistent with the maximum extension in the crust and suggest vertically coherent pure-shear deformation throughout the lithosphere in Yunnan. However, the thin lithosphere (<80 km) could account for only part (<0.7 s) of the observed splitting delay times (δt, 0.9-1.5 s). Anisotropy in the asthenosphere is necessary to explain the NW-SE and nearly E-W φ in these regions. The NE-SW φ can be explained by the counter flow caused by the subduction and subsequent retreat of the Burma slab. The E-W φ is consistent with anisotropy due to the absolute plate motion in SE Tibet and the eastward asthenospheric flow from Tibet to eastern China accompanying the tectonic evolution of the plateau. Our results provide new information on different deformation fields in different layers under SE Tibet, which improves our understanding on the complex geodynamics related to the tectonic uplift and southeastward expansion of Tibetan material under the plateau.

Spatiotemporal chaos near the onset of cellular growth during thin-film solidification of a binary alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. T. C.; Tsiveriotis, K.; Brown, R. A.

1992-01-01

Thin-film solidification experiments with a succinonitrile-acetone alloy are used to observe the long time-scale dynamics of cellular crystal growth at growth rates only slightly above the critical value VC = Vc(lambda sub c) for the onset of morphological instability. Under these conditions only very small amplitude cells are observed with wavelengths near the value predicted by linear stability theory lambda = lambda sub c. At long times, microstructures with wavelengths significantly finer than lambda suc c form by nucleation at defects across the interface. These interfaces do not have a unique microstructure, but seem to exhibit spatiotemporal chaos on a long time scale caused by the continual birth and death of cells by tip splitting and cell annihilation in grooves.

Method for fabrication of electrodes

DOEpatents

Jankowski, Alan F.; Morse, Jeffrey D.; Barksdale, Randy

2004-06-22

Described herein is a method to fabricate porous thin-film electrodes for fuel cells and fuel cell stacks. Furthermore, the method can be used for all fuel cell electrolyte materials which utilize a continuous electrolyte layer. An electrode layer is deposited on a porous host structure by flowing gas (for example, Argon) from the bottomside of the host structure while simultaneously depositing a conductive material onto the topside of the host structure. By controlling the gas flow rate through the pores, along with the process conditions and deposition rate of the thin-film electrode material, a film of a pre-determined thickness can be formed. Once the porous electrode is formed, a continuous electrolyte thin-film is deposited, followed by a second porous electrode to complete the fuel cell structure.

A numerical study of the contrarotating vortex pair associated with a jet in a crossflow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Karlin R.; Fearn, Richard L.; Thakur, Siddharth S.

1989-01-01

An implicit two-factor partially flux split solver for the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations is used to solve the aerodynamic/propulsive interaction between a subsonic jet exhausting perpendicularly through a flat plat plate into a crossflow. The algorithm is applied to flows with a range of jet to crossflow velocity ratios between 4 and 8. The computed velocity field is analyzed and comparisons are made with experimentally determined properties of the contrarotating vortex pair.

Highly sensitive determination of cadmium and lead using a low-cost electrochemical flow-through cell based on a carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Wonsawat, Wanida; Dungchai, Wijitar; Motomizu, Shoji; Chuanuwatanakul, Suchada; Chailapakul, Orawon

2012-01-01

A low-cost thin-layer electrochemical flow-through cell based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE), was constructed for the highly sensitive determination of cadmium(II) (Cd(2+)) and lead(II) (Pb(2+)) ions. The sensitivity of the proposed cell for Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) ion detection was improved by using the smallest channel height without the need for any complicated electrode modification. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits of Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) ions (0.08 and 0.07 µg dm(-3), respectively) were 13.8- and 11.4-fold lower than that of a commercial flow cell (1.1 and 0.8 µg dm(-3), respectively). Moreover, the percentage recoveries of Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) for the in-house designed thin-layer flow cell were higher than those for the commercially available cell in all tested water samples, and within the acceptable range. The proposed flow cell is promising as an inexpensive and alternative one for the highly sensitive monitoring of heavy metal ions. 2012 © The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry

UCB current detector experiment on Swedish auroral payloads. [ionospheric current and plasma flow measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mozer, F.

1974-01-01

A split Langmuir probe has been developed to make in situ measurements of ionospheric current density and plasma bulk flow. The probe consists of two conducting elements that are separated by a thin insulator that shield each other over a 2 pi solid angle, and that are simultaneously swept from negative to positive with respect to the plasma. By measuring the current to each plate and the difference current between plates, information is obtained on the plasma's current density, bulk flow, electron temperature, and density. The instrument was successfully flown twice on sounding rockets into auroral events. Measurement data indicate that the total auroral current configuration is composed of several alternating east and west electrojets associated with several alternating up and down Birkeland currents.

Numerical analysis of a red blood cell flowing through a thin micropore.

PubMed

Omori, Toshihiro; Hosaka, Haruki; Imai, Yohsuke; Yamaguchi, Takami; Ishikawa, Takuji

2014-01-01

Red blood cell (RBC) deformability plays a key role in microcirculation, especially in vessels that have diameters even smaller than the nominal cell size. In this study, we numerically investigate the dynamics of an RBC in a thin micropore. The RBC is modeled as a capsule with a thin hyperelastic membrane. In a numerical simulation, we employ a boundary element method for fluid mechanics and a finite element method for membrane mechanics. The resulting RBC deformation towards the flow direction is suppressed considerably by increased cytoplasm viscosity, whereas the gap between the cell membrane and solid wall becomes smaller with higher cytoplasm viscosity. We also measure the transit time of the RBC and find that nondimensional transit time increases nonlinearly with respect to the viscosity ratio, whereas it is invariant to the capillary number. In conclusion, cytoplasmic viscosity plays a key role in the dynamics of an RBC in a thin pore. The results of this study will be useful for designing a microfluidic device to measure cytoplasmic viscosity.

Laser Beam Propagation Through Inhomogeneous Media with Shock-Like Profiles: Modeling and Computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory; Ida, Nathan

1997-01-01

Wave propagation in inhomogeneous media has been studied for such diverse applications as propagation of radiowaves in atmosphere, light propagation through thin films and in inhomogeneous waveguides, flow visualization, and others. In recent years an increased interest has been developed in wave propagation through shocks in supersonic flows. Results of experiments conducted in the past few years has shown such interesting phenomena as a laser beam splitting and spreading. The paper describes a model constructed to propagate a laser beam through shock-like inhomogeneous media. Numerical techniques are presented to compute the beam through such media. The results of computation are presented, discussed, and compared with experimental data.

The shape and motion of gas bubbles in a liquid flowing through a thin annulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Qinghua; Xie, Zhihua; Pavlidis, Dimitrios; Salinas, Pablo; Veltin, Jeremy; Muggeridge, Ann; Pain, Christopher C.; Matar, Omar K.; Jackson, Matthew; Arland, Kristine; Gyllensten, Atle

2017-11-01

We study the shape and motion of gas bubbles in a liquid flowing through a horizontal or slightly-inclined thin annulus. Experimental data show that in the horizontal annulus, bubbles develop a unique ``tadpole'' shape with an elliptical cap and a highly-stretched tail, due to the confinement between the closely-spaced channel walls. As the annulus is inclined, the bubble tail tends to decrease in length, while the geometry of the cap remains almost invariant. To model the bubble evolution, the thin annulus is conceptualised as a ``Hele-Shaw'' cell in a curvilinear space. The three-dimensional flow within the cell is represented by a gap-averaged, two-dimensional model constrained by the same dimensionless quantities. The complex bubble dynamics are solved using a mixed control-volume finite-element method combined with interface-capturing and mesh adaptation techniques. A close match to the experimental data is achieved, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by the numerical simulations. The mechanism for the elliptical cap formation is interpreted based on an analogous irrotational flow field around a circular cylinder. The shape regimes of bubbles flowing through the thin annulus are further explored based on the simulation results. Funding from STATOIL gratefully acknowledged.

Study of flow behavior in all-vanadium redox flow battery using spatially resolved voltage distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Arjun; Wai, Nyunt; Schweiss, Rüdiger; Whitehead, Adam; Scherer, Günther G.; Ghimire, Purna C.; Nguyen, Tam D.; Hng, Huey Hoon

2017-08-01

Uniform flow distribution through the porous electrodes in a flow battery cell is very important for reducing Ohmic and mass transport polarization. A segmented cell approach can be used to obtain in-situ information on flow behaviour, through the local voltage or current mapping. Lateral flow of current within the thick felts in the flow battery can hamper the interpretation of the data. In this study, a new method of segmenting a conventional flow cell is introduced, which for the first time, splits up both the porous felt as well as the current collector. This dual segmentation results in higher resolution and distinct separation of voltages between flow inlet to outlet. To study the flow behavior for an undivided felt, monitoring the OCV is found to be a reliable method, instead of voltage or current mapping during charging and discharging. Our approach to segmentation is simple and applicable to any size of the cell.

The LS-STAG immersed boundary method for non-Newtonian flows in irregular geometries: flow of shear-thinning liquids between eccentric rotating cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Botella, Olivier; Ait-Messaoud, Mazigh; Pertat, Adrien; Cheny, Yoann; Rigal, Claire

2015-04-01

This paper presents the extension of a well-established immersed boundary/cut-cell method, the LS-STAG method (Cheny and Botella in J Comput Phys 229:1043-1076, 2010), to non-Newtonian flow computations in 2D irregular geometries. One of the distinguished features of our IB method is to use level-set techniques in the cut-cells near the irregular boundary, where accurate discretization is of paramount importance for stability and accuracy of the computations. For this purpose, we present here an accurate discretization of the velocity gradients and shear rate in the cut-cells that fits elegantly in the framework of the velocity-pressure-stress staggered arrangement and the special quadratures developed previously for viscoelastic flows. After assessing the accuracy of the discretization on a benchmark solution for power-law fluids, the LS-STAG code is applied to the flow of various shear-thinning xanthan solutions in a wide-gap, non-coaxial, Taylor-Couette reactor for which rheological characterization, experimental flow measurements (PIV) and FLUENT simulations have recently been performed in our group. Our numerical investigation will give new insight on the flow patterns (onset, size and position of the recirculation zone) and will firmly correlate them to global flow properties such as shear-thinning index, generalized Reynolds number and torque ratio at the cylinders.

Earth Observations by the Expedition 19 crew

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-04-09

ISS019-E-005501 (9 April 2009) --- Split Region in Croatia is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 19 crewmember on the International Space Station. One the world?s most rugged coastlines are located in Croatia along the Adriatic Sea. This view features the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia around the city of Split. Much of the region can be characterized by northwest-southeast oriented linear islands and embayments of the Adriatic Sea. This distinctive coastal geomorphology is the result of faulting caused by tectonic activity in the region and sea level rise. Split has a long history - the Roman Emperor Diocletian retired to Spalatum (the present-day Split) in 305, and his palace constitutes the core of the city today. The city is a popular resort destination for its historic sites, Mediterranean climate, and ready access to the Adriatic islands (such as Brac to the south). Other large cities in the region include Kastela and Trogir; together with Split, these form an almost continuous urban area bordering the coast (visible as pink regions). A thin zone marking a water boundary is visible in this image between Split and the island of Brac. It may represent a local plankton bloom, or a line of convergence between water masses creating rougher water. A unique combination of geography -- including dramatic topography that channels local winds, the complicated coastline, input of fresh water from rivers, and ample nutrients and surface oils -- makes for interesting mesoscale surface dynamics throughout the Adriatic Sea. Over the years, astronauts have taken images of the Split region using sunglint and changes in water color to highlight features like eddies, water boundaries and mixing zones between fresh waters flowing into the saltier (denser) waters of the Adriatic, and wind-driven surface currents. Split is an important transit center connecting islands in the Adriatic Sea to the Italian peninsula, and an important regional manufacturing center of goods such as solar cells, plastics, and paper products. The city was heavily industrialized during the post World War II period as a member state of Yugoslavia. By the 1980s, the marine environment bordered by Split, Kastela, and Trogir (known as Kastela Bay) had been identified as one of the most polluted areas of the Adriatic from both sewage and industrial wastes. Concerted efforts by the Croatian government and international partners to improve waste handling and treatment infrastructure over the past 10 years seem to have been successful ? both marine species and water polo players have returned to the area.

Complete kinetic mechanism for recycling of the bacterial ribosome

PubMed Central

Borg, Anneli; Pavlov, Michael

2016-01-01

How EF-G and RRF act together to split a post-termination ribosomal complex into its subunits has remained obscure. Here, using stopped-flow experiments with Rayleigh light scattering detection and quench-flow experiments with radio-detection of GTP hydrolysis, we have clarified the kinetic mechanism of ribosome recycling and obtained precise estimates of its kinetic parameters. Ribosome splitting requires that EF-G binds to an already RRF-containing ribosome. EF-G binding to RRF-free ribosomes induces futile rounds of GTP hydrolysis and inhibits ribosome splitting, implying that while RRF is purely an activator of recycling, EF-G acts as both activator and competitive inhibitor of RRF in recycling of the post-termination ribosome. The ribosome splitting rate and the number of GTPs consumed per splitting event depend strongly on the free concentrations of EF-G and RRF. The maximal recycling rate, here estimated as 25 sec−1, is approached at very high concentrations of EF-G and RRF with RRF in high excess over EF-G. The present in vitro results, suggesting an in vivo ribosome recycling rate of ∼5 sec−1, are discussed in the perspective of rapidly growing bacterial cells. PMID:26527791

Nonlinear unstable viscous fingers in Hele--Shaw flows. I. Experiments

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

Kopf-Sill, A.R.; Homsy, G.M.

1988-02-01

Post-instability viscous fingering in rectilinear flow in a Hele--Shaw cell has been studied experimentally. Of particular interest was the characterization of the range of length scales associated with tip splitting, over a reasonably wide range of parameters. A digital imaging system was used to record the patterns as a function of time, which allowed properties such as the tip velocity, finger width, perimeter, and area to be studied as functions of time and capillary number. The tip velocity was observed to be approximately constant regardless of the occurrence of splitting events, and the average finger width decreased as the degreemore » of supercriticality increased. Quantitative measures of the fact that there is a limit to the complexity of viscous fingers are provided, and that over the range of parameters studied, no evidence for fractal fingering exists. A discussion of the dynamics of tip splitting explains why this is so.« less

The effect of passive mixing on pressure drop and oxygen mass fraction using opposing channel flow field design in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Anant Bir

This study investigates a flow field with opposing channel design. Previous studies on flow field designs have been focused on improving fuel utilization which often leads to increased pressure drop. This increased pressure drop is typical because standard designs employ either a single flow channel to clear blockages or dead end condition to force the flow through the gas diffusion layer. The disadvantage with these designs is the increased resistance to the flow which requires higher pressure, which becomes a parasitic loss that lowers the system efficiency. For this study the focus was to reduce the pressure drop by providing a less resistive path to the flow. To achieve a less resistive path, the inlet channel was split into two opposing channels. These channels are then recombined only to be split again for the next leg. Therefore, the split channel design should reduce the pressure drop which reduces the parasitic load and ultimately contributes to higher system efficiency. In addition the recombining of the streams at each leg should induce mixing. Having opposing channels should also increase cross flow under the lands to reduce mass transfer loses. The cathode side of the fuel cell is especially sensitive to the mass transport losses since air (oxygen mixed with nitrogen) is used for supplying oxygen unlike the anode side which uses pure hydrogen. To test the hypothesis of having benefits from an opposing channel design, both an experimental and analytical approach was taken. For the experiment, a serpentine flow field and opposing channel flow field plates were compared over several flow rates with compressed air. To test the hypothesis of increased mass transfer, the two flow fields were modeled using a CFD software package, COMSOL. It was found that the opposing channel configuration for high flow rate with multiple entry and exit conditions exhibited significant improvement over the single serpentine channel. Pressure drop was ⅓ less than the serpentine channel with similar conditions. Simulations for mass transfer show that recombining of the flow streams generate more uniform current density unlike the serpentine configuration where the current density was concentrated at the entrance of the flow stream. The background section provides a brief overview of the governing equations, the theory of flow field operation and previous bodies of work on flow field design. Recommendations are made for further verification of the design using a real working cell based on the results.

Interplay of oxygen-evolution kinetics and photovoltaic power curves on the construction of artificial leaves

PubMed Central

Surendranath, Yogesh; Bediako, D. Kwabena; Nocera, Daniel G.

2012-01-01

An artificial leaf can perform direct solar-to-fuels conversion. The construction of an efficient artificial leaf or other photovoltaic (PV)-photoelectrochemical device requires that the power curve of the PV material and load curve of water splitting, composed of the catalyst Tafel behavior and cell resistances, be well-matched near the thermodynamic potential for water splitting. For such a condition, we show here that the current density-voltage characteristic of the catalyst is a key determinant of the solar-to-fuels efficiency (SFE). Oxidic Co and Ni borate (Co-Bi and Ni-Bi) thin films electrodeposited from solution yield oxygen-evolving catalysts with Tafel slopes of 52 mV/decade and 30 mV/decade, respectively. The consequence of the disparate Tafel behavior on the SFE is modeled using the idealized behavior of a triple-junction Si PV cell. For PV cells exhibiting similar solar power-conversion efficiencies, those displaying low open circuit voltages are better matched to catalysts with low Tafel slopes and high exchange current densities. In contrast, PV cells possessing high open circuit voltages are largely insensitive to the catalyst’s current density-voltage characteristics but sacrifice overall SFE because of less efficient utilization of the solar spectrum. The analysis presented herein highlights the importance of matching the electrochemical load of water-splitting to the onset of maximum current of the PV component, drawing a clear link between the kinetic profile of the water-splitting catalyst and the SFE efficiency of devices such as the artificial leaf. PMID:22689962

Concentric Split Flow Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stapleton, Thomas J. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A concentric split flow filter may be configured to remove odor and/or bacteria from pumped air used to collect urine and fecal waste products. For instance, filter may be designed to effectively fill the volume that was previously considered wasted surrounding the transport tube of a waste management system. The concentric split flow filter may be configured to split the air flow, with substantially half of the air flow to be treated traveling through a first bed of filter media and substantially the other half of the air flow to be treated traveling through the second bed of filter media. This split flow design reduces the air velocity by 50%. In this way, the pressure drop of filter may be reduced by as much as a factor of 4 as compare to the conventional design.

Hybrid perovskite films approaching the radiative limit with over 90% photoluminescence quantum efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braly, Ian L.; deQuilettes, Dane W.; Pazos-Outón, Luis M.; Burke, Sven; Ziffer, Mark E.; Ginger, David S.; Hillhouse, Hugh W.

2018-06-01

Reducing non-radiative recombination in semiconducting materials is a prerequisite for achieving the highest performance in light-emitting and photovoltaic applications. Here, we characterize both external and internal photoluminescence quantum efficiency and quasi-Fermi-level splitting of surface-treated hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) thin films. With respect to the material bandgap, these passivated films exhibit the highest quasi-Fermi-level splitting measured to date, reaching 97.1 ± 0.7% of the radiative limit, approaching that of the highest performing GaAs solar cells. We confirm these values with independent measurements of internal photoluminescence quantum efficiency of 91.9 ± 2.7% under 1 Sun illumination intensity, setting a new benchmark for these materials. These results suggest hybrid perovskite solar cells are inherently capable of further increases in power conversion efficiency if surface passivation can be combined with optimized charge carrier selective interfaces.

Easily constructed spectroelectrochemical cell for batch and flow injection analyses.

PubMed

Flowers, Paul A; Maynor, Margaret A; Owens, Donald E

2002-02-01

The design and performance of an easily constructed spectroelectrochemical cell suitable for batch and flow injection measurements are described. The cell is fabricated from a commercially available 5-mm quartz cuvette and employs 60 ppi reticulated vitreous carbon as the working electrode, resulting in a reasonable compromise between optical sensitivity and thin-layer electrochemical behavior. The spectroelectrochemical traits of the cell in both batch and flow modes were evaluated using aqueous ferricyanide and compare favorably to those reported previously for similar cells.

[Comparison of composite grafting of autoskin with acellular dermal matrix from different sources].

PubMed

Chen, Jin-Hui; Qi, Shun-Zhen; Sun, Hui-Chen; He, Zhan-Guo; Li, Hui; Zhu, Yu-Feng; Chen, Xing

2003-10-01

To compare the composite grafts of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) from different sources with autoskin. Six local white mini pigs were employed for the experiment. The pigs were randomly divided into four groups according to different skin grafts, i.e. A (human ADM with razor thin autoskin), B (porcine ADM with razor thin autoskin), C (razor thin autoskin only), and D (split thickness autoskin) as control. The survival rate, the contraction degree of the grafts, and the histological changes in grafting area were observed at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the operation. The grafted area in both A and B groups appeared smooth and elastic with satisfactory graft survival. The in growth of the host reparative cells such as fibroblast and vascular endothelium could be induced by composite grafts of different ADMs with skin grafting. The contraction areas in A and B groups seemed bigger than those in C and D groups. The tissue structure of grafting areas was similar to that of split thickness skin grafting area at 24 post-operation weeks. Combination of the homogenous and heterogeneous ADMs with autografts exhibited similar biological function during the observation period (24 weeks after operation). Xenogenous ADMs might have broader clinical applications.

Effects of Convection During the Photodeposition of Polydiacetylene Thin Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazier, D. O.; Hung, R. J.; Paley, M. S.; Long, Y. T.

1997-01-01

In this work, we describe a preliminary investigation of buoyancy-driven heat transfer during the growth of thin films from solution following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Irradiation of the growth cell occurs at various directions relative to gravitational acceleration. Through numerical computations, the steady-state flow and temperature profiles are simulated during the course of light exposure. Light-induced polymerization accompanies a heat transfer process through a fairly complicated recirculating flow pattern. A scaling analysis shows that buoyancy-driven velocities only reduce by a factor of 10 for gravity levels as low as 10(exp -2)g(sub 0). Paley et al. observe what appears to be gravitationally sensitive particle development and inclusion in thin films using a photodeposition process. From this study it is clear that production of homogeneous thin films would have to occur in the environment of a complicated flow pattern of recirculation with a nonuniform temperature distribution. Indeed, even when irradiation occurs from the top of the cell, the most stable stratified cell orientation, defects remain in our films due to the persistence of buoyancy-driven convection. To achieve homogeneity, minimal scattering centers, and possible molecular order, photodeposition of polymer films by UV light exposure must proceed in a reduced-convection environment. Fluid mechanics simulations are useful for establishing gravitational sensitivity to this recently discovered process (patent # 5,451,433) for preparing thin films having quite promising nonlinear optical characteristics.

Effects of Convection during the Photodeposition of Polydiacetylene Thin Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frazier, D. O.; Hung, R. J.; Paley, M. S.; Long, Y. T.

1997-01-01

In this work, we describe a preliminary investigation of buoyancy-driven heat transfer during the growth of thin films from solution following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Irradiation of the growth cell occurs at various directions relative to gravitational acceleration. Through numerical computations, the steady-state flow and temperature profiles are simulated during the course of light exposure. Light-induced polymerization accompanies a heat transfer process through a fairly complicated recirculating flow pattern. A scaling analysis shows that buoyancy-driven velocities only reduce by a factor of 10 for gravity levels as low as 10(exp -2) g(sub 0). Paley et al. observe what appears to be gravitationally sensitive particle development and inclusion in thin films using a photodeposition process. From this study, it is clear that production of homogeneous thin films would have to occur in the environment of a complicated flow pattern of recirculation with a nonuniform temperature distribution. Indeed, even when irradiation occurs from the top of the cell, the most stable stratified cell orientation, defects remain in our films due to the persistence of buoyancy-driven convection. To achieve homogeneity, minimal scattering centers, and possible molecular order, photodeposition of polymer films by UV light exposure must proceed in a reduced-convection environment. Fluid mechanics simulations are useful for establishing gravitational sensitivity to this recently discovered process (patent # 5,451,433) for preparing thin films having quite promising nonlinear optical characteristics.

Prediction of asymmetric vortical flows around slender bodies using Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, C. H.; Wong, Tin-Chee; Kandil, Osama A.

1992-01-01

Steady and unsteady asymmetric vortical flows around slender bodies at high angles of attack are solved using the unsteady, compressible, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. An implicit, upwind-biased, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme is used for the numerical computations. For supersonic flows past point cones, the locally conical flow assumption have been used for efficient computational studies of this phenomenon. Asymmetric flows past a 5-deg semiapex-angle circular cone at different angles of attack, free-stream Mach numbers, and Reynolds numbers have been studied in responses to different sources of disturbances. The effects of grid fineness and computational domain size have also been investigated. Next, the responses of three-dimensional supersonic asymmetric flow around a 5-deg circular cone at different angles of attack and Reynolds numbers to short-duration sideslip disturbances are presented. The results show that flow asymmetry becomes stronger as the Reynolds number and angles of attack are increased. One of the cases of flow over a cone-cylinder configuration is validated fairly well by experimental data.

Highly Permeable Silicon Membranes for Shear Free Chemotaxis and Rapid Cell Labeling

PubMed Central

Chung, Henry H.; Chan, Charles K.; Khire, Tejas S.; Marsh, Graham A.; Clark, Alfred; Waugh, Richard E.; McGrath, James L.

2015-01-01

Microfluidic systems are powerful tools for cell biology studies because they enable the precise addition and removal of solutes in small volumes. However, the fluid forces inherent in the use of microfluidics for cell cultures are sometimes undesirable. An important example is chemotaxis systems where fluid flow creates well-defined and steady chemotactic gradients but also pushes cells downstream. Here we demonstrate a chemotaxis system in which two chambers are separated by a molecularly thin (15 nm), transparent, and nanoporous silicon membrane. One chamber is a microfluidic channel that carries a flow-generated gradient while the other chamber is a shear-free environment for cell observation. The molecularly thin membranes provide effectively no resistance to molecular diffusion between the two chambers, making them ideal elements for creating flow-free chambers in microfluidic systems. Analytical and computational flow models that account for membrane and chamber geometry, predict shear reduction of more than five orders of magnitude. This prediction is confirmed by observing the pure diffusion of nanoparticles in the cell-hosting chamber despite high input flow (Q = 10 µL min−1; vavg ~45 mm min−1) in the flow chamber only 15 nm away. Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we show that a flow-generated molecular gradient will pass through the membrane into the quiescent cell chamber. Finally we demonstrate that our device allows us to expose migrating neutrophils to a chemotactic gradient or fluorescent label without any influence from flow. PMID:24850320

Mantle flow through a tear in the Nazca slab inferred from shear wave splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynner, Colton; Anderson, Megan L.; Portner, Daniel E.; Beck, Susan L.; Gilbert, Hersh

2017-07-01

A tear in the subducting Nazca slab is located between the end of the Pampean flat slab and normally subducting oceanic lithosphere. Tomographic studies suggest mantle material flows through this opening. The best way to probe this hypothesis is through observations of seismic anisotropy, such as shear wave splitting. We examine patterns of shear wave splitting using data from two seismic deployments in Argentina that lay updip of the slab tear. We observe a simple pattern of plate-motion-parallel fast splitting directions, indicative of plate-motion-parallel mantle flow, beneath the majority of the stations. Our observed splitting contrasts previous observations to the north and south of the flat slab region. Since plate-motion-parallel splitting occurs only coincidentally with the slab tear, we propose mantle material flows through the opening resulting in Nazca plate-motion-parallel flow in both the subslab mantle and mantle wedge.

An upwind, kinetic flux-vector splitting method for flows in chemical and thermal non-equilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eppard, W. M.; Grossman, B.

1993-01-01

We have developed new upwind kinetic difference schemes for flows with non-equilibrium thermodynamics and chemistry. These schemes are derived from the Boltzmann equation with the resulting Euler schemes developed as moments of the discretized Boltzmann scheme with a locally Maxwellian velocity distribution. Splitting the velocity distribution at the Boltzmann level is seen to result in a flux-split Euler scheme and is called Kinetic Flux Vector Splitting (KFVS). Extensions to flows with finite-rate chemistry and vibrational relaxation is accomplished utilizing nonequilibrium kinetic theory. Computational examples are presented comparing KFVS with the schemes of Van Leer and Roe for a quasi-one-dimensional flow through a supersonic diffuser, inviscid flow through two-dimensional inlet, and viscous flow over a cone at zero angle-of-attack. Calculations are also shown for the transonic flow over a bump in a channel and the transonic flow over an NACA 0012 airfoil. The results show that even though the KFVS scheme is a Riemann solver at the kinetic level, its behavior at the Euler level is more similar to the existing flux-vector splitting algorithms than to the flux-difference splitting scheme of Roe.

Visible light water splitting using dye-sensitized oxide semiconductors.

PubMed

Youngblood, W Justin; Lee, Seung-Hyun Anna; Maeda, Kazuhiko; Mallouk, Thomas E

2009-12-21

Researchers are intensively investigating photochemical water splitting as a means of converting solar to chemical energy in the form of fuels. Hydrogen is a key solar fuel because it can be used directly in combustion engines or fuel cells, or combined catalytically with CO(2) to make carbon containing fuels. Different approaches to solar water splitting include semiconductor particles as photocatalysts and photoelectrodes, molecular donor-acceptor systems linked to catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution, and photovoltaic cells coupled directly or indirectly to electrocatalysts. Despite several decades of research, solar hydrogen generation is efficient only in systems that use expensive photovoltaic cells to power water electrolysis. Direct photocatalytic water splitting is a challenging problem because the reaction is thermodynamically uphill. Light absorption results in the formation of energetic charge-separated states in both molecular donor-acceptor systems and semiconductor particles. Unfortunately, energetically favorable charge recombination reactions tend to be much faster than the slow multielectron processes of water oxidation and reduction. Consequently, visible light water splitting has only recently been achieved in semiconductor-based photocatalytic systems and remains an inefficient process. This Account describes our approach to two problems in solar water splitting: the organization of molecules into assemblies that promote long-lived charge separation, and catalysis of the electrolysis reactions, in particular the four-electron oxidation of water. The building blocks of our artificial photosynthetic systems are wide band gap semiconductor particles, photosensitizer and electron relay molecules, and nanoparticle catalysts. We intercalate layered metal oxide semiconductors with metal nanoparticles. These intercalation compounds, when sensitized with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) derivatives, catalyze the photoproduction of hydrogen from sacrificial electron donors (EDTA(2-)) or non-sacrificial donors (I(-)). Through exfoliation of layered metal oxide semiconductors, we construct multilayer electron donor-acceptor thin films or sensitized colloids in which individual nanosheets mediate light-driven electron transfer reactions. When sensitizer molecules are "wired" to IrO(2).nH(2)O nanoparticles, a dye-sensitized TiO(2) electrode becomes the photoanode of a water-splitting photoelectrochemical cell. Although this system is an interesting proof-of-concept, the performance of these cells is still poor (approximately 1% quantum yield) and the dye photodegrades rapidly. We can understand the quantum efficiency and degradation in terms of competing kinetic pathways for water oxidation, back electron transfer, and decomposition of the oxidized dye molecules. Laser flash photolysis experiments allow us to measure these competing rates and, in principle, to improve the performance of the cell by changing the architecture of the electron transfer chain.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis of a thin polymer film-based micro-direct methanol fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Tobias; Weinmüller, Christian; Nabavi, Majid; Poulikakos, Dimos

A single cell micro-direct methanol fuel cell (micro-DMFC) was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrodes consisted of thin, flexible polymer (SU8) film microchannel structures fabricated in-house using microfabrication techniques. AC impedance spectroscopy was used to separate contributions to the overall cell polarization from the anode, cathode and membrane. A clear distinction between the different electrochemical phenomena occurring in the micro-DMFC, especially the distinction between double layer charging and Faradaic reactions was shown. The effect of fuel flow rate, temperature, and anode flow channel structure on the impedance of the electrode reactions and membrane/electrode double layer charging were investigated. Analysis of impedance data revealed that the performance of the test cell was largely limited by the presence of intermediate carbon monoxide in the anode reaction. Higher temperatures increase cell performance by enabling intermediate CO to be oxidized at much higher rates. The results also revealed that serpentine anode flow microchannels show a lower tendency to intermediate CO coverage and a more stable cell behavior than parallel microchannels.

Numerical simulation of a shear-thinning fluid through packed spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hai Long; Moon, Jong Sin; Hwang, Wook Ryol

2012-12-01

Flow behaviors of a non-Newtonian fluid in spherical microstructures have been studied by a direct numerical simulation. A shear-thinning (power-law) fluid through both regular and randomly packed spheres has been numerically investigated in a representative unit cell with the tri-periodic boundary condition, employing a rigorous three-dimensional finite-element scheme combined with fictitious-domain mortar-element methods. The present scheme has been validated for the classical spherical packing problems with literatures. The flow mobility of regular packing structures, including simple cubic (SC), body-centered cubic (BCC), face-centered cubic (FCC), as well as randomly packed spheres, has been investigated quantitatively by considering the amount of shear-thinning, the pressure gradient and the porosity as parameters. Furthermore, the mechanism leading to the main flow path in a highly shear-thinning fluid through randomly packed spheres has been discussed.

The Removal of Human Breast Cancer Cells from Hematopoietic CD34+ Stem Cells by Dielectrophoretic Field-Flow-Fractionation

PubMed Central

HUANG, YING; YANG, JUN; WANG, XIAO-BO; BECKER, FREDERICK F.; GASCOYNE, PETER R.C.

2009-01-01

Dielectrophoretic field-flow-fractionation (DEP-FFF) was used to purge human breast cancer MDA-435 cells from hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells. An array of interdigitated microelectrodes lining the bottom surface of a thin chamber was used to generate dielectrophoretic forces that levitated the cell mixture in a fluid flow profile. CD34+ stem cells were levitated higher, were carried faster by the fluid flow, and exited the separation chamber earlier than the cancer cells. Using on-line flow cytometry, efficient separation of the cell mixture was observed in less than 12 min, and CD34+ stem cell fractions with a purity >99.2% were obtained. The method of DEP-FFF is potentially applicable to many biomedical cell separation problems, including microfluidic-scale diagnosis and preparative-scale purification of cell subpopulations. PMID:10791899

Highly efficient photocatalytic conversion of solar energy to hydrogen by WO3/BiVO4 core-shell heterojunction nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosar, Sonya; Pihosh, Yuriy; Bekarevich, Raman; Mitsuishi, Kazutaka; Mawatari, Kazuma; Kazoe, Yutaka; Kitamori, Takehiko; Tosa, Masahiro; Tarasov, Alexey B.; Goodilin, Eugene A.; Struk, Yaroslav M.; Kondo, Michio; Turkevych, Ivan

2018-04-01

Photocatalytic splitting of water under solar light has proved itself to be a promising approach toward the utilization of solar energy and the generation of environmentally friendly fuel in a form of hydrogen. In this work, we demonstrate highly efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 7.7% by photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical (PV-PEC) device based on hybrid MAPbI3 perovskite PV cell and WO3/BiVO4 core-shell nanorods PEC cell tandem that utilizes spectral splitting approach. Although BiVO4 is characterized by intrinsically high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, this is not an issue for WO3/BiVO4 core-shell nanorods, where highly conductive WO3 cores are combined with extremely thin absorber BiVO4 shell layer. Since the BiVO4 layer is thinner than the characteristic carrier diffusion length, the photogenerated charge carriers are separated at the WO3/BiVO4 heterojunction before their recombination. Also, such architecture provides sufficient optical thickness even for extremely thin BiVO4 layer due to efficient light trapping in the core-shell WO3/BiVO4 nanorods with high aspect ratio. We also demonstrate that the concept of fill factor can be used to compare I-V characteristics of different photoanodes regarding their optimization for PV/PEC tandem devices.

Flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium chemistry and vibrational relaxation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossman, B.; Cinnella, P.

1990-01-01

The present consideration of numerical computation methods for gas flows with nonequilibrium chemistry thermodynamics gives attention to an equilibrium model, a general nonequilibrium model, and a simplified model based on vibrational relaxation. Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully-coupled inviscid equations encompassing fluid dynamics and both chemical and internal energy-relaxation processes. A fully coupled and implicit large-block structure is presented which embodies novel forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms valid for nonequilibrium flow; illustrative high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flow examples are given.

Neutron Zeeman beam-splitting for the investigation of magnetic nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozhevnikov, S. V.; Ott, F.; Semenova, E.

2017-03-01

Zeeman spatial splitting of a neutron beam takes place during a neutron spin-flip in magnetically non-collinear systems at grazing incidence geometry. We apply the neutron beam-splitting method for the investigation of magnetically non-collinear clusters of submicron size in a thin film. The experimental results are compared with ones obtained by other methods.

Seismic anisotropy of western Mexico and northeastern Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leon-Soto, Gerardo

In this dissertation, characteristics of upper mantle anisotropy, using shear wave splitting techniques, for two distinct tectonic provinces are presented. In the first part, in western Mexico, the Rivera and Cocos plates subduct beneath the North America plate constituting a young subduction setting where plate fragmentation and capture is occurring today. We characterize the upper mantle anisotropy from SKS and local S phases from the data collected by the MARS experiment (MApping the Rivera Subduction zone) and by two stations of the Mexican Servicio Sismologico National. SKS shear-wave splitting parameters indicate that the fast directions of the split SKS waves for the stations that lie on the central and southern Jalisco block are approximately trench normal. Fast polarizations of these phases also follow the convergence direction between the Rivera Plate and Jalisco block with respect to the North America plate. S-wave splitting from slab events show a small averaged delay time of about 0.2 sec for the upper 60 km of the crust and mantle. Therefore, the main source of anisotropy must reside on the entrained mantle below the young and thin Rivera Plate. Trench-oblique fast SKS split directions are observed in the western edge of the Rivera Plate and western parts of the Cocos slab. The curved pattern of fast SKS split directions in the western Jalisco block and the Rivera-Cocos gap indicate 3-D toroidal mantle flow, around the northwestern edge of the Rivera slab and Rivera- Cocos gap. This behavior profoundly affects finite strain field in the northwestern edge of the Rivera slab and the mantle wedge. The shear wave splitting results support the idea that the Rivera and Cocos plates not only moved in a down-dip direction but also have recently rolled back towards the trench and the Colima rift is intimately related to the tearing between the Rivera and Cocos plates. In the second study, the tectonic enviroment of the northeastern Tibetan plateau is considered. Shear wave splitting measurements using teleseismic SKS and SKKS phases recorded by the ASCENT (A Seismic Collaborative Experiment in Northeastern Tibet) and INDEPTH-IV (International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya, Phase IV) experiments reveal significant anisotropy in north-eastern Tibet with a large delay time of up 2.2 sec, indicating that anisotropy exists in both the lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle. The coherence between fast polarization directions of split core phases and the left-lateral slip on eastern-striking, southeastern-striking and southern-striking faults in eastern Tibet as well as the surface velocity calculated from GPS data support the idea that left-lateral shear strain is the predominant cause of the orientation of the upper mantle petrofabrics. The left-lateral motion can be best understood as a manifestation of north-striking right-lateral simple shear exerted by the eastern edge of the underthrusting Indian plate as it penetrates into Eurasia, as well as the bending of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) by the foundering Burma-Andaman-Sumatra slab. Two plausible competing models are proposed for the flow of asthenosphere. In the first, the deforming lithosphere gliding over the passive asthenosphere induces flow of the asthenosphere. In the second, the asthenosphere beneath northeastern Tibet is flowing eastward in an asthenosphere channel that lies between the Ordos plateau and Sichuan basin, and around the EHS as it is being compressed between the advancing Indian continental lithosphere and the thick Tarim and Qaidam lithospheres to the north. Delay times from stations in the EHS have a maximum of 1.3 sec suggesting that although most anisotropy is residing in the lithosphere, some may be associated with flow of the asthenosphere. The retreating Burma slab induces flow that is toroidal and located exclusively around the northern edge of the slab. The curved fast directions of split shear waves for stations in the EHS are consistent with the toroidal flow pattern as well as the rotational deformation of the overlying lithosphere. It is suggested that the foundering Burma plate may also play an important role in bending the EHS in the late Cenozoic time.

Effect of skin graft thickness on scar development in a porcine burn model.

PubMed

DeBruler, Danielle M; Blackstone, Britani N; McFarland, Kevin L; Baumann, Molly E; Supp, Dorothy M; Bailey, J Kevin; Powell, Heather M

2018-06-01

Animal models provide a way to investigate scar therapies in a controlled environment. It is necessary to produce uniform, reproducible scars with high anatomic and biologic similarity to human scars to better evaluate the efficacy of treatment strategies and to develop new treatments. In this study, scar development and maturation were assessed in a porcine full-thickness burn model with immediate excision and split-thickness autograft coverage. Red Duroc pigs were treated with split-thickness autografts of varying thickness: 0.026in. ("thin") or 0.058in. ("thick"). Additionally, the thin skin grafts were meshed and expanded at 1:1.5 or 1:4 to evaluate the role of skin expansion in scar formation. Overall, the burn-excise-autograft model resulted in thick, raised scars. Treatment with thick split-thickness skin grafts resulted in less contraction and reduced scarring as well as improved biomechanics. Thin skin autograft expansion at a 1:4 ratio tended to result in scars that contracted more with increased scar height compared to the 1:1.5 expansion ratio. All treatment groups showed Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression that increased over time and peaked 4 weeks after grafting. Burns treated with thick split-thickness grafts showed decreased expression of pro-inflammatory genes 1 week after grafting, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and TGF-β1, compared to wounds treated with thin split-thickness grafts. Overall, the burn-excise-autograft model using split-thickness autograft meshed and expanded to 1:1.5 or 1:4, resulted in thick, raised scars similar in appearance and structure to human hypertrophic scars. This model can be used in future studies to study burn treatment outcomes and new therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

An experimental study of separated flow on a finite wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winkelmann, A. E.

1981-01-01

The flow field associated with the formation of a mushroom shaped trailing edge stall cell on a low-aspect-ratio (AR = 4.0) wing was investigated in a series of low speed wind tunnel tests (Reynolds number based on 15.2 cm chord = 480,000). Flow field surveys of the separation bubble and wake of a partially stalled and fully stalled wing were completed using a hot-wire probe, a split-film probe, and a directional sensitive pressure probe. A new color video display technique was developed to display the flow field survey data. Photographs were obtained of surface oil flow patterns and smoke flow visualization

Wound-healing improvement by resurfacing split-thickness skin donor sites with thin split-thickness grafting.

PubMed

Bian, Yongqian; Sun, Chaofeng; Zhang, Xinping; Li, Yuejun; Li, Wangzhou; Lv, Xiaoxing; Li, Jing; Jiang, Li; Li, Jinqing; Feng, Jian; Li, Xue-Yong

2016-02-01

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site dressing has been controversial until now. Our study aimed to assess the patient comfort and wound-healing efficacy with the application of thin split-thickness skin grafts regrafting on STSG donor sites. One hundred ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting were included in the study, and the participants were randomly divided into the following three groups: group A was regrafted with thin STSGs and groups B and C were covered with occlusive hydrocellular dressing and paraffin gauze, respectively. The participants were compared according to the epithelialization time, pain and scar formation. The average time of epithelialization was 6.2 ± 1.1 days in group A, 11.1 ± 2.1 days in group B and 13.5 ± 2.5 days in group C. The pain scores on days 2 and 5 after operation were 2.3 ± 0.8 and 1.9 ± 0.8 in group A, 2.5 ± 1.1 and 3.9 ± 1.3 in group B, and 3.8 ± 1.4 and 5.9 ± 2.1 in group C. The scar scores at half a year and one year after operation were 4.3 ± 0.6 and 2.50 ± 0.6 in group A, 7.4 ± 0.6 and 6.2 ± 0.6 in group B, and 11.8 ± 0.4 and 10.9 ± 1.0 in group C, separately. The difference in the three groups was significant. Utilizing thin STSGs regrafting on donor sites could significantly shorten the epithelialization time, reduce pain and prevent hyperplastic scar formulation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Modeling of Multiphase Flow through Thin Porous Layers: Application to a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, C.; Hassanizadeh, S.

2013-12-01

Multiphase flow and species transport though thin porous layers are encountered in a number of industrial applications, such as fuel cells, filters, and hygiene products. Based on some macroscale models like the Darcy's law, to date, the modeling of flow and transport through such thin layers has been mostly performed in 3D discretized domains with many computational cells. But, there are a number of problems with this approach. First, a proper representative elementary volume (REV) is not defined. Second, one needs to discretize a thin porous medium into computational cells whose size may be comparable to the pore sizes. This suggests that the traditional models are not applicable to such thin domains. Third, the interfacial conditions between neighboring layers are usually not well defined. Last, 3D modeling of a number of interacting thin porous layers often requires heavy computational efforts. So, to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above, we propose a new approach to modeling multilayers of thin porous media as 2D interacting continua (see Fig. 1). Macroscale 2D governing equations are formulated in terms of thickness-averaged material properties. Also, the exchange of thermodynamic properties between neighboring layers is described by thickness-averaged quantities. In Comparison to previous macroscale models, our model has the distinctive advantages of: (1) it is rigorous thermodynamics-based model; (2) it is formulated in terms of thickness-averaged material properties which are easily measureable; and (3) it reduces 3D modeling to 2D leading to a very significant reduction of computation efforts. As an application, we employ the new approach in the study of liquid water flooding in the cathode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). To highlight the advantages of the present model, we compare the results of water distribution with those obtained from the traditional 3D Darcy-based modeling. Finally, it is worth noting that, for specific case studies, a number of material properties in the model need to be determined experimentally, such as mass and heat exchange coefficients between neighboring layers. Fig. 1: Schematic representation of three thin porous layers, which may exchange mass, momentum, and energy. Also, a typical averaging domain (REV) is shown. Note that the layer thickness and thus the REV height can be spatially variable. Also, in reality, the layers are tightly stacked and there is no gap between them.

A Shock-Adaptive Godunov Scheme Based on the Generalised Lagrangian Formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lepage, C. Y.; Hui, W. H.

1995-12-01

Application of the Godunov scheme to the Euler equations of gas dynamics based on the Eulerian formulation of flow smears discontinuities, sliplines especially, over several computational cells, while the accuracy in the smooth flow region is of the order O( h), where h is the cell width. Based on the generalised Lagrangian formulation (GLF) of Hui et al., the Godunov scheme yields superior accuracy. By the use of coordinate streamlines in the GLF, the slipline—itself a streamline—is resolved crisply. Infinite shock resolution is achieved through the splitting of shock-cells. An improved entropy-conservation formulation of the governing equations is also proposed for computations in smooth flow regions. Finally, the use of the GLF substantially simplifies the programming logic resulting in a very robust, accurate, and efficient scheme.

Dependence of corneal stem/progenitor cells on ocular surface innervation.

PubMed

Ueno, Hiroki; Ferrari, Giulio; Hattori, Takaaki; Saban, Daniel R; Katikireddy, Kishore R; Chauhan, Sunil K; Dana, Reza

2012-02-21

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a corneal degeneration associated with corneal nerve dysfunction. It can cause corneal epithelial defects, stromal thinning, and perforation. However, it is not clear if and to which extent epithelial stem cells are affected in NK. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between corneolimbal epithelial progenitor/stem cells and sensory nerves using a denervated mouse model of NK. NK was induced in mice by electrocoagulation of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. The absence of corneal nerves was confirmed with β-III tubulin immunostaining and blink reflex test after 7 days. ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), p63, and hairy enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) were chosen as corneolimbal stem/progenitor cell markers and assessed in denervated mice versus controls by immunofluorescent microscopy and real-time PCR. In addition, corneolimbal stem/progenitor cells were detected as side population cells using flow cytometry, and colony-forming efficiency assay was performed to assess their function. ABCG2, p63, and Hes1 immunostaining were significantly decreased in denervated eyes after 7 days. Similarly, the expression levels of ABCG2, p63, K15, Hes1, and N-cadherin transcripts were also significantly decreased in denervated eyes. Stem/progenitor cells measured as side population from NK mice were decreased by approximately 75% compared with normals. In addition, the authors found a significant (P = 0.038) reduction in colony-forming efficiency of stem/progenitor cells harvested from denervated eyes. Corneolimbal stem/progenitor cells are significantly reduced after depletion of sensory nerves. The data suggest a critical role of innervation in maintaining stem cells and/or the stem cell niche.

Dependence of Corneal Stem/Progenitor Cells on Ocular Surface Innervation

PubMed Central

Ueno, Hiroki; Ferrari, Giulio; Hattori, Takaaki; Saban, Daniel R.; Katikireddy, Kishore R.; Chauhan, Sunil K.

2012-01-01

Purpose. Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a corneal degeneration associated with corneal nerve dysfunction. It can cause corneal epithelial defects, stromal thinning, and perforation. However, it is not clear if and to which extent epithelial stem cells are affected in NK. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between corneolimbal epithelial progenitor/stem cells and sensory nerves using a denervated mouse model of NK. Methods. NK was induced in mice by electrocoagulation of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. The absence of corneal nerves was confirmed with β-III tubulin immunostaining and blink reflex test after 7 days. ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), p63, and hairy enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) were chosen as corneolimbal stem/progenitor cell markers and assessed in denervated mice versus controls by immunofluorescent microscopy and real-time PCR. In addition, corneolimbal stem/progenitor cells were detected as side population cells using flow cytometry, and colony-forming efficiency assay was performed to assess their function. Results. ABCG2, p63, and Hes1 immunostaining were significantly decreased in denervated eyes after 7 days. Similarly, the expression levels of ABCG2, p63, K15, Hes1, and N-cadherin transcripts were also significantly decreased in denervated eyes. Stem/progenitor cells measured as side population from NK mice were decreased by approximately 75% compared with normals. In addition, the authors found a significant (P = 0.038) reduction in colony-forming efficiency of stem/progenitor cells harvested from denervated eyes. Conclusions. Corneolimbal stem/progenitor cells are significantly reduced after depletion of sensory nerves. The data suggest a critical role of innervation in maintaining stem cells and/or the stem cell niche. PMID:22232434

Secondary flow structures in a 180∘ elastic curved vessel with torsion under steady and pulsatile inflow conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najjari, Mohammad Reza; Plesniak, Michael W.

2017-11-01

Secondary flow vortical structures were investigated in an elastic 180° curved pipe with and without torsion under steady and pulsatile flow using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The elastic thin-walled curved pipes were constructed using Sylgard 184, and inserted into a bath of refractive index matched fluid to perform PIV. A vortex identification method was employed to identify various vortical structures in the flow. The secondary flow structures in the planar compliant model with dilatation of 0.61%-3.23% under pulsatile flow rate were compared with the rigid vessel model results, and it was found that local vessel compliance has a negligible effect on secondary flow morphology. The secondary flow structures were found to be more sensitive to out of plane curvature (torsion) than to vessel compliance. Torsion distorts the symmetry of secondary flow and results in more complex vortical structures in both steady and pulsatile flows. In high Re number steady flow with torsion, a single dominant vortical structure can be detected at the middle of the 90° cross section. In pulsatile flow with torsion, the split-Dean and Lyne-type vortices with same rotation direction originating from opposite sides of the cross section tend to merge together. supported by GW Center for Biomimetics and Bioinspired Engineering.

Investigation of the effect of a bend in a transfer line that separates a pulse tube cold head and a pressure wave generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dev, A. A.; Atrey, M. D.; Vanapalli, S.

2017-02-01

A transfer line between a pulse tube cold head and a pressure wave generator is usually required to isolate the cold head from the vibrations of the compressor. Although it is a common practice to use a thin and narrow straight tube, a bent tube would allow design flexibility and easy mounting of the cold head, such as in a split Stirling type pulse tube cryocooler. In this paper, we report a preliminary investigation on the effect of the bending of the tube on the flow transfer characteristics. A numerical study using commercial computational fluid dynamics model is performed to gain insight into the flow characteristics in the bent tube. Oscillating flow experiments are performed with a straight and a bent tube at a filling pressure of 15 bar and an operating frequency of 40, 50 and 60 Hz. The data and the corresponding numerical simulations point to the hypothesis that the secondary flow in the bent tube causes a decrease in flow at a fixed pressure amplitude.

Thin film surface modifications of thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

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

Kang, Zhenye; Mo, Jingke; Yang, Gaoqiang

We present that a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) is one of the most promising devices for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage and ultrahigh purity hydrogen production. As one of the critical components in PEMECs, the titanium thin/tunable LGDL (TT-LGDL) with its advantages of small thickness, planar surface, straight-through pores, and well-controlled pore morphologies, achieved superior multifunctional performance for hydrogen and oxygen production from water splitting even at low temperature. Different thin film surface treatments on the novel TT-LGDLs for enhancing the interfacial contacts and PEMEC performance were investigated both in-situ and ex-situ for the first time. Surface modifiedmore » TT-LGDLs with about 180 nm thick Au thin film yielded performance improvement (voltage reduction), from 1.6849 V with untreated TT-LGDLs to only 1.6328 V with treated TT-LGDLs at 2.0 A/cm 2 and 80°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen/oxygen production rate was increased by about 28.2% at 1.60 V and 80°C. The durability test demonstrated that the surface treated TT-LGDL has good stability as well. Finally, the gold electroplating surface treatment is a promising method for the PEMEC performance enhancement and titanium material protection even in harsh environment.« less

Thin film surface modifications of thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

DOE PAGES

Kang, Zhenye; Mo, Jingke; Yang, Gaoqiang; ...

2017-09-14

We present that a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) is one of the most promising devices for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage and ultrahigh purity hydrogen production. As one of the critical components in PEMECs, the titanium thin/tunable LGDL (TT-LGDL) with its advantages of small thickness, planar surface, straight-through pores, and well-controlled pore morphologies, achieved superior multifunctional performance for hydrogen and oxygen production from water splitting even at low temperature. Different thin film surface treatments on the novel TT-LGDLs for enhancing the interfacial contacts and PEMEC performance were investigated both in-situ and ex-situ for the first time. Surface modifiedmore » TT-LGDLs with about 180 nm thick Au thin film yielded performance improvement (voltage reduction), from 1.6849 V with untreated TT-LGDLs to only 1.6328 V with treated TT-LGDLs at 2.0 A/cm 2 and 80°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen/oxygen production rate was increased by about 28.2% at 1.60 V and 80°C. The durability test demonstrated that the surface treated TT-LGDL has good stability as well. Finally, the gold electroplating surface treatment is a promising method for the PEMEC performance enhancement and titanium material protection even in harsh environment.« less

Method and apparatus for assaying wood pulp fibers

DOEpatents

Gustafson, Richard [Bellevue, WA; Callis, James B [Seattle, WA; Mathews, Jeffrey D [Neenah, WI; Robinson, John [Issaquah, WA; Bruckner, Carsten A [San Mateo, CA; Suvamakich, Kuntinee [Seattle, WA

2009-05-26

Paper pulp is added to a stain solution. The stain solution and pulp fibers are mixed to form a slurry. Samples are removed from the slurry and are admixed with dilution water and a bleach. Then, the fibers are moved into a flow cell where they are subjected to a light source adapted to stimulate fluorescence from the stained pulp fiber. Before the fiber slurry enters the flow cell it is mixed with a dilution water of bleach to reduce background fluorescence. The fluorescent light is collimated and directed through a dichroic filter onto a fluorescence splitting dichroic filter.

Rotary magnetic heat pump

DOEpatents

Kirol, Lance D.

1988-01-01

A rotary magnetic heat pump constructed without flow seals or segmented rotor accomplishes recuperation and regeneration by using split flow paths. Heat exchange fluid pumped through heat exchangers and returned to the heat pump splits into two flow components: one flowing counter to the rotor rotation and one flowing with the rotation.

Rotary magnetic heat pump

DOEpatents

Kirol, L.D.

1987-02-11

A rotary magnetic heat pump constructed without flow seals or segmented rotor accomplishes recuperation and regeneration by using split flow paths. Heat exchange fluid pumped through heat exchangers and returned to the heat pump splits into two flow components: one flowing counter to the rotor rotation and one flowing with the rotation. 5 figs.

Al decorated ZnO thin-film photoanode for SPR-enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongxia; Li, Xin; Dong, Wei; Xi, Junhua; Wu, Xin

2018-06-01

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has been considered to be a promising approach to ease the energy and environmental crisis. Herein, Al decorated ZnO thin films are successfully achieved through a facile dc magnetron-sputtering method followed with Al evaporation for further enhanced PEC performance. The Al/ZnO thin film with 60 s Al evaporating time exhibits the highest photocurrent density under AM1.5G and visible light irradiation, which are more than 5 and 3 times as the pure ZnO film, respectively. Such surface modification by Al not only enlarges the visible light absorption based on surface plasmonic resonance effect, but facilitates the charge separation and transportation at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Finally, a possible mechanism is proposed for the photocatalytic activity enhancement of Al/ZnO thin film photoanode.

Critical Research for Cost-Effective Photoelectrochemical Production of Hydrogen

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

Xu, Liwei; Deng, Xunming; Abken, Anka

2014-10-29

The objective of this project is to develop critical technologies required for cost-effective production of hydrogen from sunlight and water using a-Si triple junction solar cell based photo-electrodes. In this project, Midwest Optoelectronics, LLC (MWOE) and its collaborating organizations utilize triple junction a-Si thin film solar cells as the core element to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. Triple junction a-Si/a-SiGe/a-SiGe solar cell is an ideal material for making cost-effective PEC system which uses sun light to split water and generate hydrogen. It has the following key features: 1) It has an open circuit voltage (Voc ) of ~ 2.3V and hasmore » an operating voltage around 1.6V. This is ideal for water splitting. There is no need to add a bias voltage or to inter-connect more than one solar cell. 2) It is made by depositing a-Si/a-SiGe/aSi-Ge thin films on a conducting stainless steel substrate which can serve as an electrode. When we immerse the triple junction solar cells in an electrolyte and illuminate it under sunlight, the voltage is large enough to split the water, generating oxygen at the Si solar cell side (for SS/n-i-p/sunlight structure) and hydrogen at the back, which is stainless steel side. There is no need to use a counter electrode or to make any wire connection. 3) It is being produced in large rolls of 3ft wide and up to 5000 ft long stainless steel web in a 25MW roll-to-roll production machine. Therefore it can be produced at a very low cost. After several years of research with many different kinds of material, we have developed promising transparent, conducting and corrosion resistant (TCCR) coating material; we carried out extensive research on oxygen and hydrogen generation catalysts, developed methods to make PEC electrode from production-grade a-Si solar cells; we have designed and tested various PEC module cases and carried out extensive outdoor testing; we were able to obtain a solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency (STH) about 5.7% and a running time about 480 hrs, which are very promising results; we have also completed a techno-economic analysis of our PEC system, which indicates that a projected hydrogen generation cost of $2/gge is achievable with a 50 Ton-per-day (TPD) scale under certain conditions.« less

Application of a Split-Fiber Probe to Velocity Measurement in the NASA Research Compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, Jan

2003-01-01

A split-fiber probe was used to acquire unsteady data in a research compressor. The probe has two thin films deposited on a quartz cylinder 200 microns in diameter. A split-fiber probe allows simultaneous measurement of velocity magnitude and direction in a plane that is perpendicular to the sensing cylinder, because it has its circumference divided into two independent parts. Local heat transfer considerations indicated that the probe direction characteristic is linear in the range of flow incidence angles of +/- 35. Calibration tests confirmed this assumption. Of course, the velocity characteristic is nonlinear as is typical in thermal anemometry. The probe was used extensively in the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) low-speed, multistage axial compressor, and worked reliably during a test program of several months duration. The velocity and direction characteristics of the probe showed only minute changes during the entire test program. An algorithm was developed to decompose the probe signals into velocity magnitude and velocity direction. The averaged unsteady data were compared with data acquired by pneumatic probes. An overall excellent agreement between the averaged data acquired by a split-fiber probe and a pneumatic probe boosts confidence in the reliability of the unsteady content of the split-fiber probe data. To investigate the features of unsteady data, two methods were used: ensemble averaging and frequency analysis. The velocity distribution in a rotor blade passage was retrieved using the ensemble averaging method. Frequencies of excitation forces that may contribute to high cycle fatigue problems were identified by applying a fast Fourier transform to the absolute velocity data.

Lithospheric deformation in the Canadian Appalachians: evidence from shear wave splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bastow, I. D.; Gilligan, A.; Watson, E.; Darbyshire, F. A.; Levin, V. L.; Menke, W. H.; Lane, V.; Boyce, A.; Liddell, M. V.; Petrescu, L.; Hawthorn, D.

2016-12-01

Plate-scale deformation is expected to impart seismic anisotropic fabrics on the lithosphere. Determination of the fast shear wave orientation (φ ) and the delay time between the fast and slow split shear waves (δt ) via SKS splitting can help place spatial and temporal constraints on lithospheric deformation. The Canadian Appalachians experienced multiple episodes of deformation during the Phanerozoic: accretionary collisions during the Palaeozoic prior to the collision between Laurentia and Gondwana, and rifting related to the Mesozoic opening of the North Atlantic. However, the extent to which extensional events have overprinted older orogenic trends is uncertain. We address this issue through measurements of seismic anisotropy beneath the Canadian Appalachians, computing shear wave splitting parameters (φ , δt ) for new and existing seismic stations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Average δt values of 1.2 s, relatively short length scale (≥ 100 km) splitting parameter variations, and a lack of correlation with absolute plate motion direction and mantle flow models, demonstrate that fossil lithospheric anisotropic fabrics dominate our results. Most fast directions parallel Appalachian orogenic trends observed at the surface, while δt values point towards coherent deformation of the crust and mantle lithosphere. Mesozoic rifting had minimal impact on our study area, except locally within the Bay of Fundy and in southern Nova Scotia, where fast directions are subparallel to the opening direction of Mesozoic rifting; associated δt values of > 1 s require an anisotropic layer that spans both the crust and mantle, meaning the formation of the Bay of Fundy was not merely a thin-skinned tectonic event.

Lithospheric deformation in the Canadian Appalachians: evidence from shear wave splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilligan, Amy; Bastow, Ian D.; Watson, Emma; Darbyshire, Fiona A.; Levin, Vadim; Menke, William; Lane, Victoria; Hawthorn, David; Boyce, Alistair; Liddell, Mitchell V.; Petrescu, Laura

2016-08-01

Plate-scale deformation is expected to impart seismic anisotropic fabrics on the lithosphere. Determination of the fast shear wave orientation (ϕ) and the delay time between the fast and slow split shear waves (δt) via SKS splitting can help place spatial and temporal constraints on lithospheric deformation. The Canadian Appalachians experienced multiple episodes of deformation during the Phanerozoic: accretionary collisions during the Palaeozoic prior to the collision between Laurentia and Gondwana, and rifting related to the Mesozoic opening of the North Atlantic. However, the extent to which extensional events have overprinted older orogenic trends is uncertain. We address this issue through measurements of seismic anisotropy beneath the Canadian Appalachians, computing shear wave splitting parameters (ϕ, δt) for new and existing seismic stations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Average δt values of 1.2 s, relatively short length scale (≥100 km) splitting parameter variations, and a lack of correlation with absolute plate motion direction and mantle flow models, demonstrate that fossil lithospheric anisotropic fabrics dominate our results. Most fast directions parallel Appalachian orogenic trends observed at the surface, while δt values point towards coherent deformation of the crust and mantle lithosphere. Mesozoic rifting had minimal impact on our study area, except locally within the Bay of Fundy and in southern Nova Scotia, where fast directions are subparallel to the opening direction of Mesozoic rifting; associated δt values of >1 s require an anisotropic layer that spans both the crust and mantle, meaning the formation of the Bay of Fundy was not merely a thin-skinned tectonic event.

A hard-soft microfluidic-based biosensor flow cell for SPR imaging application.

PubMed

Liu, Changchun; Cui, Dafu; Li, Hui

2010-09-15

An ideal microfluidic-based biosensor flow cell should have not only a "soft" interface for high strength sealing with biosensing chips, but also "hard" macro-to-micro interface for tubing connection. Since these properties are exclusive of each other, no one material can provide the advantages of both. In this paper, we explore the application of a SiO(2) thin film, deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology, as an intermediate layer for irreversibly adhering polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to plastic substrate, and develop a hard-soft, compact, robust microfluidic-based biosensor flow cell for the multi-array immunoassay application of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging. This hard-soft biosensor flow cell consists of one rigid, computer numerically controlled (CNC)-machined poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) base coated with a 200 nm thick SiO(2) thin film, and one soft PDMS microfluidic layer. This novel microfluidic-based biosensor flow cell does not only keep the original advantage of conventional PDMS-based biosensor flow cell such as the intrinsically soft interface, easy-to-fabrication, and low cost, but also has a rigid, robust, easy-to-use interface to tubing connection and can be operated up to 185 kPa in aqueous environments without failure. Its application was successfully demonstrated with two types of experiments by coupling with SPR imaging biosensor: the real-time monitoring of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) interaction, as well as the detection of sulfamethoxazole (SMOZ) and sulfamethazine (SMZ) with the sensitivity of 3.5 and 0.6 ng/mL, respectively. This novel hard-soft microfluidic device is also useful for a variety of other biosensor flow cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved Stability and Performance of Visible Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on Solution-Processed Organic Semiconductor Thin Films by Ultrathin Metal Oxide Passivation

DOE PAGES

Wang, Lei; Yan, Danhua; Shaffer, David W.; ...

2017-12-27

Solution-processable organic semiconductors have potentials as visible photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting photoelectrodes due to their tunable small band gap and electronic energy levels, but they are typically limited by poor stability and photocatalytic activity. In this study, we demonstrate the direct visible PEC water oxidation on solution-processed organic semiconductor thin films with improved stability and performance by ultrathin metal oxide passivation layers. N-type fullerene-derivative thin films passivated by sub-2 nm ZnO via atomic layer deposition enabled the visible PEC water oxidation at wavelengths longer than 600 nm in harsh alkaline electrolyte environments with up to 30 μA/cm 2 photocurrents atmore » the thermodynamic water-oxidation equilibrium potential and the photoanode half-lifetime extended to ~1000 s. The systematic investigation reveals the enhanced water oxidation catalytic activity afforded by ZnO passivation and the charge tunneling governing the hole transfer through passivation layers. Further enhanced PEC performances were realized by improving the bottom ohmic contact to the organic semiconductor, achieving ~60 μA/cm 2 water oxidation photocurrent at the equilibrium potential, the highest values reported for organic semiconductor thin films to our knowledge. The improved stability and performance of passivated organic photoelectrodes and discovered design rationales provide useful guidelines for realizing the stable visible solar PEC water splitting based on organic semiconductor thin films.« less

Improved Stability and Performance of Visible Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on Solution-Processed Organic Semiconductor Thin Films by Ultrathin Metal Oxide Passivation

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

Wang, Lei; Yan, Danhua; Shaffer, David W.

Solution-processable organic semiconductors have potentials as visible photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting photoelectrodes due to their tunable small band gap and electronic energy levels, but they are typically limited by poor stability and photocatalytic activity. In this study, we demonstrate the direct visible PEC water oxidation on solution-processed organic semiconductor thin films with improved stability and performance by ultrathin metal oxide passivation layers. N-type fullerene-derivative thin films passivated by sub-2 nm ZnO via atomic layer deposition enabled the visible PEC water oxidation at wavelengths longer than 600 nm in harsh alkaline electrolyte environments with up to 30 μA/cm 2 photocurrents atmore » the thermodynamic water-oxidation equilibrium potential and the photoanode half-lifetime extended to ~1000 s. The systematic investigation reveals the enhanced water oxidation catalytic activity afforded by ZnO passivation and the charge tunneling governing the hole transfer through passivation layers. Further enhanced PEC performances were realized by improving the bottom ohmic contact to the organic semiconductor, achieving ~60 μA/cm 2 water oxidation photocurrent at the equilibrium potential, the highest values reported for organic semiconductor thin films to our knowledge. The improved stability and performance of passivated organic photoelectrodes and discovered design rationales provide useful guidelines for realizing the stable visible solar PEC water splitting based on organic semiconductor thin films.« less

Direct lifts of coupled cell networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, A. P. S.; Moreira, C. S.

2018-04-01

In networks of dynamical systems, there are spaces defined in terms of equalities of cell coordinates which are flow-invariant under any dynamical system that has a form consistent with the given underlying network structure—the network synchrony subspaces. Given a network and one of its synchrony subspaces, any system with a form consistent with the network, restricted to the synchrony subspace, defines a new system which is consistent with a smaller network, called the quotient network of the original network by the synchrony subspace. Moreover, any system associated with the quotient can be interpreted as the restriction to the synchrony subspace of a system associated with the original network. We call the larger network a lift of the smaller network, and a lift can be interpreted as a result of the cellular splitting of the smaller network. In this paper, we address the question of the uniqueness in this lifting process in terms of the networks’ topologies. A lift G of a given network Q is said to be direct when there are no intermediate lifts of Q between them. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a lift of a general network to be direct. Our results characterize direct lifts using the subnetworks of all splitting cells of Q and of all split cells of G. We show that G is a direct lift of Q if and only if either the split subnetwork is a direct lift or consists of two copies of the splitting subnetwork. These results are then applied to the class of regular uniform networks and to the special classes of ring networks and acyclic networks. We also illustrate that one of the applications of our results is to the lifting bifurcation problem.

Models of non-Newtonian Hele-Shaw flow

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

Kondic, L.; Palffy-Muhoray, P.; Shelley, M.J.

1996-11-01

We study the Saffman-Taylor instability of a non-Newtonian fluid in a Hele-Shaw cell. Using a fluid model with shear-rate dependent viscosity, we derive a Darcy{close_quote}s law whose viscosity depends upon the squared pressure gradient. This yields a natural, nonlinear boundary value problem for the pressure. A model proposed recently by Bonn {ital et} {ital al}. [Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 75}, 2132 (1995)] follows from this modified law. For a shear-thinning liquid, our derivation shows strong constraints upon the fluid viscosity{emdash} strong shear-thinning does not allow the construction of a unique Darcy{close_quote}s law, and is related to the appearance of slipmore » layers in the flow. For a weakly shear-thinning liquid, we calculate corrections to the Newtonian instability of an expanding bubble in a radial cell. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}« less

Immiscible three-dimensional fingering in porous media: A weakly nonlinear analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandão, Rodolfo; Dias, Eduardo O.; Miranda, José A.

2018-03-01

We present a weakly nonlinear theory for the development of fingering instabilities that arise at the interface between two immiscible viscous fluids flowing radially outward in a uniform three-dimensional (3D) porous medium. By employing a perturbative second-order mode-coupling scheme, we investigate the linear stability of the system as well as the emergence of intrinsically nonlinear finger branching events in this 3D environment. At the linear stage, we find several differences between the 3D radial fingering and its 2D counterpart (usual Saffman-Taylor flow in radial Hele-Shaw cells). These include the algebraic growth of disturbances and the existence of regions of absolute stability for finite values of viscosity contrast and capillary number in the 3D system. On the nonlinear level, our main focus is to get analytical insight into the physical mechanism resulting in the occurrence of finger tip-splitting phenomena. In this context, we show that the underlying mechanism leading to 3D tip splitting relies on the coupling between the fundamental interface modes and their first harmonics. However, we find that in three dimensions, in contrast to the usual 2D fingering structures normally encountered in radial Hele-Shaw flows, tip splitting into three branches can also be observed.

A survey of upwind methods for flows with equilibrium and non-equilibrium chemistry and thermodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossman, B.; Garrett, J.; Cinnella, P.

1989-01-01

Several versions of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms were compared with regard to general applicability and complexity. Test computations were performed using curve-fit equilibrium air chemistry for an M = 5 high-temperature inviscid flow over a wedge, and an M = 24.5 inviscid flow over a blunt cylinder for test computations; for these cases, little difference in accuracy was found among the versions of the same flux-split algorithm. For flows with nonequilibrium chemistry, the effects of the thermodynamic model on the development of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms were investigated using an equilibrium model, a general nonequilibrium model, and a simplified model based on vibrational relaxation. Several numerical examples are presented, including nonequilibrium air chemistry in a high-temperature shock tube and nonequilibrium hydrogen-air chemistry in a supersonic diffuser.

Overview of the relevant CFD work at Thiokol Corporation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chwalowski, Pawel; Loh, Hai-Tien

1992-01-01

An in-house developed proprietary advanced computational fluid dynamics code called SHARP (Trademark) is a primary tool for many flow simulations and design analyses. The SHARP code is a time dependent, two dimensional (2-D) axisymmetric numerical solution technique for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The solution technique in SHARP uses a vectorizable implicit, second order accurate in time and space, finite volume scheme based on an upwind flux-difference splitting of a Roe-type approximated Riemann solver, Van Leer's flux vector splitting, and a fourth order artificial dissipation scheme with a preconditioning to accelerate the flow solution. Turbulence is simulated by an algebraic model, and ultimately the kappa-epsilon model. Some other capabilities of the code are 2-D two-phase Lagrangian particle tracking and cell blockages. Extensive development and testing has been conducted on the 3-D version of the code with flow, combustion, and turbulence interactions. The emphasis here is on the specific applications of SHARP in Solid Rocket Motor design. Information is given in viewgraph form.

High index glass thin film processing for photonics and photovoltaic (PV) applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogbuu, Okechukwu Anthony

To favorably compete with fossil-fuel technology, the greatest challenge for thin film solar-cells is to improve efficiency and reduce material cost. Thickness scaling to thin film reduces material cost but affects the light absorption in the cells; therefore a concept that traps incident photons and increases its optical path length is needed to boost absorption in thin film solar cells. One approach is the integration of low symmetric gratings (LSG), using high index material, on either the front-side or backside of 30 um thin c-Si cells. In this study, Multicomponent TeO2--Bi2O 3--ZnO (TBZ) glass thin films were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering under different oxygen flow rates. The influences of oxygen flow rate on the structural and optical properties of the resulting thin films were investigated. The structural origin of the optical property variation was studied using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that TBZ glass thin film is a suitable material for front side LSG material photovoltaic and photonics applications due to their amorphous nature, high refractive index (n > 2), broad band optical transparency window, low processing temperature. We developed a simple maskless method to pattern sputtered tellurite based glass thin films using unconventional agarose hydrogel mediated wet etching. Conventional wet etching process, while claiming low cost and high throughput, suffers from reproducibility and pattern fidelity issues due to the isotropic nature of wet chemical etching when applied to glasses and polymers. This method overcomes these challenges by using an agarose hydrogel stamp to mediate a conformal etching process. In our maskless method, agarose hydrogel stamps are patterned following a standard soft lithography and replica molding process from micropatterned masters and soaked in a chemical etchant. The micro-scale features on the stamp are subsequently transferred into glass and polymer thin films via conformal wet etching. High refractive index chalcogenide glass (n = 2.6) thin films with composition As20Se80 was selected for backside LSG material due to their attractive properties. We developed an optimized integration protocol for LSG integration and successfully integrated these LSG structures at the back side of both 30 microm c-Si solar cells and standalone 30 microm c-Si wafers. Optical and electrical characterization of LSG on thin c-Si cells shows that LSG structures create higher absorption enhancement and external quantum efficiency at long wavelengths.

Biomimetics in thin film design: Niche-like wrinkles designed for i-cell progenitor cell differentiation.

PubMed

Major, Roman; Lackner, Juergen M; Sanak, Marek; Major, Boguslaw

2017-11-01

The future and development of science are in interdisciplinary areas, such as biomedical engineering. Self-assembled structures, similar to stem cell niches, inhibit rapid cellular division processes and enable the capture of stem cells from blood flow. By modifying the surface topography and stiffness properties, progenitor cells were differentiated towards the formation of endothelial cell monolayers to effectively inhibit the coagulation cascade. Wrinkled material layers in the form of thin polymeric coatings were prepared. An optimized surface topography led to proper cell differentiation and influenced the appropriate formation of endothelial cell monolayers. Blood activation was decelerated by the formed endothelium. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of kinetic flux vector splitting scheme for solving multi-dimensional hydrodynamical models of semiconductor devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nisar, Ubaid Ahmed; Ashraf, Waqas; Qamar, Shamsul

In this article, one and two-dimensional hydrodynamical models of semiconductor devices are numerically investigated. The models treat the propagation of electrons in a semiconductor device as the flow of a charged compressible fluid. It plays an important role in predicting the behavior of electron flow in semiconductor devices. Mathematically, the governing equations form a convection-diffusion type system with a right hand side describing the relaxation effects and interaction with a self consistent electric field. The proposed numerical scheme is a splitting scheme based on the kinetic flux-vector splitting (KFVS) method for the hyperbolic step, and a semi-implicit Runge-Kutta method for the relaxation step. The KFVS method is based on the direct splitting of macroscopic flux functions of the system on the cell interfaces. The second order accuracy of the scheme is achieved by using MUSCL-type initial reconstruction and Runge-Kutta time stepping method. Several case studies are considered. For validation, the results of current scheme are compared with those obtained from the splitting scheme based on the NT central scheme. The effects of various parameters such as low field mobility, device length, lattice temperature and voltage are analyzed. The accuracy, efficiency and simplicity of the proposed KFVS scheme validates its generic applicability to the given model equations. A two dimensional simulation is also performed by KFVS method for a MESFET device, producing results in good agreement with those obtained by NT-central scheme.

Investigation of thin/well-tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers exhibiting superior multifunctional performance in low-temperature electrolytic water splitting

DOE PAGES

Kang, Zhenye; Mo, Jingke; Yang, Gaoqiang; ...

2016-10-11

Liquid/gas diffusion layers (LGDLs), which are located between the catalyst layer (CL) and bipolar plate (BP), play an important role in enhancing the performance of water splitting in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). They are expected to transport electrons, heat, and reactants/products simultaneously with minimum voltage, current, thermal, interfacial, and fluidic losses. Here in this study, the thin titanium-based LGDLs with straight-through pores and well-defined pore morphologies are comprehensively investigated for the first time. The novel LGDL with a 400 μm pore size and 0.7 porosity achieved a best-ever performance of 1.66 V at 2 A cm -2 andmore » 80 °C, as compared to the published literature. The thin/well-tunable titanium based LGDLs remarkably reduce ohmic and activation losses, and it was found that porosity has a more significant impact on performance than pore size. In addition, an appropriate equivalent electrical circuit model has been established to quantify the effects of pore morphologies. The rapid electrochemical reaction phenomena at the center of the PEMEC are observed by coupling with high-speed and micro-scale visualization systems. Lastly, the observed reactions contribute reasonable and pioneering data that elucidate the effects of porosity and pore size on the PEMEC performance. This study can be a new guide for future research and development towards high-efficiency and low-cost hydrogen energy.« less

Methodology for Sensitivity Analysis, Approximate Analysis, and Design Optimization in CFD for Multidisciplinary Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Arthur C., III; Hou, Gene W.

1996-01-01

An incremental iterative formulation together with the well-known spatially split approximate-factorization algorithm, is presented for solving the large, sparse systems of linear equations that are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. This formulation is also known as the 'delta' or 'correction' form. For the smaller two dimensional problems, a direct method can be applied to solve these linear equations in either the standard or the incremental form, in which case the two are equivalent. However, iterative methods are needed for larger two-dimensional and three dimensional applications because direct methods require more computer memory than is currently available. Iterative methods for solving these equations in the standard form are generally unsatisfactory due to an ill-conditioned coefficient matrix; this problem is overcome when these equations are cast in the incremental form. The methodology is successfully implemented and tested using an upwind cell-centered finite-volume formulation applied in two dimensions to the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations for external flow over an airfoil. In three dimensions this methodology is demonstrated with a marching-solution algorithm for the Euler equations to calculate supersonic flow over the High-Speed Civil Transport configuration (HSCT 24E). The sensitivity derivatives obtained with the incremental iterative method from a marching Euler code are used in a design-improvement study of the HSCT configuration that involves thickness. camber, and planform design variables.

Design of a dual linear polarization antenna using split ring resonators at X-band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Sadiq; Chandra, Madhukar

2017-11-01

Dual linear polarization microstrip antenna configurations are very suitable for high-performance satellites, wireless communication and radar applications. This paper presents a new method to improve the co-cross polarization discrimination (XPD) for dual linear polarized microstrip antennas at 10 GHz. For this, three various configurations of a dual linear polarization antenna utilizing metamaterial unit cells are shown. In the first layout, the microstrip patch antenna is loaded with two pairs of spiral ring resonators, in the second model, a split ring resonator is placed between two microstrip feed lines, and in the third design, a complementary split ring resonators are etched in the ground plane. This work has two primary goals: the first is related to the addition of metamaterial unit cells to the antenna structure which permits compensation for an asymmetric current distribution flow on the microstrip antenna and thus yields a symmetrical current distribution on it. This compensation leads to an important enhancement in the XPD in comparison to a conventional dual linear polarized microstrip patch antenna. The simulation reveals an improvement of 7.9, 8.8, and 4 dB in the E and H planes for the three designs, respectively, in the XPD as compared to the conventional dual linear polarized patch antenna. The second objective of this paper is to present the characteristics and performances of the designs of the spiral ring resonator (S-RR), split ring resonator (SRR), and complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) metamaterial unit cells. The simulations are evaluated using the commercial full-wave simulator, Ansoft High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS).

CARS Temperature Measurements in a Hypersonic Propulsion Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jarrett, Olin, Jr.; Smith, M. W.; Antcliff, R. R.; Northam, G. Burt; Cutler, A. D.; Capriotti, D. P.; Taylor, D. J.

1990-01-01

Nonintrusive diagnostic measurements were performed in the supersonic reacting flow of the Hypersonic Propulsion Test Cell 2 at NASA-Langley. A Coherent Anti-stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) system was assembled specifically for the test cell environment. System design considerations were: (1) test cell noise and vibration; (2) contamination from flow field or atmospheric borne dust; (3) unwanted laser or electrically induced combustion (inside or outside the duct); (4) efficient signal collection; (5) signal splitting to span the wide dynamic range present throughout the flow field; (6) movement of the sampling volume in the flow; and (7) modification of the scramjet model duct to permit optical access to the reacting flow with the CARS system. The flow in the duct was a nominal Mach 2 flow with static pressure near one atmosphere. A single perpendicular injector introduced hydrogen into the flow behind a rearward facing step. CARS data was obtained in three planes downstream of the injection region. At least 20 CARS data points were collected at each of the regularly spaced sampling locations in each data plane. Contour plots of scramjet combustor static temperature in a reacting flow region are presented.

Thin and open vessel windows for intra-vital fluorescence imaging of murine cochlear blood flow

PubMed Central

Shi, Xiaorui; Zhang, Fei; Urdang, Zachary; Dai, Min; Neng, Lingling; Zhang, Jinhui; Chen, Songlin; Ramamoorthy, Sripriya; Nuttall, Alfred L.

2014-01-01

Normal microvessel structure and function in the cochlea is essential for maintaining the ionic and metabolic homeostasis required for hearing function. Abnormal cochlear microcirculation has long been considered an etiologic factor in hearing disorders. A better understanding of cochlear blood flow (CoBF) will enable more effective amelioration of hearing disorders that result from aberrant blood flow. However, establishing the direct relationship between CoBF and other cellular events in the lateral wall and response to physio-pathological stress remains a challenge due to the lack of feasible interrogation methods and difficulty in accessing the inner ear. Here we report on new methods for studying the CoBF in a mouse model using a thin or open vessel-window in combination with fluorescence intra-vital microscopy (IVM). An open vessel-window enables investigation of vascular cell biology and blood flow permeability, including pericyte (PC) contractility, bone marrow cell migration, and endothelial barrier leakage, in wild type and fluorescent protein-labeled transgenic mouse models with high spatial and temporal resolution. Alternatively, the thin vessel-window method minimizes disruption of the homeostatic balance in the lateral wall and enables study CoBF under relatively intact physiological conditions. A thin vessel-window method can also be used for time-based studies of physiological and pathological processes. Although the small size of the mouse cochlea makes surgery difficult, the methods are sufficiently developed for studying the structural and functional changes in CoBF under normal and pathological conditions. PMID:24780131

A thin layer electrochemical cell for disinfection of water contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Gusmão, Isabel C. P.; Moraes, Peterson B.; Bidoia, Ederio D.

2009-01-01

A thin layer electrochemical cell was tested and developed for disinfection treatment of water artificially contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Electrolysis was performed with a low-voltage DC power source applying current densities of 75 mA cm-2 (3 A) or 25 mA cm-2 (1 A). A dimensionally stable anode (DSA) of titanium coated with an oxide layer of 70%TiO2 plus 30%RuO2 (w/w) and a 3 mm from a stainless-steel 304 cathode was used in the thin layer cell. The experiments were carried out using a bacteria suspension containing 0.08 M sodium sulphate with chloride-free to determine the bacterial inactivation efficacy of the thin layer cell without the generation of chlorine. The chlorine can promote the formation of trihalomethanes (THM) that are carcinogenic. S. aureus inactivation increased with electrolysis time and lower flow rate. The flow rates used were 200 or 500 L h-1. At 500 L h-1 and 75 mA cm-2 the inactivation after 60 min was about three logs of decreasing for colony forming units by mL. However, 100% inactivation for S. aureus was observed at 5.6 V and 75 mA cm-2 after 30 min. Thus, significant disinfection levels can be achieved without adding oxidant substances or generation of chlorine in the water. PMID:24031410

Secondary flow in a curved artery model with Newtonian and non-Newtonian blood-analog fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najjari, Mohammad Reza; Plesniak, Michael W.

2016-11-01

Steady and pulsatile flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids through a 180°-curved pipe were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiment was inspired by physiological pulsatile flow through large curved arteries, with a carotid artery flow rate imposed. Sodium iodide (NaI) and sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) were added to the working fluids to match the refractive index (RI) of the test section to eliminate optical distortion. Rheological measurements revealed that adding NaI or NaSCN changes the viscoelastic properties of non-Newtonian solutions and reduces their shear-thinning property. Measured centerline velocity profiles in the upstream straight pipe agreed well with an analytical solution. In the pulsatile case, secondary flow structures, i.e. deformed-Dean, Dean, Wall and Lyne vortices, were observed in various cross sections along the curved pipe. Vortical structures at each cross section were detected using the d2 vortex identification method. Circulation analysis was performed on each vortex separately during the systolic deceleration phase, and showed that vortices split and rejoin. Secondary flow structures in steady flows were found to be morphologically similar to those in pulsatile flows for sufficiently high Dean number. supported by the George Washington University Center for Biomimetics and Bioinspired Engineering.

Two-phase Hele-Shaw flow with a moving contact line

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

Weinstein, S.J.; Ungar, L.H.; Dussan, E.B.

1988-01-01

An asymptotic analysis is presented for Hele-Shaw viscous fingering with a moving contact line at flow rates. As in problems where a thin film is present instead of a contact line, the narrow gap limit is nonuniform, and interfacial boundary conditions valid for the Hele-Shaw equations must be determined in order to predict the flow field and interface shape. Many well-posed boundary-value problems can be identified, each corresponding to a different flow regime characterized by the relative sizes of the capillary number (dimensionless velocity) and the dimensionless gap width. These problems incorporate terms corresponding to the gapwise component of themore » interfacial curvature (the curvature in the cross-sectional view of the Hele-Shaw cell) and spanwise curvature (seen in the top view of the cell) in different ways. Nonunique interface solutions typically arise as in the analogous thin film problems. The relationships between the curvature terms, the spectra of allowable solutions, and the implications for stability are discussed.« less

Rare cancer cell analyzer for whole blood applications: microcytometer cell counting and sorting subcircuits.

PubMed

Lancaster, C; Kokoris, M; Nabavi, M; Clemmens, J; Maloney, P; Capadanno, J; Gerdes, J; Battrell, C F

2005-09-01

We demonstrate sorting of rare cancer cells from blood using a thin ribbon monolayer of cells within a credit-card sized, microfluidic laboratory-on-a-card ("lab card") structure. This enables higher cell throughput per minute thereby speeding up cell interrogation. In this approach, multiple cells are viewed and sorted, not individually, but as a whole cell row or section of the ribbon at a time. Gated selection of only the cell rows containing a tagged rare cell provides enrichment of the rare cell relative to background blood cells. We also designed the cell injector for laminar flow antibody labeling within 20s. The approach combines rapid laminar flow cell labeling with monolayer cell sorting thereby enabling rare cell target detection at sensitivity levels 1000 to 10,000 times that of existing flow cytometers. Using this method, total cell labeling and data acquisition time on card may be reduced to a few minutes compared to 30-60 min for standard flow methods.

A loosely-coupled scheme for the interaction between a fluid, elastic structure and poroelastic material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukač, M.

2016-05-01

We model the interaction between an incompressible, viscous fluid, thin elastic structure and a poroelastic material. The poroelastic material is modeled using the Biot's equations of dynamic poroelasticity. The fluid, elastic structure and the poroelastic material are fully coupled, giving rise to a nonlinear, moving boundary problem with novel energy estimates. We present a modular, loosely coupled scheme where the original problem is split into the fluid sub-problem, elastic structure sub-problem and poroelasticity sub-problem. An energy estimate associated with the stability of the scheme is derived in the case where one of the coupling parameters, β, is equal to zero. We present numerical tests where we investigate the effects of the material properties of the poroelastic medium on the fluid flow. Our findings indicate that the flow patterns highly depend on the storativity of the poroelastic material and cannot be captured by considering fluid-structure interaction only.

Three Dimensional Solution of Pneumatic Active Control of Forebody Vortex Asymmetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandil, Osama A.; SharafEl-Din, Hazem H.; Liu, C. H.

1995-01-01

Pneumatic active control of asymmetric vortical flows around a slender pointed forebody is investigated using the three dimensional solution for the compressible thin-layer Navier-Stokes equation. The computational applications cover the normal and tangential injection control of asymmetric flows around a 5 degree semi-apex angle cone at a 40 degree angle of attack, 1.4 freestream Mach number and 6 x 10(exp 6) freestream Reynolds number (based on the cone length). The effective tangential angle range of 67.5 approaches minus 67.5 degrees is used for both normal and tangential ports of injection. The effective axial length of injection is varied from 0.03 to 0.05. The computational solver uses the implicit, upwind, flux difference splitting finite volume scheme, and the grid consists of 161 x 55 x 65 points in the wrap around, normal and axial directions, respectively. The results show that tangential injection is more effective than normal injection.

Cortical Flow-Driven Shapes of Nonadherent Cells.

PubMed

Callan-Jones, A C; Ruprecht, V; Wieser, S; Heisenberg, C P; Voituriez, R

2016-01-15

Nonadherent polarized cells have been observed to have a pearlike, elongated shape. Using a minimal model that describes the cell cortex as a thin layer of contractile active gel, we show that the anisotropy of active stresses, controlled by cortical viscosity and filament ordering, can account for this morphology. The predicted shapes can be determined from the flow pattern only; they prove to be independent of the mechanism at the origin of the cortical flow, and are only weakly sensitive to the cytoplasmic rheology. In the case of actin flows resulting from a contractile instability, we propose a phase diagram of three-dimensional cell shapes that encompasses nonpolarized spherical, elongated, as well as oblate shapes, all of which have been observed in experiment.

Enhancing photovoltaic output power by 3-band spectrum-splitting and concentration using a diffractive micro-optic

DOE PAGES

Mohammad, Nabil; Wang, Peng; Friedman, Daniel J.; ...

2014-09-17

We report the enhancement of photovoltaic output power by separating the incident spectrum into 3 bands, and concentrating these bands onto 3 different photovoltaic cells. The spectrum-splitting and concentration is achieved via a thin, planar micro-optical element that demonstrates high optical efficiency over the entire spectrum of interest. The optic (which we call a polychromat) was designed using a modified version of the direct-binary-search algorithm. The polychromat was fabricated using grayscale lithography. Rigorous optical characterization demonstrates excellent agreement with simulation results. Electrical characterization of the solar cells made from GaInP, GaAs and Si indicate increase in the peak output powermore » density of 43.63%, 30.84% and 30.86%, respectively when compared to normal operation without the polychromat. This represents an overall increase of 35.52% in output power density. As a result, the potential for cost-effective large-area manufacturing and for high system efficiencies makes our approach a strong candidate for low cost solar power.« less

Copper Oxide Nanograss for Efficient and Stable Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production by Water Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borkar, Rajnikant; Dahake, Rashmi; Rayalu, Sadhana; Bansiwal, Amit

2018-03-01

A biphasic copper oxide thin film of grass-like appendage morphology is synthesized by two-step electro-deposition method and later investigated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen production. Further, the thin film was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and PEC techniques. The XRD analysis confirms formation of biphasic copper oxide phases, and SEM reveals high surface area grass appendage-like morphology. These grass appendage structures exhibit a high cathodic photocurrent of - 1.44 mAcm-2 at an applied bias of - 0.7 (versus Ag/AgCl) resulting in incident to photon current efficiency (IPCE) of ˜ 10% at 400 nm. The improved light harvesting and charge transport properties of grass appendage structured biphasic copper oxides makes it a potential candidate for PEC water splitting for hydrogen production.

Split Space-Marching Finite-Volume Method for Chemically Reacting Supersonic Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizzi, Arthur W.; Bailey, Harry E.

1976-01-01

A space-marching finite-volume method employing a nonorthogonal coordinate system and using a split differencing scheme for calculating steady supersonic flow over aerodynamic shapes is presented. It is a second-order-accurate mixed explicit-implicit procedure that solves the inviscid adiabatic and nondiffusive equations for chemically reacting flow in integral conservation-law form. The relationship between the finite-volume and differential forms of the equations is examined and the relative merits of each discussed. The method admits initial Cauchy data situated on any arbitrary surface and integrates them forward along a general curvilinear coordinate, distorting and deforming the surface as it advances. The chemical kinetics term is split from the convective terms which are themselves dimensionally split, thereby freeing the fluid operators from the restricted step size imposed by the chemical reactions and increasing the computational efficiency. The accuracy of this splitting technique is analyzed, a sufficient stability criterion is established, a representative flow computation is discussed, and some comparisons are made with another method.

On-chip cell sorting via patterned magnetic traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byvank, Tom; Prikockis, Michael; Chen, Aaron; Miller, Brandon; Chalmers, Jeffrey; Sooryakumar, Ratnasingham

2015-03-01

Due to their importance in research for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, numerous schemes have been developed to sort rare cell populations, e.g., circulating tumor cells (CTCs), from a larger ensemble of cells. Here, we improve upon a previously developed microfluidic device (Lab Chip 13, 1172, (2013)) to increase throughput and sorting purity of magnetically labeled cells. The separation mechanism involves controlling magnetic forces by manipulating the magnetic domain structures of embedded permalloy microdisks with weak external fields. These forces move labeled cells from the input flow stream into an adjacent buffer flow stream. Such magnetically activated transfer separates the magnetic entities from their non-magnetic counterparts as the two flow streams split apart and move toward their respective outputs. Purity of the magnetic output is modulated by the withdrawal rate of the non-magnetic output relative to the inputs. A proof of concept shows that CTCs from metastatic breast cancer patients can be sorted, recovered from the device, and confirmed as CTCs using separate immunofluorescence staining and analysis. With further optimizations, the channel could become a useful device for high purity final sorting of enriched patient cell samples.

Operation of Thin-Film Electrolyte Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in Lightweight and Stationary Stacks: Material and Microstructural Aspects

PubMed Central

Roehrens, Daniel; Packbier, Ute; Fang, Qingping; Blum, Ludger; Sebold, Doris; Bram, Martin; Menzler, Norbert

2016-01-01

In this study we report on the development and operational data of a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell with a thin film electrolyte under varying conditions. The metal-ceramic structure was developed for a mobile auxiliary power unit and offers power densities of 1 W/cm2 at 800 °C, as well as robustness under mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses. A dense and thin yttria-doped zirconia layer was applied to a nanoporous nickel/zirconia anode using a scalable adapted gas-flow sputter process, which allowed the homogeneous coating of areas up to 100 cm2. The cell performance is presented for single cells and for stack operation, both in lightweight and stationary stack designs. The results from short-term operation indicate that this cell technology may be a very suitable alternative for mobile applications. PMID:28773883

A flux splitting scheme with high-resolution and robustness for discontinuities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wada, Yasuhiro; Liou, Meng-Sing

1994-01-01

A flux splitting scheme is proposed for the general nonequilibrium flow equations with an aim at removing numerical dissipation of Van-Leer-type flux-vector splittings on a contact discontinuity. The scheme obtained is also recognized as an improved Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM) where a slight numerical overshoot immediately behind the shock is eliminated. The proposed scheme has favorable properties: high-resolution for contact discontinuities; conservation of enthalpy for steady flows; numerical efficiency; applicability to chemically reacting flows. In fact, for a single contact discontinuity, even if it is moving, this scheme gives the numerical flux of the exact solution of the Riemann problem. Various numerical experiments including that of a thermo-chemical nonequilibrium flow were performed, which indicate no oscillation and robustness of the scheme for shock/expansion waves. A cure for carbuncle phenomenon is discussed as well.

Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen by core-shell WO3/BiVO4 nanorods with ultimate water splitting efficiency

PubMed Central

Pihosh, Yuriy; Turkevych, Ivan; Mawatari, Kazuma; Uemura, Jin; Kazoe, Yutaka; Kosar, Sonya; Makita, Kikuo; Sugaya, Takeyoshi; Matsui, Takuya; Fujita, Daisuke; Tosa, Masahiro; Kondo, Michio; Kitamori, Takehiko

2015-01-01

Efficient photocatalytic water splitting requires effective generation, separation and transfer of photo-induced charge carriers that can hardly be achieved simultaneously in a single material. Here we show that the effectiveness of each process can be separately maximized in a nanostructured heterojunction with extremely thin absorber layer. We demonstrate this concept on WO3/BiVO4+CoPi core-shell nanostructured photoanode that achieves near theoretical water splitting efficiency. BiVO4 is characterized by a high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers that have much shorter diffusion length than the thickness required for sufficient light absorption. This issue can be resolved by the combination of BiVO4 with more conductive WO3 nanorods in a form of core-shell heterojunction, where the BiVO4 absorber layer is thinner than the carrier diffusion length while it’s optical thickness is reestablished by light trapping in high aspect ratio nanostructures. Our photoanode demonstrates ultimate water splitting photocurrent of 6.72 mA cm−2 under 1 sun illumination at 1.23 VRHE that corresponds to ~90% of the theoretically possible value for BiVO4. We also demonstrate a self-biased operation of the photoanode in tandem with a double-junction GaAs/InGaAsP photovoltaic cell with stable water splitting photocurrent of 6.56 mA cm−2 that corresponds to the solar to hydrogen generation efficiency of 8.1%. PMID:26053164

Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen by core-shell WO3/BiVO4 nanorods with ultimate water splitting efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pihosh, Yuriy; Turkevych, Ivan; Mawatari, Kazuma; Uemura, Jin; Kazoe, Yutaka; Kosar, Sonya; Makita, Kikuo; Sugaya, Takeyoshi; Matsui, Takuya; Fujita, Daisuke; Tosa, Masahiro; Kondo, Michio; Kitamori, Takehiko

2015-06-01

Efficient photocatalytic water splitting requires effective generation, separation and transfer of photo-induced charge carriers that can hardly be achieved simultaneously in a single material. Here we show that the effectiveness of each process can be separately maximized in a nanostructured heterojunction with extremely thin absorber layer. We demonstrate this concept on WO3/BiVO4+CoPi core-shell nanostructured photoanode that achieves near theoretical water splitting efficiency. BiVO4 is characterized by a high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers that have much shorter diffusion length than the thickness required for sufficient light absorption. This issue can be resolved by the combination of BiVO4 with more conductive WO3 nanorods in a form of core-shell heterojunction, where the BiVO4 absorber layer is thinner than the carrier diffusion length while it’s optical thickness is reestablished by light trapping in high aspect ratio nanostructures. Our photoanode demonstrates ultimate water splitting photocurrent of 6.72 mA cm-2 under 1 sun illumination at 1.23 VRHE that corresponds to ~90% of the theoretically possible value for BiVO4. We also demonstrate a self-biased operation of the photoanode in tandem with a double-junction GaAs/InGaAsP photovoltaic cell with stable water splitting photocurrent of 6.56 mA cm-2 that corresponds to the solar to hydrogen generation efficiency of 8.1%.

Striped Electrodes for Solid-Electrolyte Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, R.

1983-01-01

Striped thick-film platinum electrodes help insure lower overall cell resistance by permitting free flow of gases in gaps between stripes. Thickfilm stripes are also easier to fabricate than porous thin-film electrodes that cover entire surface. Possible applications for improved cells include oxygen production from carbon dioxide, extraction of oxygen from air, small fluidic pumping, sewage treatment, and fuel cells.

A multiscale fixed stress split iterative scheme for coupled flow and poromechanics in deep subsurface reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dana, Saumik; Ganis, Benjamin; Wheeler, Mary F.

2018-01-01

In coupled flow and poromechanics phenomena representing hydrocarbon production or CO2 sequestration in deep subsurface reservoirs, the spatial domain in which fluid flow occurs is usually much smaller than the spatial domain over which significant deformation occurs. The typical approach is to either impose an overburden pressure directly on the reservoir thus treating it as a coupled problem domain or to model flow on a huge domain with zero permeability cells to mimic the no flow boundary condition on the interface of the reservoir and the surrounding rock. The former approach precludes a study of land subsidence or uplift and further does not mimic the true effect of the overburden on stress sensitive reservoirs whereas the latter approach has huge computational costs. In order to address these challenges, we augment the fixed-stress split iterative scheme with upscaling and downscaling operators to enable modeling flow and mechanics on overlapping nonmatching hexahedral grids. Flow is solved on a finer mesh using a multipoint flux mixed finite element method and mechanics is solved on a coarse mesh using a conforming Galerkin method. The multiscale operators are constructed using a procedure that involves singular value decompositions, a surface intersections algorithm and Delaunay triangulations. We numerically demonstrate the convergence of the augmented scheme using the classical Mandel's problem solution.

Mantle Flow Across the Baikal Rift Constrained With Integrated Seismic Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, S.; Meier, T.; van der Hilst, R. D.

2005-12-01

The Baikal Rift is located at the boundary of the stable Siberian Craton and deforming central Mongolia. The origin of the late Cenozoic rifting and volcanism are debated, as is the mantle flow beneath the rift zone. Here we combine new evidence from azimuthally-anisotropic upper-mantle tomography and from a radially-anisotropic inversion of interstation surface-wave dispersion curves with previously published shear-wave-splitting measurements of azimuthal anisotropy across the rift (Gao et al. 1994). While our tomographic model maps isotropic and anisotropic shear-velocity heterogeneity globally, the inversion of interstation phase-velocity measurements produces a single, radially-anisotropic, shear-velocity profile that averages from the rift to 500 km SE of it. The precision and the broad band (8-340 s) of the Rayleigh and Love wave curves ensures high accuracy of the profile. Tomography and shear-wave splitting both give a NW-SE fast direction (perpendicular to the rift) in the vicinity of the rift, changing towards W-E a few hundred kilometers from it. Previously, this has been interpreted as evidence for mantle flow similar to that beneath mid-ocean ridges, with deeper vertical flow directly beneath the rift also proposed. Our radially anisotropic profile, however, shows that while strong anisotropy with SH waves faster than SV waves is present in the thin lithosphere and upper asthenosphere beneath and SE of the rift, no anisotropy is required below 110 km. The tomographic model shows thick cratonic lithosphere north of the rift. These observations suggest that instead of a flow diverging from the rift axis in NW and SE directions, the most likely pattern is the asthenospheric flow in SE direction from beneath the Siberian lithosphere and across the rift. Possible driving forces of the flow are large-scale lithospheric deformation in East Asia and the draining of asthenosphere at W-Pacific subduction zones; a plume beneath the Siberian craton also cannot be ruled out. As shown for the model of subcontinental asthenospheric flow by Morgan and Morgan (2005), this mantle flow pattern can explain not only the rifting but also the basaltic volcanism observed in the Lake Baikal region.

Well-balanced compressible cut-cell simulation of atmospheric flow.

PubMed

Klein, R; Bates, K R; Nikiforakis, N

2009-11-28

Cut-cell meshes present an attractive alternative to terrain-following coordinates for the representation of topography within atmospheric flow simulations, particularly in regions of steep topographic gradients. In this paper, we present an explicit two-dimensional method for the numerical solution on such meshes of atmospheric flow equations including gravitational sources. This method is fully conservative and allows for time steps determined by the regular grid spacing, avoiding potential stability issues due to arbitrarily small boundary cells. We believe that the scheme is unique in that it is developed within a dimensionally split framework, in which each coordinate direction in the flow is solved independently at each time step. Other notable features of the scheme are: (i) its conceptual and practical simplicity, (ii) its flexibility with regard to the one-dimensional flux approximation scheme employed, and (iii) the well-balancing of the gravitational sources allowing for stable simulation of near-hydrostatic flows. The presented method is applied to a selection of test problems including buoyant bubble rise interacting with geometry and lee-wave generation due to topography.

Microalga propels along vorticity direction in a shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chengala, Anwar; Hondzo, Miki; Sheng, Jian

2013-05-01

Using high-speed digital holographic microscopy and microfluidics, we discover that, when encountering fluid flow shear above a threshold, unicellular green alga Dunaliella primolecta migrates unambiguously in the cross-stream direction that is normal to the plane of shear and coincides with the local fluid flow vorticity. The flow shear drives motile microalgae to collectively migrate in a thin two-dimensional horizontal plane and consequently alters the spatial distribution of microalgal cells within a given suspension. This shear-induced algal migration differs substantially from periodic rotational motion of passive ellipsoids, known as Jeffery orbits, as well as gyrotaxis by bottom-heavy swimming microalgae in a shear flow due to the subtle interplay between torques generated by gravity and viscous shear. Our findings could facilitate mechanistic solutions for modeling planktonic thin layers and sustainable cultivation of microalgae for human nutrition and bioenergy feedstock.

Flow splitting in numerical simulations of oceanic dense-water outflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marques, Gustavo M.; Wells, Mathew G.; Padman, Laurie; Özgökmen, Tamay M.

2017-05-01

Flow splitting occurs when part of a gravity current becomes neutrally buoyant and separates from the bottom-trapped plume as an interflow. This phenomenon has been previously observed in laboratory experiments, small-scale water bodies (e.g., lakes) and numerical studies of small-scale systems. Here, the potential for flow splitting in oceanic gravity currents is investigated using high-resolution (Δx = Δz = 5 m) two-dimensional numerical simulations of gravity flows into linearly stratified environments. The model is configured to solve the non-hydrostatic Boussinesq equations without rotation. A set of experiments is conducted by varying the initial buoyancy number B0 =Q0N3 /g‧2 (where Q0 is the volume flux of the dense water flow per unit width, N is the ambient stratification and g‧ is the reduced gravity), the bottom slope (α) and the turbulent Prandtl number (Pr). Regardless of α or Pr, when B0 ≤ 0.002 the outflow always reaches the deep ocean forming an underflow. Similarly, when B0 ≥ 0.13 the outflow always equilibrates at intermediate depths, forming an interflow. However, when B0 ∼ 0.016, flow splitting always occurs when Pr ≥ 10, while interflows always occur for Pr = 1. An important characteristic of simulations that result in flow splitting is the development of Holmboe-like interfacial instabilities and flow transition from a supercritical condition, where the Froude number (Fr) is greater than one, to a slower and more uniform subcritical condition (Fr < 1). This transition is associated with an internal hydraulic jump and consequent mixing enhancement. Although our experiments do not take into account three-dimensionality and rotation, which are likely to influence mixing and the transition between flow regimes, a comparison between our results and oceanic observations suggests that flow splitting may occur in dense-water outflows with weak ambient stratification, such as Antarctic outflows.

A computational model of microbubble transport through a blood-filled vessel bifurcation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderon, Andres

2005-11-01

We are developing a novel gas embolotherapy technique to occlude blood vessels and starve tumors using gas bubbles that are produced by the acoustic vaporization of liquid perfluorocarbon droplets. The droplets are small enough to pass through the microcirculation, but the subsequent bubbles are large enough to lodge in vessels. The uniformity of tumor infarction depends on the transport the blood-borne bubbles before they stick. We examine the transport of a semi-infinite bubble through a single bifurcation in a liquid-filled two-dimensional channel. The flow is governed by the conservation of fluid mass and momentum equations. Reynolds numbers in the microcirculation are small, and we solve the governing equations using the boundary element method. The effect of gravity on bubble splitting is investigated and results are compared with our previous bench top experiments and to a quasi-steady one-dimensional analysis. The effects of daughter tube outlet pressures and bifurcation geometry are also considered. The findings suggest that slow moving bubbles will favor the upper branch of the bifurcation, but that increasing the bubble speed leads to more even splitting. It is also found that some bifurcation geometries and flow conditions result in severe thinning of the liquid film separating the bubble from the wall, suggesting the possibility bubble-wall contact. This work is supported by NSF grant BES-0301278 and NIH grant EB003541.

Thin and open vessel windows for intra-vital fluorescence imaging of murine cochlear blood flow.

PubMed

Shi, Xiaorui; Zhang, Fei; Urdang, Zachary; Dai, Min; Neng, Lingling; Zhang, Jinhui; Chen, Songlin; Ramamoorthy, Sripriya; Nuttall, Alfred L

2014-07-01

Normal microvessel structure and function in the cochlea is essential for maintaining the ionic and metabolic homeostasis required for hearing function. Abnormal cochlear microcirculation has long been considered an etiologic factor in hearing disorders. A better understanding of cochlear blood flow (CoBF) will enable more effective amelioration of hearing disorders that result from aberrant blood flow. However, establishing the direct relationship between CoBF and other cellular events in the lateral wall and response to physio-pathological stress remains a challenge due to the lack of feasible interrogation methods and difficulty in accessing the inner ear. Here we report on new methods for studying the CoBF in a mouse model using a thin or open vessel-window in combination with fluorescence intra-vital microscopy (IVM). An open vessel-window enables investigation of vascular cell biology and blood flow permeability, including pericyte (PC) contractility, bone marrow cell migration, and endothelial barrier leakage, in wild type and fluorescent protein-labeled transgenic mouse models with high spatial and temporal resolution. Alternatively, the thin vessel-window method minimizes disruption of the homeostatic balance in the lateral wall and enables study CoBF under relatively intact physiological conditions. A thin vessel-window method can also be used for time-based studies of physiological and pathological processes. Although the small size of the mouse cochlea makes surgery difficult, the methods are sufficiently developed for studying the structural and functional changes in CoBF under normal and pathological conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stabilized CdSe-CoPi composite photoanode for light-assisted water oxidation by transformation of a CdSe/cobalt metal thin film.

PubMed

Costi, Ronny; Young, Elizabeth R; Bulović, Vladimir; Nocera, Daniel G

2013-04-10

Integration of water splitting catalysts with visible-light-absorbing semiconductors would enable direct solar-energy-to-fuel conversion schemes such as those based on water splitting. A disadvantage of some common semiconductors that possess desirable optical bandgaps is their chemical instability under the conditions needed for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, we demonstrate the dual benefits gained from using a cobalt metal thin-film as the precursor for the preparation of cobalt-phosphate (CoPi) OER catalyst on cadmium chalcogenide photoanodes. The cobalt layer protects the underlying semiconductor from oxidation and degradation while forming the catalyst and simultaneously facilitates the advantageous incorporation of the cadmium chalcogenide layer into the CoPi layer during continued processing of the electrode. The resulting hybrid material forms a stable photoactive anode for light-assisted water splitting.

Seedless-grown of ZnO thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Aidahani; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Chiu, W. S.

2018-04-01

We developed a seedless hydrothermal method to grow a flower like ZnO nanorods. Prior to the growth, a layer of Au thin film is sputtered onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. The morphological, structural and optical properties of the ZnO nanostructures were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflection measurement to understand the growth process of the working thin film. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) results suggest that the deposition of ZnO nanorods on Au nanoparticles plays an important role in enhancing the photoelectrode activity. H2 evolution from photo-splitting of water over Au-incorporated ZnO in the 0.1M NaOH liquid system was enhanced, compared to that over bare ZnO; particularly, the production of 15.5 µL of H2 gas after twenty five minutes exposure of ZnO grown on Au-coated thin film.

Numerical simulations of three-dimensional laminar flow over a backward facing step; flow near side walls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, Erlendur; Liou, Meng-Sing; Povinelli, Louis A.; Arnone, Andrea

1993-01-01

This paper reports the results of numerical simulations of steady, laminar flow over a backward-facing step. The governing equations used in the simulations are the full 'compressible' Navier-Stokes equations, solutions to which were computed by using a cell-centered, finite volume discretization. The convection terms of the governing equations were discretized by using the Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM), whereas the diffusion terms were discretized using central differencing formulas. The validity and accuracy of the numerical solutions were verified by comparing the results to existing experimental data for flow at identical Reynolds numbers in the same back step geometry. The paper focuses attention on the details of the flow field near the side wall of the geometry.

Unraveling the hydrodynamics of split root water uptake experiments using CT scanned root architectures and three dimensional flow simulations

PubMed Central

Koebernick, Nicolai; Huber, Katrin; Kerkhofs, Elien; Vanderborght, Jan; Javaux, Mathieu; Vereecken, Harry; Vetterlein, Doris

2015-01-01

Split root experiments have the potential to disentangle water transport in roots and soil, enabling the investigation of the water uptake pattern of a root system. Interpretation of the experimental data assumes that water flow between the split soil compartments does not occur. Another approach to investigate root water uptake is by numerical simulations combining soil and root water flow depending on the parameterization and description of the root system. Our aim is to demonstrate the synergisms that emerge from combining split root experiments with simulations. We show how growing root architectures derived from temporally repeated X-ray CT scanning can be implemented in numerical soil-plant models. Faba beans were grown with and without split layers and exposed to a single drought period during which plant and soil water status were measured. Root architectures were reconstructed from CT scans and used in the model R-SWMS (root-soil water movement and solute transport) to simulate water potentials in soil and roots in 3D as well as water uptake by growing roots in different depths. CT scans revealed that root development was considerably lower with split layers compared to without. This coincided with a reduction of transpiration, stomatal conductance and shoot growth. Simulated predawn water potentials were lower in the presence of split layers. Simulations showed that this was related to an increased resistance to vertical water flow in the soil by the split layers. Comparison between measured and simulated soil water potentials proved that the split layers were not perfectly isolating and that redistribution of water from the lower, wetter compartments to the drier upper compartments took place, thus water losses were not equal to the root water uptake from those compartments. Still, the layers increased the resistance to vertical flow which resulted in lower simulated collar water potentials that led to reduced stomatal conductance and growth. PMID:26074935

Incompressible material point method for free surface flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Xiong; Sze, Kam Yim; Lian, Yanping; Liu, Yan

2017-02-01

To overcome the shortcomings of the weakly compressible material point method (WCMPM) for modeling the free surface flow problems, an incompressible material point method (iMPM) is proposed based on operator splitting technique which splits the solution of momentum equation into two steps. An intermediate velocity field is first obtained by solving the momentum equations ignoring the pressure gradient term, and then the intermediate velocity field is corrected by the pressure term to obtain a divergence-free velocity field. A level set function which represents the signed distance to free surface is used to track the free surface and apply the pressure boundary conditions. Moreover, an hourglass damping is introduced to suppress the spurious velocity modes which are caused by the discretization of the cell center velocity divergence from the grid vertexes velocities when solving pressure Poisson equations. Numerical examples including dam break, oscillation of a cubic liquid drop and a droplet impact into deep pool show that the proposed incompressible material point method is much more accurate and efficient than the weakly compressible material point method in solving free surface flow problems.

Parabolic polarization splitting of Tamm states in a metal-organic microcavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brückner, R.; Sudzius, M.; Hintschich, S. I.; Fröb, H.; Lyssenko, V. G.; Kaliteevski, M. A.; Iorsh, I.; Abram, R. A.; Kavokin, A. V.; Leo, K.

2012-02-01

We observe hybrid states of cavity photons and Tamm plasmons in an organic microcavity with an incorporated thin silver layer of increasing thickness up to 40 nm. Via μ-photoluminescence spectroscopy, we investigate their angular dependence. At oblique angles, we observe a TE-TM polarization splitting of more than 40 meV for each mode. An analytical model is developed to describe the coupling of Tamm plasmons and cavity photons and to account for the splitting of the orthogonally polarized resonances.

Development of new flux splitting schemes. [computational fluid dynamics algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.

1992-01-01

Maximizing both accuracy and efficiency has been the primary objective in designing a numerical algorithm for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is especially important for solutions of complex three dimensional systems of Navier-Stokes equations which often include turbulence modeling and chemistry effects. Recently, upwind schemes have been well received for their capability in resolving discontinuities. With this in mind, presented are two new flux splitting techniques for upwind differencing. The first method is based on High-Order Polynomial Expansions (HOPE) of the mass flux vector. The second new flux splitting is based on the Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM). The calculation of the hypersonic conical flow demonstrates the accuracy of the splitting in resolving the flow in the presence of strong gradients. A second series of tests involving the two dimensional inviscid flow over a NACA 0012 airfoil demonstrates the ability of the AUSM to resolve the shock discontinuity at transonic speed. A third case calculates a series of supersonic flows over a circular cylinder. Finally, the fourth case deals with tests of a two dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interaction.

Experimental Investigation of Rotating Stall in a Research Multistage Axial Compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, Jan; Braunscheidel, Edward P.; Welch, Gerard E.

2007-01-01

A collection of experimental data acquired in the NASA low-speed multistage axial compressor while operated in rotating stall is presented in this paper. The compressor was instrumented with high-response wall pressure modules and a static pressure disc probe for in-flow measurement, and a split-fiber probe for simultaneous measurements of velocity magnitude and flow direction. The data acquired to-date have indicated that a single fully developed stall cell rotates about the flow annulus at 50.6% of the rotor speed. The stall phenomenon is substantially periodic at a fixed frequency of 8.29 Hz. It was determined that the rotating stall cell extends throughout the entire compressor, primarily in the axial direction. Spanwise distributions of the instantaneous absolute flow angle, axial and tangential velocity components, and static pressure acquired behind the first rotor are presented in the form of contour plots to visualize different patterns in the outer (midspan to casing) and inner (hub to mid-span) flow annuli during rotating stall. In most of the cases observed, the rotating stall started with a single cell. On occasion, rotating stall started with two emerging stall cells. The root cause of the variable stall cell count is unknown, but is not attributed to operating procedures.

Demi-embryo production from hatching of zona-drilled bovine and rabbit blastocysts.

PubMed

Skrzyszowska, M; Smorag, Z; Katska, L

1997-09-01

It is known that the pregnancy rate resulting after transfer of bisected embryos is lower than after transfer of whole embryos. The main reason is the reduced cell number in the demi-embryo which is less than 1 2 of that in the intact embryo, since a number of blastomeres is damaged as a result of the procedure used in conventional embryo splitting. The aim of our experiment was to develop a non-invasive procedure which would limit cell losses during microsurgery. The experiment was carried out on bovine IVM-IVF embryos at middle, late and expanded blastocyst stage and rabbit embryos at late blastocyst stage cultured in vitro from in vivo produced zygotes. The zona pellucida of these embryos was drilled on the line between the inner cell mass and the trophoblast using a glass microneedle (

Atmospheric methane measurement instrument using a Zeeman-split He-Ne laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmanus, J. Barry; Kebabian, Paul L.; Kolb, Charles E.

1989-01-01

The construction of an atmospheric methane measurement instrument based on a Zeeman-split IR He-Ne laser is reported. The laser has a tranverse magnetic field over about 2/3 of its gain length and can oscillate at an (unsplit) frequency (2947.91/cm) centered on a methane absorption line, or on either of two frequencies split by + or - 0.055/cm from the center, with low CH4 absorption. The laser is tuned to dwell sequentially at each frequency, giving two differential absorption measurements in each 46-ms tuning cycle. Atmospheric measurements are made using two multiple pass absorption cells, one with fast (0.75-s) and one with slow (5-s) flow response times. Fluctuations in ambient CH4 of about 20-ppb (rms, 1-s averaging) are detected, with interference fringe effects the dominant noise source. The instrument has operated in a field experiment (NASA GTE/ABLE-3A) in Alaska.

Employing overlayers to improve the performance of Cu 2BaSnS 4 thin film based photoelectrochemical water reduction devices

DOE PAGES

Ge, Jie; Roland, Paul J.; Koirala, Prakash; ...

2017-01-19

Earth-abundant copper-barium-thiostannate Cu 2BaSnS 4 (CBTS)-based thin films have recently been reported to exhibit the optoelectronic and defect properties suitable as absorbers for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and the top cell of tandem photovoltaic solar cells. However, the photocurrents of CBTS-based PEC devices are still much lower than the theoretical value, partially due to ineffective charge collection at CBTS/water interface and instability of CBTS in electrolytes. Here, we report on overcoming these issues by employing overlayer engineering. We find that CdS/ZnO/TiO 2 overlayers can significant-ly improve the PEC performance, achieving saturated cathodic photocurrents up to 7.8 mA cm -2 atmore » the potential of -0.10 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in a neutral electrolyte solution, which is much higher than the best bare CBTS film attaining a photocurrent of 4.8 mA cm -2 at the potential of -0.2 V versus RHE. Finally, our results suggest a viable approach for improving the performance of CBTS-based PEC cells.« less

Anatomic Characteristics Associated with Head Splitting in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaonan; Choi, Su Ryun; Wang, Yunbo; Sung, Chang-keun; Im, Subin; Ramchiary, Nirala; Zhou, Guangsheng; Lim, Yong Pyo

2015-01-01

Cabbage belonging to Brassicaceae family is one of the most important vegetables cultivated worldwide. The economically important part of cabbage crop is head, formed by leaves which may be of splitting and non-splitting types. Cabbage varieties showing head splitting causes huge loss to the farmers and therefore finding the molecular and structural basis of splitting types would be helpful to breeders. To determine which anatomical characteristics were related to head-splitting in cabbage, we analyzed two contrasting cabbage lines and their offspring using a field emission scanning electron microscope. The inbred line “747” is an early head-splitting type, while the inbred line “748” is a head-splitting-resistant type. The petiole cells of “747” seems to be larger than those of “748” at maturity; however, there was no significant difference in petiole cell size at both pre-heading and maturity stages. The lower epidermis cells of “747” were larger than those of “748” at the pre-heading and maturity stages. “747” had thinner epidermis cell wall than “748” at maturity stage, however, there was no difference of the epidermis cell wall thickness in the two lines at the pre-heading stage. The head-splitting plants in the F1 and F2 population inherited the larger cell size and thinner cell walls of epidermis cells in the petiole. In the petiole cell walls of “747” and the F1 and F2 plants that formed splitting heads, the cellulose microfibrils were loose and had separated from each other. These findings verified that anomalous cellulose microfibrils, larger cell size and thinner-walled epidermis cells are important genetic factors that make cabbage heads prone to splitting. PMID:26536356

Pleated metal bipolar assembly

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.; Zawodzinski, Christine

2001-01-01

A thin low-cost bipolar plate for an electrochemical cell is formed from a polymer support plate with first flow channels on a first side of the support plate and second flow channels on a second side of the support plate, where the first flow channels and second flow channels have intersecting locations and have a depth effective to form openings through the support plate at the intersecting locations. A first foil of electrically conductive material is pressed into the first flow channels. A second foil of electrically conductive material pressed into the second flow channels so that electrical contact is made between the first and second foils at the openings through the support plate. A particular application of the bipolar plate is in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Novel Fusion Protein Approach for Efficient High-Throughput Screening of Small Molecule–Mediating Protein-Protein Interactions in Cells and Living Animals

PubMed Central

Paulmurugan, Ramasamy; Gambhir, Sanjiv S.

2014-01-01

Networks of protein interactions execute many different intracellular pathways. Small molecules either synthesized within the cell or obtained from the external environment mediate many of these protein-protein interactions. The study of these small molecule–mediated protein-protein interactions is important in understanding abnormal signal transduction pathways in a variety of disorders, as well as in optimizing the process of drug development and validation. In this study, we evaluated the rapamycin-mediated interaction of the human proteins FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) rapamycin-binding domain (FRB) and FKBP12 by constructing a fusion of these proteins with a split-Renilla luciferase or a split enhanced green fluorescent protein (split-EGFP) such that complementation of the reporter fragments occurs in the presence of rapamycin. Different linker peptides in the fusion protein were evaluated for the efficient maintenance of complemented reporter activity. This system was studied in both cell culture and xenografts in living animals. We found that peptide linkers with two or four EAAAR repeat showed higher protein-protein interaction–mediated signal with lower background signal compared with having no linker or linkers with amino acid sequences GGGGSGGGGS, ACGSLSCGSF, and ACGSLSCGS-FACGSLSCGSF. A 9 ± 2-fold increase in signal intensity both in cell culture and in living mice was seen compared with a system that expresses both reporter fragments and the interacting proteins separately. In this fusion system, rapamycin induced heterodimerization of the FRB and FKBP12 moieties occurred rapidly even at very lower concentrations (0.00001 nmol/L) of rapamycin. For a similar fusion system employing split-EGFP, flow cytometry analysis showed significant level of rapamycin-induced complementation. PMID:16103094

Novel fusion protein approach for efficient high-throughput screening of small molecule-mediating protein-protein interactions in cells and living animals.

PubMed

Paulmurugan, Ramasamy; Gambhir, Sanjiv S

2005-08-15

Networks of protein interactions execute many different intracellular pathways. Small molecules either synthesized within the cell or obtained from the external environment mediate many of these protein-protein interactions. The study of these small molecule-mediated protein-protein interactions is important in understanding abnormal signal transduction pathways in a variety of disorders, as well as in optimizing the process of drug development and validation. In this study, we evaluated the rapamycin-mediated interaction of the human proteins FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) rapamycin-binding domain (FRB) and FKBP12 by constructing a fusion of these proteins with a split-Renilla luciferase or a split enhanced green fluorescent protein (split-EGFP) such that complementation of the reporter fragments occurs in the presence of rapamycin. Different linker peptides in the fusion protein were evaluated for the efficient maintenance of complemented reporter activity. This system was studied in both cell culture and xenografts in living animals. We found that peptide linkers with two or four EAAAR repeat showed higher protein-protein interaction-mediated signal with lower background signal compared with having no linker or linkers with amino acid sequences GGGGSGGGGS, ACGSLSCGSF, and ACGSLSCGSFACGSLSCGSF. A 9 +/- 2-fold increase in signal intensity both in cell culture and in living mice was seen compared with a system that expresses both reporter fragments and the interacting proteins separately. In this fusion system, rapamycin induced heterodimerization of the FRB and FKBP12 moieties occurred rapidly even at very lower concentrations (0.00001 nmol/L) of rapamycin. For a similar fusion system employing split-EGFP, flow cytometry analysis showed significant level of rapamycin-induced complementation.

Introducing an experimental split-cylinder to study flows with geophysical interest: First steps and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Garcia, Jesus O.; Burguete, Javier

2017-11-01

A new experimental setup has been developed in order to study rotating flows. Our research is derived from the experiments carried out in our group relating to this kind of flows, and the setup is inspired by the simulations performed by Lopez & Gutierrez-Castillo using a split-cylinder flow. In their work they study the different bifurcations taking place into the flow, among others, finding inertial waves in different configurations of the movement of the split-cylinder. Our setup consists in a split-cylinder in which each half can move in co-rotation or in counter-rotation. Moreover, we can set the rotation velocity of each half independently in order to study these different configurations of the flow. The aspect ratio defined as Γ = H / R can be modified, where H is the internal length of the cylinder and R is its radius. With this setup, we study the flow developed inside the split-cylinder depending on the Reynolds number like the different symmetry-breaking that should appear according to Lopez & Gutierrez-Castillo. To obtain the experimental data we use both laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques. The firsts results got are in the co-rotation case rotating one half faster than the other. We acknowledge support from Spanish Government Grant FIS 2014-54101-P. Jesús O. Rodríguez-García acknowledge research Grant from Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra.

Experimental study of mixing mechanisms in stably stratified Taylor-Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augier, Pierre; Caulfield, Colm-Cille; Dalziel, Stuart

2014-11-01

We consider experimentally the mechanisms of mixing in stably stratified Taylor-Couette (TC) flow in a TC apparatus for which both cylinders can rotate independently. In the case for which only the inner cylinder rotates, centrifugal instability rapidly splits an initially linear density profile into an array of thin nearly homogeneous layers. Shadowgraph, PIV and density profiles measured by a moving conductivity probe allow us to characterise this process and the resulting flow. In particular, we observe turbulent intrusions of mixed fluid propagating relatively slowly around the tank at the interfaces between the layers, leading to a time-dependent variation in the sharpness and turbulent activity at these interfaces, whose period scales with (but is much larger than) the rotation period. Interestingly, the turbulent intrusions are anti-correlated between adjacent interfaces leading to snake-skin-like patterns in the spatio-temporal diagrams of the density profiles. We also explore how the presence of a density stratification modifies end effects at the top and bottom of the cylinders, in both the presence and absence of primary centrifugal instability.

76 FR 34685 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Decision and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

.... The waiver is specific to the Daikin VRV III-PB variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split commercial... this notice to test and rate its VRV III-PB variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split commercial heat... Institute (ANSI/ AHRI) Standard 1230-2010, ``Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi...

A cut-cell finite volume – finite element coupling approach for fluid–structure interaction in compressible flow

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

Pasquariello, Vito, E-mail: vito.pasquariello@tum.de; Hammerl, Georg; Örley, Felix

2016-02-15

We present a loosely coupled approach for the solution of fluid–structure interaction problems between a compressible flow and a deformable structure. The method is based on staggered Dirichlet–Neumann partitioning. The interface motion in the Eulerian frame is accounted for by a conservative cut-cell Immersed Boundary method. The present approach enables sub-cell resolution by considering individual cut-elements within a single fluid cell, which guarantees an accurate representation of the time-varying solid interface. The cut-cell procedure inevitably leads to non-matching interfaces, demanding for a special treatment. A Mortar method is chosen in order to obtain a conservative and consistent load transfer. Wemore » validate our method by investigating two-dimensional test cases comprising a shock-loaded rigid cylinder and a deformable panel. Moreover, the aeroelastic instability of a thin plate structure is studied with a focus on the prediction of flutter onset. Finally, we propose a three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction test case of a flexible inflated thin shell interacting with a shock wave involving large and complex structural deformations.« less

Flow-enhanced solution printing of all-polymer solar cells

DOE PAGES

Diao, Ying; Zhou, Yan; Kurosawa, Tadanori; ...

2015-08-12

Morphology control of solution coated solar cell materials presents a key challenge limiting their device performance and commercial viability. Here we present a new concept for controlling phase separation during solution printing using an all-polymer bulk heterojunction solar cell as a model system. The key aspect of our method lies in the design of fluid flow using a microstructured printing blade, on the basis of the hypothesis of flow-induced polymer crystallization. Our flow design resulted in a similar to 90% increase in the donor thin film crystallinity and reduced microphase separated donor and acceptor domain sizes. The improved morphology enhancedmore » all metrics of solar cell device performance across various printing conditions, specifically leading to higher short-circuit current, fill factor, open circuit voltage and significantly reduced device-to-device variation. However, we expect our design concept to have broad applications beyond all-polymer solar cells because of its simplicity and versatility.« less

Flow-enhanced solution printing of all-polymer solar cells

PubMed Central

Diao, Ying; Zhou, Yan; Kurosawa, Tadanori; Shaw, Leo; Wang, Cheng; Park, Steve; Guo, Yikun; Reinspach, Julia A.; Gu, Kevin; Gu, Xiaodan; Tee, Benjamin C. K.; Pang, Changhyun; Yan, Hongping; Zhao, Dahui; Toney, Michael F.; Mannsfeld, Stefan C. B.; Bao, Zhenan

2015-01-01

Morphology control of solution coated solar cell materials presents a key challenge limiting their device performance and commercial viability. Here we present a new concept for controlling phase separation during solution printing using an all-polymer bulk heterojunction solar cell as a model system. The key aspect of our method lies in the design of fluid flow using a microstructured printing blade, on the basis of the hypothesis of flow-induced polymer crystallization. Our flow design resulted in a ∼90% increase in the donor thin film crystallinity and reduced microphase separated donor and acceptor domain sizes. The improved morphology enhanced all metrics of solar cell device performance across various printing conditions, specifically leading to higher short-circuit current, fill factor, open circuit voltage and significantly reduced device-to-device variation. We expect our design concept to have broad applications beyond all-polymer solar cells because of its simplicity and versatility. PMID:26264528

Heat Transport Enhancement of Turbulent Thermal Convection by Inserted Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Ke-Qing; Zhang, Lu

2017-11-01

We report an experimental study on the heat transport properties of turbulent Rayleigh Benard Convection (RBC) in a rectangular cell with two types of 3D-printed structures inserted inside. The first one splits the original rectangular cell into 60 identical sub cells whose aspect ratio is 1:1:10 (length, width, height). The second one splits the cell into 30 sub cells, each with a 1:2:10 aspect ratio and a baffle in the center. We find that for large Rayleigh numbers (Ra), the Nusselt numbers (Nu) of both structures increase compared with that of the empty rectangular cell. An enhancement in Nu as much as 20% is found for the second type of insertion at Rayleigh number 2 ×109 . Moreover, the Nu-Ra scaling shows a transition with both geometries. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement within a single sub unit indicates that the transition may be related to the laminar to turbulent transition in flow field. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) confirm the experimental results. Our results demonstrate the potential in using insertions to enhance passive heat transfer. This work was supported by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of HKSAR (Nos. CUHK404513 and CUHK14301115).

Enhanced Remedial Amendment Delivery to Subsurface Using Shear Thinning Fluid and Aqueous Foam

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

Zhong, Lirong; Szecsody, James E.; Oostrom, Martinus

2011-04-23

A major issue with in situ subsurface remediation is the ability to achieve an even spatial distribution of remedial amendments to the contamination zones in an aquifer or vadose zone. Delivery of amendment to the aquifer using shear thinning fluid and to the vadose zone using aqueous foam has the potential to enhance the amendment distribution into desired locations and improve the remediation. 2-D saturated flow cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the enhanced sweeping, contaminant removal, and amendment persistence achieved by shear thinning fluid delivery. Bio-polymer xanthan gum solution was used as the shear thinning fluid. Unsaturated 1-D columnmore » and 2-D flow cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the mitigation of contaminant mobilization, amendment uniform distribution enhancement, and lateral delivery improvement by foam delivery. Surfactant sodium lauryl ether sulfate was used as the foaming agent. It was demonstrated that the shear thinning fluid injection enhanced the fluid sweeping over a heterogeneous system and increased the delivery of remedial amendment into low-permeability zones. The persistence of the amendment distributed into the low-perm zones by the shear thinning fluid was prolonged compared to that of amendment distributed by water injection. Foam delivery of amendment was shown to mitigate the mobilization of highly mobile contaminant from sediments under vadose zone conditions. Foam delivery also achieved more uniform amendment distribution in a heterogeneous unsaturated system, and demonstrated remarkable increasing in lateral distribution of the injected liquid compared to direct liquid injection.« less

Towards a Viscous Wall Model for Immersed Boundary Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brehm, Christoph; Barad, Michael F.; Kiris, Cetin C.

2016-01-01

Immersed boundary methods are frequently employed for simulating flows at low Reynolds numbers or for applications where viscous boundary layer effects can be neglected. The primary shortcoming of Cartesian mesh immersed boundary methods is the inability of efficiently resolving thin turbulent boundary layers in high-Reynolds number flow application. The inefficiency of resolving the thin boundary is associated with the use of constant aspect ratio Cartesian grid cells. Conventional CFD approaches can efficiently resolve the large wall normal gradients by utilizing large aspect ratio cells near the wall. This paper presents different approaches for immersed boundary methods to account for the viscous boundary layer interaction with the flow-field away from the walls. Different wall modeling approaches proposed in previous research studies are addressed and compared to a new integral boundary layer based approach. In contrast to common wall-modeling approaches that usually only utilize local flow information, the integral boundary layer based approach keeps the streamwise history of the boundary layer. This allows the method to remain effective at much larger y+ values than local wall modeling approaches. After a theoretical discussion of the different approaches, the method is applied to increasingly more challenging flow fields including fully attached, separated, and shock-induced separated (laminar and turbulent) flows.

Fluid inclusion and vitrinite-reflectance geothermometry compared to heat-flow models of maximum paleotemperature next to dikes, western onshore Gippsland Basin, Australia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barker, C.E.; Bone, Y.; Lewan, M.D.

1999-01-01

Nine basalt dikes, ranging from 6 cm to 40 m thick, intruding the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Strzelecki Group, western onshore Gippsland Basin, were used to study maximum temperatures (Tmax) reached next to dikes. Tmax was estimated from fluid inclusion and vitrinitereflectance geothermometry and compared to temperatures calculated using heat-flow models of contact metamorphism. Thermal history reconstruction suggests that at the time of dike intrusion the host rock was at a temperature of 100-135??C. Fracture-bound fluid inclusions in the host rocks next to thin dikes ( 1.5, using a normalized distance ratio used for comparing measurements between dikes regardless of their thickness. In contrast, the pattern seen next to the thin dikes is a relatively narrow zone of elevated Rv-r. Heat-flow modeling, along with whole rock elemental and isotopic data, suggests that the extended zone of elevated Rv-r is caused by a convection cell with local recharge of the hydrothermal fluids. The narrow zone of elevated Rv-r found next to thin dikes is attributed to the rise of the less dense, heated fluids at the dike contact causing a flow of cooler groundwater towards the dike and thereby limiting its heating effects. The lack of extended heating effects suggests that next to thin dikes an incipient convection system may form in which the heated fluid starts to travel upward along the dike but cooling occurs before a complete convection cell can form. Close to the dike contact at X/D 1.5. ?? 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of variable thermal diffusivity on the structure of convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcheritsa, O. V.; Getling, A. V.; Mazhorova, O. S.

2018-03-01

The structure of multiscale convection in a thermally stratified plane horizontal fluid layer is investigated by means of numerical simulations. The thermal diffusivity is assumed to produce a thin boundary sublayer convectively much more unstable than the bulk of the layer. The simulated flow is a superposition of cellular structures with three different characteristic scales. In contrast to the largest convection cells, the smaller ones are localised in the upper portion of the layer. The smallest cells are advected by the larger-scale convective flows. The simulated flow pattern qualitatively resembles that observed on the Sun.

A second-order shock-adaptive Godunov scheme based on the generalized Lagrangian formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lepage, Claude

Application of the Godunov scheme to the Euler equations of gas dynamics, based on the Eulerian formulation of flow, smears discontinuities (especially sliplines) over several computational cells, while the accuracy in the smooth flow regions is of the order of a function of the cell width. Based on the generalized Lagrangian formulation (GLF), the Godunov scheme yields far superior results. By the use of coordinate streamlines in the GLF, the slipline (itself a streamline) is resolved crisply. Infinite shock resolution is achieved through the splitting of shock cells, while the accuracy in the smooth flow regions is improved using a nonconservative formulation of the governing equations coupled to a second order extension of the Godunov scheme. Furthermore, GLF requires no grid generation for boundary value problems and the simple structure of the solution to the Riemann problem in the GLF is exploited in the numerical implementation of the shock adaptive scheme. Numerical experiments reveal high efficiency and unprecedented resolution of shock and slipline discontinuities.

Pharmacognostic Screening of Piper trichostachyon Fruits and its Comparative Analysis with Piper nigrum Using Chromatographic Techniques.

PubMed

Upadhya, Vinayak; Pai, Sandeep R; Ankad, Gireesh M; Hegde, Harsha V

2016-05-01

Piper trichostachyon is a wild, endemic Piper species from Western Ghats of India. The folklore healers of Belagavi region use this plant, similar to Piper nigrum. The present study investigates the comparison between P. nigrum and P. trichostachyon using pharmacognostic parameters. Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out in terms of morphological, microscopic characters, and phytochemical analysis using standard methods. Comparative physicochemical analysis between P. trichostachyon and P. nigrum was also carried out through estimation of micro-macro nutrients, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) investigation and using piperine as a marker compound for reversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic (RP-UFLC) technique. P. trichostachyon grows in the forests, and the fruits are morphologically similar to P. nigrum fruits, so the name in Kannada "Kaadu Kalu menasu" (wild/forest black pepper). The microscopy revealed the presence of stone cells, starch grains, oil cells and globules, beaker cells, and yellowish brown pigment layer, parenchymatous cells. The presence of alkaloids, oil, and tannins were observed in P. trichostachyon fruits. The HPTLC studies visibly indicated differences among two species with 12 peaks and varied banding pattern. RP-UFLC results showed less amount of piperine in P. trichostachyon (0.05 ± 0.002 mg/g) than in P. nigrum (16.14 ± 0.807 mg/g). The study reports on pharmacognostic parameters of P. trichostachyon for the 1(st) time and will be useful for the identification and authentication. The comparative HPTLC and RP-UFLC studies resolve the differentiation impasse among two species. However, further biological efficacy studies are required to establish its use in traditional medicine. Piper trichostachyon grows in the forests, and the fruits are morphologically similar to Piper nigrum fruitsThe microscopy of P. trichostachyon revealed the presence of stone cells, starch grains, oil cells and globules, beaker cells and yellowish brown pigment layer, parenchymatous cellsThe high-performance thin layer chromatography studies visibly indicated differences among two species with varied banding patternReversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic results showed less amount of piperine in P. trichostachyon than in P. nigrum. Abbreviation used: HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, RP-UFLC: Reversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic analysis, DST: Length of line, Maj: Length of large half axis for ellipse RDS - radius for circle, Rf: Retention Factor, TS: Transverse Section, TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography.

Shear thinning and shear thickening of a confined suspension of vesicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nait Ouhra, A.; Farutin, A.; Aouane, O.; Ez-Zahraouy, H.; Benyoussef, A.; Misbah, C.

2018-01-01

Widely regarded as an interesting model system for studying flow properties of blood, vesicles are closed membranes of phospholipids that mimic the cytoplasmic membranes of red blood cells. In this study we analyze the rheology of a suspension of vesicles in a confined geometry: the suspension, bound by two planar rigid walls on each side, is subject to a shear flow. Flow properties are then analyzed as a function of shear rate γ ˙, the concentration of the suspension ϕ , and the viscosity contrast λ =ηin/ηout , where ηin and ηout are the fluid viscosities of the inner and outer fluids, respectively. We find that the apparent (or effective viscosity) of the suspension exhibits both shear thinning (decreasing viscosity with shear rate) or shear thickening (increasing viscosity with shear rate) in the same concentration range. The shear thinning or thickening behaviors appear as subtle phenomena, dependant on viscosity contrast λ . We provide physical arguments on the origins of these behaviors.

Insight into NE Tibet expansion from SKS splitting: Missed mid-lower crustal flow in the frontier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhouchuan; Tilmann, Frederik; Xu, Mingjie; Wang, Liangshu; Ding, Zhifeng; Mi, Ning

2017-04-01

Two end member hypotheses for the expansion of the Tibetan plateau focus on either the deformation of the whole lithosphere or ductile flow in the mid-lower crust. Here, we analyse SKS shear-wave splitting at ChinArray stations in NE Tibet. Within the high plateau, the splitting measurements indicate two-layer anisotropy. The upper-layer anisotropy (with NE-SW fast axis) is caused by ductile-flow in the mid-lower crust while the lower-layer anisotropy (with NW-SE fast axis) reflects deformation in the upper mantle. In contrast, near the expansion frontier, the measurements indicate single layer splitting with a NW-SE fast axis that correlates with the strikes of most faults and the trend of the orogen. The results thus suggest different dynamics in the plateau and its NE margin. In the high plateau mid-lower crustal flow plays a dominant role while in the expansion frontier in the NE margin the initial tectonic uplift is induced by crustal thrust faulting.

Flow cytometry without alignment of collection optics.

PubMed

Sitton, Greg; Srienc, Friedrich

2009-12-01

This study describes the performance of a new waveguide flow cell constructed from Teflon AF (TFC) and the potential use of fiber optic splitters to replace collection objectives and dichroic mirrors. The TFC has the unique optical property that the refractive index of the polymer is lower than water and therefore, water filled TFC behaves and functions as a liquid core waveguide. Thus, as cells flow through the TFC and are illuminated by a laser orthogonal to the flow direction, scattered and fluorescent light is directed down the axis of the TFC to a fiber optic. The total signal in the fiber optic is then split into multiple fibers by fiber optic splitters to enable measurement of signal intensities at different wavelengths. Optical filters are placed at the terminus of each fiber before measurement of specific wavelengths by a PMT. The constructed system was used to measure DNA content of CHO and yeast cells. Polystyrene beads were used for alignment and to assess the performance of the system. Polystyrene beads were observed to produce light scattering signals with unique bimodal characteristics dependent on the direction of flow relative to the collecting fiber optic.

Predicting SKS-splitting from 35 Myr of subduction and mantle flow evolution in the western Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chertova, Maria; Spakman, Wim; Faccenda, Manuele

2017-04-01

We investigate the development of mantle anisotropy associated with the evolution of the Rif-Gibraltar-Betic (RGB) slab of the western Mediterranean and predict SKS-splitting directions for comparison with the recent observations compiled in Diaz and Gallart (2014). Our numerical model of slab evolution starts at 35 Ma and builds on our on recent work (Chertova et al., 2014) with the extension of imposing mantle flow velocities on the side boundaries of the model (Chertova et al., 2017). For the calculation of the evolution of finite strain deformation from the mantle flow field and for prediction of SKS-splitting directions we use the modified D-Rex program of Faccenda (2014). We test the predicted splitting observations against present-day shear wave splitting observations for subduction models with open boundary conditions (Chertova, 2014) and for models with various prescribed mantle flow conditions on the model side boundaries. The latter are predicted time-dependent (1 Myr time steps) velocity boundary conditions computed from back-advection of a temperature and density model of the present-day mantle scaled from a global seismic tomography model (Steinberger et al., 2015). These boundary conditions where used recently to demonstrate the relative insensitivity of RGB slab position and overall slab morphology for external mantle flow (Chertova et al., 2017). Using open boundaries only we obtain a poor to moderate fit between predicted and observed splitting directions after 35 Myr of slab and mantle flow evolution. In contrast, a good fit is obtained when imposing the computed mantle flow velocities on the western, southern, and northern boundaries during 35 Myr of model evolution. This successful model combines local slab-driven mantle flow with remotely forced mantle flow. We are in the process to repeat these calculations for shorter periods of mantle flow evolution to determine how much of past mantle flow is implicitly recorded in present-day observation of SKS splitting. In combination with our recent work on the influence of external mantle flow on RGB slab evolution (Chertova et al., 2017) we have also demonstrated that (1) the preferred slab evolution model of Chertova et al. (2014; their "Scenario 1" in which RGB subduction starts at the Baleares margin some 35 Myr ago and then rolls back southward to Africa and next to the W and finally to NW to create the future Rif-Gibraltar-Betics cordillera), is robust with respect to the impact of global mantle flow for the past 35 Myr and that (2) only the combination of global flow with local slab-induced flow leads to mantle anisotropy prediction that consistent with present-day observations of present-day SKS splitting. Steinberger, B., W.Spakman, P.Japsen and T.H.Torsvik (2015), The key role of global solid Earth processes in the late Cenozoic intensification of Greenland glaciation. Terra Nova, 27 Chertova, M.V., W.Spakman, T. Geenen, A.P. van den Berg, D.J.J. van Hinsbergen (2014), Underpinning tectonic reconstructions of the western Mediterranean region with dynamic slab evolution from 3-D numerical modeling. J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth Chertova, M., W.Spakman and B.Steinberger (2017), Mantle flow influence on subduction evolution, submitted to J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth Faccenda, M. (2014), Mid mantle seismic anisotropy around subduction zones, Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors Diaz, J., and J. Gallart (2014) Seismic anisotropy from the Variscan core of Iberia to the western African Craton: New constraints on upper mantle flow at regional scale. Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Recycling of rare earth particle by mini-hydrocyclones.

PubMed

Yu, Jian-Feng; Fu, Jian; Cheng, Hao; Cui, Zhengwei

2017-03-01

Mini-hydrocyclones were applied to separate the fine rare earth particles from the suspensions. The effects of the flow rate, split ratio, and feed concentration on the total separation efficiency and grade separation efficiency were studied. The combined effects of the flow rate (1200-1600L/h), split ratio (20-60%) and concentration (0.6-1.0wt%) on the total separation efficiency in mini-hydrocyclones were investigated using a response surface methodology. The optimum operating parameters for a total separation efficiency of 92.5% were: feed flow rate=1406L/h, split ratio=20%, and feed concentration=1wt%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic thin-film split-domain current sensor-recorder

DOEpatents

Hsieh, Edmund J.

1979-01-01

A sensor-recorder for recording a representation of the direction and peak amplitude of a transient current. A magnetic thin film is coated on a glass substrate under the influence of a magnetic field so that the finished film is magnetically uniaxial and anisotropic. The film is split into two oppositely magnetized contiguous domains with a central boundary by subjecting adjacent portions of the film simultaneously to magnetic fields that are opposed 180.degree.. With the split-domain sensor-recorder placed with the film plane and domain boundary either perpendicular or parallel to the expected conductive path of a transient current, the occurrence of the transient causes switching of a portion of one domain to the direction of the other domain. The amount of the switched domain portion is indicative of the amplitude of the peak current of the transient, while the particular domain that is switched is indicative of the direction of the current. The resulting domain patterns may be read with a passive magnetic tape viewer.

Computational Analysis of the Effect of Porosity on Shock Cell Strength at Cruise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massey, Steven J.; Elmiligui, Alaa A.; Pao, S. Paul; Abdol-Hamid, Khaled S.; Hunter, Craig A.

2006-01-01

A computational flow field analysis is presented of the effect of core cowl porosity on shock cell strength for a modern separate flow nozzle at cruise conditions. The goal of this study was to identify the primary physical mechanisms by which the application of porosity can reduce shock cell strength and hence the broadband shock associated noise. The flow is simulated by solving the asymptotically steady, compressible, Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes equations on a structured grid using an implicit, up-wind, flux-difference splitting finite volume scheme. The standard two-equation k - epsilon turbulence model with a linear stress representation is used with the addition of a eddy viscosity dependence on total temperature gradient normalized by local turbulence length scale. Specific issues addressed in this study were the optimal area required to weaken a shock impinging on the core cowl surface and the optimal level of porosity and placement of porous areas for reduction of the overall shock cell strength downstream. Two configurations of porosity were found to reduce downstream shock strength by approximately 50%.

Enhanced Bifunctional Oxygen Catalysis in Strained LaNiO 3 Perovskites

DOE PAGES

Petrie, Jonathan R.; Cooper, Valentino R.; Freeland, John W.; ...

2016-02-11

Strain is known to greatly influence low-temperature oxygen electrocatalysis on noble metal films, leading to significant enhancements in bifunctional activity essential for fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Still, its catalytic impact on transition-metal oxide thin films, such as perovskites, is not widely understood. Here, we epitaxially strain the conducting perovskite LaNiO 3 to systematically determine its influence on both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reaction. Uniquely, we found that compressive strain could significantly enhance both reactions, yielding a bifunctional catalyst that surpasses the performance of noble metals such as Pt. We attribute the improved bifunctionality to strain-induced splitting ofmore » the e g orbitals, which can customize orbital asymmetry at the surface. Lastly, analogous to strain-induced shifts in the d-band center of noble metals relative to the Fermi level, such splitting can dramatically affect catalytic activity in this perovskite and other potentially more active oxides.« less

Probing temperature-driven flow lines in a gated two-dimensional electron gas with tunable spin-splitting.

PubMed

Wang, Yi-Ting; Kim, Gil-Ho; Huang, C F; Lo, Shun-Tsung; Chen, Wei-Jen; Nicholls, J T; Lin, Li-Hung; Ritchie, D A; Chang, Y H; Liang, C-T; Dolan, B P

2012-10-10

We study the temperature flow of conductivities in a gated GaAs two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) containing self-assembled InAs dots and compare the results with recent theoretical predictions. By changing the gate voltage, we are able to tune the 2DEG density and thus vary disorder and spin-splitting. Data for both the spin-resolved and spin-degenerate phase transitions are presented, the former collapsing to the latter with decreasing gate voltage and/or decreasing spin-splitting. The experimental results support a recent theory, based on modular symmetry, which predicts how the critical Hall conductivity varies with spin-splitting.

Structurally distinct membrane nanotubes between human macrophages support long-distance vesicular traffic or surfing of bacteria.

PubMed

Onfelt, Björn; Nedvetzki, Shlomo; Benninger, Richard K P; Purbhoo, Marco A; Sowinski, Stefanie; Hume, Alistair N; Seabra, Miguel C; Neil, Mark A A; French, Paul M W; Davis, Daniel M

2006-12-15

We report that two classes of membrane nanotubes between human monocyte-derived macrophages can be distinguished by their cytoskeletal structure and their functional properties. Thin membrane nanotubes contained only F-actin, whereas thicker nanotubes, i.e., those > approximately 0.7 microm in diameter, contained both F-actin and microtubules. Bacteria could be trapped and surf along thin, but not thick, membrane nanotubes toward connected macrophage cell bodies. Once at the cell body, bacteria could then be phagocytosed. The movement of bacteria is aided by a constitutive flow of the nanotube surface because streptavidin-coated beads were similarly able to traffic along nanotubes between surface-biotinylated macrophages. Mitochondria and intracellular vesicles, including late endosomes and lysosomes, could be detected within thick, but not thin, membrane nanotubes. Analysis from kymographs demonstrated that vesicles moved in a stepwise, bidirectional manner at approximately 1 microm/s, consistent with their traffic being mediated by the microtubules found only in thick nanotubes. Vesicular traffic in thick nanotubes and surfing of beads along thin nanotubes were both stopped upon the addition of azide, demonstrating that both processes require ATP. However, microtubule destabilizing agents colchicine or nocodazole abrogated vesicular transport but not the flow of the nanotube surface, confirming that distinct cytoskeletal structures of nanotubes give rise to different functional properties. Thus, membrane nanotubes between macrophages are more complex than unvarying ubiquitous membrane tethers and facilitate several means for distal interactions between immune cells.

Short protection device for stack of electrolytic cells

DOEpatents

Katz, Murray; Schroll, Craig R.

1985-10-22

Electrical short protection is provided in an electrolytic cell stack by the combination of a thin, nonporous ceramic shield and a noble metal foil disposed on opposite sides of the sealing medium in a gas manifold gasket. The thin ceramic shield, such as alumina, is placed between the porous gasket and the cell stack face at the margins of the negative end plate to the most negative cells to impede ion current flow. The noble metal foil, for instance gold, is electrically coupled to the negative potential of the stack to collect positive ions at a harmless location away from the stack face. Consequently, corrosion products from the stack structure deposit on the foil rather than on the stack face to eliminate electrical shorting of cells at the negative end of the stack.

The main directions in technology investigation of soid oxide fuel cell in Russian Federal Research Center Institute of Physics & Power Engineering (IPPE)

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

Ievleva, J.I.; Kolesnikov, V.P.; Mezhertisky, G.S.

1996-04-01

The main direction of science investigations for creation of efficient solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) in IPPE are considered in this work. The development program of planar SOFC with thin-film electrolyte is shown. General design schemes of experimental SOFC units are presented. The flow design schemes of processes for initial materials and electrodes fabrication are shown. The results of investigations for creation thin-film solid oxide electrolyte at porous cathode by magnetron sputtering from complex metal target in oxidative environment are presented.

Three dimensional metafilms with dual channel unit cells

DOE PAGES

Burckel, D. Bruce; Campione, Salvatore; Davids, Paul S.; ...

2017-04-04

Three-dimensional (3D) metafilms composed of periodic arrays of silicon unit cells containing single and multiple micrometer-scale vertical split ring resonators (SRRs) per unit cell were fabricated. In contrast to planar and stacked planar structures, these 3D metafilms have a thickness t ~λ d/4, allowing for classical thin film effects in the long wavelength limit. The infrared specular far-field scattering response was measured for metafilms containing one and two resonators per unit cell and compared to numerical simulations. Excellent agreement in the frequency region below the onset of diffractive scattering was obtained. For dense arrays of unit cells containing single SRRs,more » normally incident linearly polarized plane waves which do not excite a resonant response result in thin film interference fringes in the reflected spectra and are virtually indistinguishable from the scattering response of an undecorated array of unit cells. For the resonant linear polarization, the specular reflection for arrays is highly dependent on the SRR orientation on the vertical face for gap-up, gap-down, and gap-right orientations. For dense arrays of unit cells containing two SRRs per unit cell positioned on adjacent faces, the specular reflection spectra are slightly modified due to near-field coupling between the orthogonally oriented SRRs but otherwise exhibit reflection spectra largely representative of the corresponding single-SRR unit cell structures. Lastly, the ability to pack the unit cell with multiple inclusions which can be independently excited by choice of incident polarization suggests the construction of dual-channel films where the scattering response is selected by altering the incident polarization.« less

Microbubble transport through a bifurcating vessel network with pulsatile flow.

PubMed

Valassis, Doug T; Dodde, Robert E; Esphuniyani, Brijesh; Fowlkes, J Brian; Bull, Joseph L

2012-02-01

Motivated by two-phase microfluidics and by the clinical applications of air embolism and a developmental gas embolotherapy technique, experimental and theoretical models of microbubble transport in pulsatile flow are presented. The one-dimensional time-dependent theoretical model is developed from an unsteady Bernoulli equation that has been modified to include viscous and unsteady effects. Results of both experiments and theory show that roll angle (the angle the plane of the bifurcating network makes with the horizontal) is an important contributor to bubble splitting ratio at each bifurcation within the bifurcating network. When compared to corresponding constant flow, pulsatile flow was shown to produce insignificant changes to the overall splitting ratio of the bubble despite the order one Womersley numbers, suggesting that bubble splitting through the vasculature could be modeled adequately with a more modest constant flow model. However, bubble lodging was affected by the flow pulsatility, and the effects of pulsatile flow were evident in the dependence of splitting ratio of bubble length. The ability of bubbles to remain lodged after reaching a steady state in the bifurcations is promising for the effectiveness of gas embolotherapy to occlude blood flow to tumors, and indicates the importance of understanding where lodging will occur in air embolism. The ability to accurately predict the bubble dynamics in unsteady flow within a bifurcating network is demonstrated and suggests the potential for bubbles in microfluidics devices to encode information in both steady and unsteady aspects of their dynamics.

Splitting of turbulent spot in transitional pipe flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiaohua; Moin, Parviz; Adrian, Ronald J.

2017-11-01

Recent study (Wu et al., PNAS, 1509451112, 2015) demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of direct computation of the Osborne Reynolds' pipe transition problem without the unphysical, axially periodic boundary condition. Here we use this approach to study the splitting of turbulent spot in transitional pipe flow, a feature first discovered by E.R. Lindgren (Arkiv Fysik 15, 1959). It has been widely believed that spot splitting is a mysterious stochastic process that has general implications on the lifetime and sustainability of wall turbulence. We address the following two questions: (1) What is the dynamics of turbulent spot splitting in pipe transition? Specifically, we look into any possible connection between the instantaneous strain rate field and the spot splitting. (2) How does the passive scalar field behave during the process of pipe spot splitting. In this study, the turbulent spot is introduced at the inlet plane through a sixty degree wide numerical wedge within which fully-developed turbulent profiles are assigned over a short time interval; and the simulation Reynolds numbers are 2400 for a 500 radii long pipe, and 2300 for a 1000 radii long pipe, respectively. Numerical dye is tagged on the imposed turbulent spot at the inlet. Splitting of the imposed turbulent spot is detected very easily. Preliminary analysis of the DNS results seems to suggest that turbulent spot slitting can be easily understood based on instantaneous strain rate field, and such spot splitting may not be relevant in external flows such as the flat-plate boundary layer.

Demonstration of Split-Flow Ventilation and Recirculation as Flow- Reduction Methods in an Air Force Paint Spray Booth. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-27

of the split-flow and recirculation modifications in typical Air Force painting operations; itwas a proof-of- concept study only. It is recognized...recirculating ventilation. 4 To Implement this flow-reduction concept , it must first be established that recirculation does not cause an accumulation of toxic...ventilation concept . The concentration gradient is determined by height and direction of paint application. If the concentration in the top portion is

High order parallel numerical schemes for solving incompressible flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Avi; Milner, Edward J.; Liou, May-Fun; Belch, Richard A.

1992-01-01

The use of parallel computers for numerically solving flow fields has gained much importance in recent years. This paper introduces a new high order numerical scheme for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) specifically designed for parallel computational environments. A distributed MIMD system gives the flexibility of treating different elements of the governing equations with totally different numerical schemes in different regions of the flow field. The parallel decomposition of the governing operator to be solved is the primary parallel split. The primary parallel split was studied using a hypercube like architecture having clusters of shared memory processors at each node. The approach is demonstrated using examples of simple steady state incompressible flows. Future studies should investigate the secondary split because, depending on the numerical scheme that each of the processors applies and the nature of the flow in the specific subdomain, it may be possible for a processor to seek better, or higher order, schemes for its particular subcase.

Split-Ring Springback Simulations with the Non-associated Flow Rule and Evolutionary Elastic-Plasticity Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K. J.; Choi, Y.; Choi, H. J.; Lee, J. Y.; Lee, M. G.

2018-03-01

Finite element simulations and experiments for the split-ring test were conducted to investigate the effect of anisotropic constitutive models on the predictive capability of sheet springback. As an alternative to the commonly employed associated flow rule, a non-associated flow rule for Hill1948 yield function was implemented in the simulations. Moreover, the evolution of anisotropy with plastic deformation was efficiently modeled by identifying equivalent plastic strain-dependent anisotropic coefficients. Comparative study with different yield surfaces and elasticity models showed that the split-ring springback could be best predicted when the anisotropy in both the R value and yield stress, their evolution and variable apparent elastic modulus were taken into account in the simulations. Detailed analyses based on deformation paths superimposed on the anisotropic yield functions predicted by different constitutive models were provided to understand the complex springback response in the split-ring test.

The development of flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium thermodynamics and chemical reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossman, B.; Cinella, P.

1988-01-01

A finite-volume method for the numerical computation of flows with nonequilibrium thermodynamics and chemistry is presented. A thermodynamic model is described which simplifies the coupling between the chemistry and thermodynamics and also results in the retention of the homogeneity property of the Euler equations (including all the species continuity and vibrational energy conservation equations). Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully coupled equations involving fluid dynamics, chemical production and thermodynamic relaxation processes. New forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms are embodied in a fully coupled, implicit, large-block structure, including all the species conservation and energy production equations. Several numerical examples are presented, including high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flows. The methodology is compared to other existing techniques, including spectral and central-differenced procedures, and favorable comparisons are shown regarding accuracy, shock-capturing and convergence rates.

Split-Ring Springback Simulations with the Non-associated Flow Rule and Evolutionary Elastic-Plasticity Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K. J.; Choi, Y.; Choi, H. J.; Lee, J. Y.; Lee, M. G.

2018-06-01

Finite element simulations and experiments for the split-ring test were conducted to investigate the effect of anisotropic constitutive models on the predictive capability of sheet springback. As an alternative to the commonly employed associated flow rule, a non-associated flow rule for Hill1948 yield function was implemented in the simulations. Moreover, the evolution of anisotropy with plastic deformation was efficiently modeled by identifying equivalent plastic strain-dependent anisotropic coefficients. Comparative study with different yield surfaces and elasticity models showed that the split-ring springback could be best predicted when the anisotropy in both the R value and yield stress, their evolution and variable apparent elastic modulus were taken into account in the simulations. Detailed analyses based on deformation paths superimposed on the anisotropic yield functions predicted by different constitutive models were provided to understand the complex springback response in the split-ring test.

The effect of carrier gas flow rate and source cell temperature on low pressure organic vapor phase deposition simulation by direct simulation Monte Carlo method

PubMed Central

Wada, Takao; Ueda, Noriaki

2013-01-01

The process of low pressure organic vapor phase deposition (LP-OVPD) controls the growth of amorphous organic thin films, where the source gases (Alq3 molecule, etc.) are introduced into a hot wall reactor via an injection barrel using an inert carrier gas (N2 molecule). It is possible to control well the following substrate properties such as dopant concentration, deposition rate, and thickness uniformity of the thin film. In this paper, we present LP-OVPD simulation results using direct simulation Monte Carlo-Neutrals (Particle-PLUS neutral module) which is commercial software adopting direct simulation Monte Carlo method. By estimating properly the evaporation rate with experimental vaporization enthalpies, the calculated deposition rates on the substrate agree well with the experimental results that depend on carrier gas flow rate and source cell temperature. PMID:23674843

Method of fabrication of electrodes and electrolytes

DOEpatents

Jankowski, Alan F.; Morse, Jeffrey D.

2004-01-06

Fuel cell stacks contain an electrolyte layer surrounded on top and bottom by an electrode layer. Porous electrodes are prepared which enable fuel and oxidant to easily flow to the respective electrode-electrolyte interface without the need for high temperatures or pressures to assist the flow. Rigid, inert microspheres in combination with thin-film metal deposition techniques are used to fabricate porous anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes. Microshperes contained in a liquid are randomly dispersed onto a host structure and dried such that the microsperes remain in position. A thin-film deposition technique is subsequently employed to deposit a metal layer onto the microsperes. After such metal layer deposition, the microspheres are removed leaving voids, i.e. pores, in the metal layer, thus forming a porous electrode. Successive repetitions of the fabrication process result in the formation of a continuous fuel cell stack. Such stacks may produce power outputs ranging from about 0.1 Watt to about 50 Watts.

Microfluidic Controlled Conformal Coating of Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Scott; Wexler, Jason; Wan, Jiandi; Stone, Howard

2011-11-01

Coating flows are an important class of fluid mechanics problems. Typically a substrate is coated with a moving continuous film, but it is also possible to consider coating of discrete objects. In particular, in applications involving coating of particles that are useful in drug delivery, the coatings act as drug-carrying vehicles, while in cell therapy a thin polymeric coating is required to protect the cells from the host's immune system. Although many functional capabilities have been developed for lab-on-a-chip devices, a technique for coating has not been demonstrated. We present a microfluidic platform developed to coat micron-size spheres with a thin aqueous layer by magnetically pulling the particles from the aqueous phase to the non-aqueous phase in a co-flow. Coating thickness can be adjusted by the average fluid speed and the number of beads encapsulated inside a single coat is tuned by the ratio of magnetic to interfacial forces acting on the beads.

Use of TCO as splitter in the optical splitting system for solar cells combination: a simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayala-Mató, F.; Seuret-Jiménez, D.; Vigil-Galán, O.; Escobedo Alatorre, J. J.

2017-10-01

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are evaluated as optical splitters in combined single thin film solar cells by using theoretical considerations. The optical properties of TCOs (transmittance and reflectance) are calculated using the Drude theory for free carriers. To improve the overall efficiency of the combined solar cells, the optical properties of the TCOs are studied as a function of the electron concentration and thickness, to obtain the best fit with the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the solar cells in each case. The optimum values of the above parameters are obtained by applying a modified version of the Hooke-Jeeves method. To validate the proposal of the use of a TCO as the splitter, the short circuit current is calculated for several combined solar cell systems and the results are compared with those obtained using more sophisticated and expensive splitters, reported in the literature. The experimental results using a commercial TCO are presented, to verify the validity and feasibility of the novel concept.

PREFACE: INERA Workshop: Transition Metal Oxide Thin Films-functional Layers in "Smart windows" and Water Splitting Devices. Parallel session of the 18th International School on Condensed Matter Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-11-01

The Special issue presents the papers for the INERA Workshop entitled "Transition Metal Oxides as Functional Layers in Smart windows and Water Splitting Devices", which was held in Varna, St. Konstantin and Elena, Bulgaria, from the 4th-6th September 2014. The Workshop is organized within the context of the INERA "Research and Innovation Capacity Strengthening of ISSP-BAS in Multifunctional Nanostructures", FP7 Project REGPOT 316309 program, European project of the Institute of Solid State Physics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. There were 42 participants at the workshop, 16 from Sweden, Germany, Romania and Hungary, 11 invited lecturers, and 28 young participants. There were researchers present from prestigious European laboratories which are leaders in the field of transition metal oxide thin film technologies. The event contributed to training young researchers in innovative thin film technologies, as well as thin films characterization techniques. The topics of the Workshop cover the field of technology and investigation of thin oxide films as functional layers in "Smart windows" and "Water splitting" devices. The topics are related to the application of novel technologies for the preparation of transition metal oxide films and the modification of chromogenic properties towards the improvement of electrochromic and termochromic device parameters for possible industrial deployment. The Workshop addressed the following topics: Metal oxide films-functional layers in energy efficient devices; Photocatalysts and chemical sensing; Novel thin film technologies and applications; Methods of thin films characterizations; From the 37 abstracts sent, 21 manuscripts were written and later refereed. We appreciate the comments from all the referees, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions. Guest Editors: Assoc. Prof. Dr.Tatyana Ivanova Prof. DSc Kostadinka Gesheva Prof. DSc Hassan Chamatti Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Popkirov Workshop Organizing Committee Prof.DSc Kostadinka Gesheva, Central Laboratory of Solar Energy and New Energy Sources, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (CL SENES-BAS) - Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr Anna Szekeres - Institute of Solid State Physics- BAS Assoc. Prof Dr. Tatyana Ivanova - CL SENES -BAS Assist. Prof. Radostina Kamburova - ISSP-BAS

Thin liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency hydrogen production from water splitting

DOE PAGES

Mo, Jingke; Retterer, Scott T.; Cullen, David A.; ...

2016-06-13

Liquid/gas diffusion layers (LGDLs) play a crucial role in electrochemical energy technology and hydrogen production, and are expected to simultaneously transport electrons, heat, and reactants/products with minimum voltage, current, thermal, interfacial, and fluidic losses. In addition, carbon materials, which are typically used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are unsuitable for PEM electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). In this study, a novel titanium thin LGDL with well-tunable pore morphologies was developed by employing nano-manufacturing and was applied in a standard PEMEC. The LGDL tests show significant performance improvements. The operating voltages required at a current density of 2.0 A/cm 2 weremore » as low as 1.69 V, and its efficiency reached a report high of up to 88%. The new thin and flat LGDL with well-tunable straight pores has been demonstrated to remarkably reduce the ohmic, interfacial and transport losses. In addition, well-tunable features, including pore size, pore shape, pore distribution, and thus porosity and permeability, will be very valuable for developing PEMEC models and for validation of its simulations with optimal and repeatable performance. The LGDL thickness reduction from greater than 350 μm of conventional LGDLs to 25 μm will greatly decrease the weight and volume of PEMEC stacks, and represents a new direction for future developments of low-cost PEMECs with high performance.« less

Method for Making a Fuel Cell from a Solid Oxide Monolithic Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sofie, Stephen W. (Inventor); Cable, Thomas L. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The invention is a novel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack comprising individual bi-electrode supported fuel cells in which a thin electrolyte is supported between electrodes of essentially equal thickness. Individual cell units are made from graded pore ceramic tape that has been created by the freeze cast method followed by freeze drying. Each piece of graded pore tape later becomes a graded pore electrode scaffold that subsequent to sintering, is made into either an anode or a cathode by means of appropriate solution and thermal treatment means. Each cell unit is assembled by depositing of a thin coating of ion conducting ceramic material upon the side of each of two pieces of tape surface having the smallest pore openings, and then mating the coated surfaces to create an unsintered electrode scaffold pair sandwiching an electrolyte layer. The opposing major outer exposed surfaces of each cell unit is given a thin coating of electrically conductive ceramic, and multiple cell units are stacked, or built up by stacking of individual cell layers, to create an unsintered fuel cell stack. Ceramic or glass edge seals are installed to create flow channels for fuel and air. The cell stack with edge sealants is then sintered into a ceramic monolithic framework. Said solution and thermal treatments means convert the electrode scaffolds into anodes and cathodes. The thin layers of electrically conductive ceramic become the interconnects in the assembled stack.

Upper Mantle Responses to India-Eurasia Collision in Indochina, Malaysia, and the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongsresawat, S.; Russo, R. M.

2016-12-01

We present new shear wave splitting and splitting intensity measurements from SK(K)S phases recorded at seismic stations of the Malaysian National Seismic Network. These results, in conjunction with results from Tibet and Yunnan provide a basis for testing the degree to which Indochina and South China Sea upper mantle fabrics are responses to India-Eurasia collision. Upper mantle fabrics derived from shear wave splitting measurements in Yunnan and eastern Tibet parallel geodetic surface motions north of 26°N, requiring transmission of tractions from upper mantle depths to surface, or consistent deformation boundary conditions throughout the upper 200 km of crust and mantle. Shear wave splitting fast trends and surface velocities diverge in eastern Yunnan and south of 26°N, indicating development of an asthenospheric layer that decouples crust and upper mantle, or corner flow above the subducted Indo-Burma slab. E-W fast shear wave splitting trends southwest of 26°N/104°E indicate strong gradients in any asthenospheric infiltration. Possible upper mantle flow regimes beneath Indochina include development of olivine b-axis anisotropic symmetry due to high strain and hydrous conditions in the syntaxis/Indo-Burma mantle wedge (i.e., southward flow), development of strong upper mantle corner flow in the Indo-Burma wedge with olivine a-axis anisotropic symmetry (i.e., westward flow), and simple asthenospheric flow due to eastward motion of Sundaland shearing underlying asthenosphere. Further south, shear-wave splitting delay times at Malaysian stations vary from 0.5 seconds on the Malay Peninsula to over 2 seconds at stations on Borneo. Splitting fast trends at Borneo stations and Singapore trend NE-SW, but in northern Peninsular Malaysia, the splitting fast polarization direction is NW-SE, parallel to the trend of the Peninsula. Thus, there is a sharp transition from low delay time and NW-SE fast polarization to high delay times and fast polarization directions that parallel the strike of the now-inoperative spreading center in the South China Sea. This transition appears to occur in the central portion of Peninsular Malaysia and may mark the boundary between Tethyan upper mantle extruded from the India-Asia collision zone and supra-subduction upper mantle of the Indonesian arc.

Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Studies of Thin Film a-Si:H Solar Cell Fabrication by Multichamber Deposition in the n-i-p Substrate Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahal, Lila Raj

Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE), and ex-situ mapping spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) are powerful characterization techniques capable of performance optimization and scale-up evaluation of thin film solar cells used in various photovoltaics technologies. These non-invasive optical probes employ multichannel spectral detection for high speed and provide high precision parameters that describe (i) thin film structure, such as layer thicknesses, and (ii) thin film optical properties, such as oscillator variables in analytical expressions for the complex dielectric function. These parameters are critical for evaluating the electronic performance of materials in thin film solar cells and also can be used as inputs for simulating their multilayer optical performance. In this Thesis, the component layers of thin film hydrogenated silicon (Si:H) solar cells in the n-i-p or substrate configuration on rigid and flexible substrate materials have been studied by RTSE and ex-situ mapping SE. Depositions were performed by magnetron sputtering for the metal and transparent conducting oxide contacts and by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for the semiconductor doped contacts and intrinsic absorber layers. The motivations are first to optimize the thin film Si:H solar cell in n-i-p substrate configuration for single-junction small-area dot cells and ultimately to scale-up the optimized process to larger areas with minimum loss in device performance. Deposition phase diagrams for both i- and p -layers on 2" x 2" rigid borosilicate glass substrate were developed as functions of the hydrogen-to-silane flow ratio in PECVD. These phase diagrams were correlated with the performance parameters of the corresponding solar cells, fabricated in the Cr/Ag/ZnO/n/i/ p/ITO structure. In both cases, optimization was achieved when the layers were deposited in the protocrystalline phase. Identical solar cell structures were fabricated on 6" x 6" borosilicate glass with 256 cells followed by ex-situ mapping SE on each cell to achieve better statistics for solar cell optimization by correlating local structural parameters with solar cell parameters. Solar cells of similar structure were also fabricated on flexible polymer substrates in the roll-to-roll configuration. In this configuration as well, RTSE was demonstrated as an effective process monitoring and control tool for thin film photovoltaics.

CIGS2 Thin-Film Solar Cells on Flexible Foils for Space Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dhere, Neelkanth G.; Ghongadi, Shantinath R.; Pandit, Mandar B.; Jahagirdar, Anant H.; Scheiman, David

2002-01-01

CuIn(1-x)Ga(x)S2 (CIGS2) thin-film solar cells are of interest for space power applications because of the near optimum bandgap for AM0 solar radiation in space. CIGS2 thin film solar cells on flexible stainless steel (SS) may be able to increase the specific power by an order of magnitude from the current level of 65 Wkg(sup -1). CIGS solar cells are superior to the conventional silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells in the space radiation environment. This paper presents research efforts for the development of CIGS2 thin-film solar cells on 127 micrometers and 20 micrometers thick, bright-annealed flexible SS foil for space power. A large-area, dual-chamber, inline thin film deposition system has been fabricated. The system is expected to provide thickness uniformity of plus or minus 2% over the central 5" width and plus or minus 3% over the central 6" width. During the next phase, facilities for processing larger cells will be acquired for selenization and sulfurization of metallic precursors and for heterojunction CdS layer deposition both on large area. Small area CIGS2 thin film solar cells are being prepared routinely. Cu-rich Cu-Ga/In layers were sputter-deposited on unheated Mo-coated SS foils from CuGa (22%) and In targets. Well-adherent, large-grain Cu-rich CIGS2 films were obtained by sulfurization in a Ar: H2S 1:0.04 mixture and argon flow rate of 650 sccm, at the maximum temperature of 475 C for 60 minutes with intermediate 30 minutes annealing step at 120 C. Samples were annealed at 500 C for 10 minutes without H2S gas flow. The intermediate 30 minutes annealing step at 120 C was changed to 135 C. p-type CIGS2 thin films were obtained by etching the Cu-rich layer segregated at the surface using dilute KCN solution. Solar cells were completed by deposition of CdS heterojunction partner layer by chemical bath deposition, transparent-conducting ZnO/ZnO: Al window bilayer by RF sputtering, and vacuum deposition of Ni/Al contact fingers through metal mask. PV parameters of a CIGS2 solar cell on 127 micrometers thick SS flexible foil measured under AM 0 conditions at NASA GRC were: V(sub oc) = 802.9 mV, J(sub sc) = 25.07 mA per square centimeters, FF = 60.06%, and efficiency 0 = 8.84%. For this cell, AM 1.5 PV parameters measured at NREL were: V(sub oc) = 788 mV, J(sub sc) = 19.78 mA per square centimeter, FF = 59.44%, efficiency 0 = 9.26%. Quantum efficiency curve showed a sharp QE cutoff equivalent to CIGS2 bandgap of approximately 1.50 eV, fairly close to the optimum value for efficient AM0 PV conversion in the space.

76 FR 31946 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment: Publication of the Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-02

... has been adopted by AHRI--``ANSI/AHRI 1230--2010: Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF... Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split Systems, because the basic model contains design characteristics which... line of commercial (3- phase) VRF multi-split ``AIRSTAGE V-II''. 2. The Design Characteristics FUJITSU...

The role of ultra-thin SiO2 layers in metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photoelectrochemical devices (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Daniel V.

2015-08-01

Solid-state junctions based on a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) architecture are of great interest for a number of optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics, photoelectrochemical cells, and photodetection. One major advantage of the MIS junction compared to the closely related metal-semiconductor junction, or Schottky junction, is that the thin insulating layer (1-3 nm thick) that separates the metal and semiconductor can significantly reduce the density of undesirable interfacial mid-gap states. The reduction in mid-gap states helps "un-pin" the junction, allowing for significantly higher built-in-voltages to be achieved. A second major advantage of the MIS junction is that the thin insulating layer can also protect the underlying semiconductor from corrosion in an electrochemical environment, making the MIS architecture well-suited for application in (photo)electrochemical applications. In this presentation, discontinuous Si-based MIS junctions immersed in electrolyte are explored for use as i.) photoelectrodes for solar-water splitting in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) and ii.) position-sensitive photodetectors. The development and optimization of MIS photoelectrodes for both of these applications relies heavily on understanding how processing of the thin SiO2 layer impacts the properties of nano- and micro-scale MIS junctions, as well as the interactions of the insulating layer with the electrolyte. In this work, we systematically explore the effects of insulator thickness, synthesis method, and chemical treatment on the photoelectrochemical and electrochemical properties of these MIS devices. It is shown that electrolyte-induced inversion plays a critical role in determining the charge carrier dynamics within the MIS photoelectrodes for both applications.

New turbidity current model based on high-resolution monitoring of the longest flow ever measured

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azpiroz, Maria; Cartigny, Matthieu; Talling, Peter; Parsons, Daniel; Simmons, Steve; Clare, Michael; Sumner, Esther; Pope, Ed

2016-04-01

Turbidity currents transport large amounts of sediment from shallow waters towards deep ocean basins. Little is known about these flows, despite their potential hazard for damaging expensive and strategically important seafloor infrastructure. So far turbidity currents have been profiled in only 6 deep ocean locations worldwide. Our current knowledge of these flows is therefore mainly based on scaled-down experimental and computationally-limited numerical modelling. Here we present results from the monitoring of a one-week long turbidity current in the Congo Canyon that had a discharge close to that of the Mississippi River. Measurements taken every 5 seconds give the most detailed image yet of a turbidity current deep-water over an unprecedented duration. Our analysis reveals a different flow structure than that presented in previous models. Classical models display a thick front of the flow followed by a thinner and faster flow, which gives way to a short and quasi-steady body. Instead, we observe a thin frontal cell that outruns a thicker (~80 m), long and slower quasi-steady flow. In contrast to the previous model, where the thinner faster flow feeds sediment into the head, the Congo Canyon turbidity current shows a frontal cell that feeds sediment into, and at the same time outruns, the succeeding quasi-steady flow. As a result of the faster moving frontal cell, the flow should continuously stretch and grow in length while propagating down the system. Within the quasi-steady body, the flow switches between what appears to be two stable flow modes. One mode exhibits a fast and thin velocity profile whose maximum is a low distance from the seabed and resembles Froude-supercritical flow conditions, while the other mode is similar to Froude-subcritical flow conditions as the flow is thicker and slower. These first observations provide new insights into the behaviour of deep water long duration flows that differ from traditional models and provide an exciting chance to explore the full range of turbidity current behaviour in nature.

Thin film solar cells with Si nanocrystallites embedded in amorphous intrinsic layers by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Park, Seungil; Parida, Bhaskar; Kim, Keunjoo

2013-05-01

We investigated the thin film growths of hydrogenated silicon by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition with different flow rates of SiH4 and H2 mixture ambient and fabricated thin film solar cells by implementing the intrinsic layers to SiC/Si heterojunction p-i-n structures. The film samples showed the different infrared absorption spectra of 2,000 and 2,100 cm(-1), which are corresponding to the chemical bonds of SiH and SiH2, respectively. The a-Si:H sample with the relatively high silane concentration provides the absorption peak of SiH bond, but the microc-Si:H sample with the relatively low silane concentration provides the absorption peak of SiH2 bond as well as SiH bond. Furthermore, the microc-Si:H sample showed the Raman spectral shift of 520 cm(-1) for crystalline phase Si bonds as well as the 480 cm(-1) for the amorphous phase Si bonds. These bonding structures are very consistent with the further analysis of the long-wavelength photoconduction tail and the formation of nanocrystalline Si structures. The microc-Si:H thin film solar cell has the photovoltaic behavior of open circuit voltage similar to crystalline silicon thin film solar cell, indicating that microc-Si:H thin film with the mixed phase of amorphous and nanocrystalline structures show the carrier transportation through the channel of nanocrystallites.

Analysis of the Harrier forebody/inlet design using computational techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chow, Chuen-Yen

1993-01-01

Under the support of this Cooperative Agreement, computations of transonic flow past the complex forebody/inlet configuration of the AV-8B Harrier II have been performed. The actual aircraft configuration was measured and its surface and surrounding domain were defined using computational structured grids. The thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations were used to model the flow along with the Chimera embedded multi-grid technique. A fully conservative, alternating direction implicit (ADI), approximately-factored, partially flux-split algorithm was employed to perform the computation. An existing code was altered to conform with the needs of the study, and some special engine face boundary conditions were developed. The algorithm incorporated the Chimera technique and an algebraic turbulence model in order to deal with the embedded multi-grids and viscous governing equations. Comparison with experimental data has yielded good agreement for the simplifications incorporated into the analysis. The aim of the present research was to provide a methodology for the numerical solution of complex, combined external/internal flows. This is the first time-dependent Navier-Stokes solution for a geometry in which the fuselage and inlet share a wall. The results indicate the methodology used here is a viable tool for transonic aircraft modeling.

An Operator-Integration-Factor Splitting (OIFS) method for Incompressible Flows in Moving Domains

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

Patel, Saumil S.; Fischer, Paul F.; Min, Misun

In this paper, we present a characteristic-based numerical procedure for simulating incompressible flows in domains with moving boundaries. Our approach utilizes an operator-integration-factor splitting technique to help produce an effcient and stable numerical scheme. Using the spectral element method and an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation, we investigate flows where the convective acceleration effects are non-negligible. Several examples, ranging from laminar to turbulent flows, are considered. Comparisons with a standard, semi-implicit time-stepping procedure illustrate the improved performance of the scheme.

Nonlinear Response of Iceberg Melting to Ocean Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cenedese, C.; FitzMaurice, A.; Straneo, F.

2017-12-01

Icebergs calving into Greenlandic Fjords frequently experience strongly sheared flows over their draft, but the impact of this flow past the iceberg on the melt plumes generated along the iceberg sides is not fully captured by existing parameterizations. We present a series of novel laboratory experiments to determine the dependence of side submarine melt rates on a background flow. We show, for the first time, that two distinct regimes of melting exist depending on the melt plume behavior (side-attached or side-detached). These two regimes produce a nonlinear dependence of melt rate on velocity, and different distributions of meltwater in the water column. Iceberg meltwater may either be confined to a thin surface layer, when the melt plumes are side-attached, or mixed down to the iceberg draft, when the melt plumes are side-detached. In a two-layer vertically sheared flow the average flow speed in existing melt parameterizations gives an underestimate of the submarine melt rate, in part due to the nonlinearity of the dependence of melt rate on flow speed, but also because vertical shear in the velocity profile fundamentally changes the flow splitting around the ice block and consequently the velocity felt by the ice surface. Including this nonlinear velocity dependence in melting parameterizations applied to observed icebergs increases iceberg side melt in the attached regime, improving agreement with observations of iceberg submarine melt rates. We show that both attached and detached plume regimes are relevant to icebergs observed in a Greenland fjord.

Icebergs Melting in Uniform and Vertically Sheared Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cenedese, Claudia; Fitzmaurice, Anna; Straneo, Fiammetta

2017-11-01

Icebergs calving into Greenlandic Fjords frequently experience strongly sheared flows over their draft, but the impact of this flow past the iceberg on the melt plumes generated along the iceberg sides is not fully captured by existing melt parameterizations. A series of novel laboratory experiments showed that side melting of icebergs subject to relative velocities is controlled by two distinct regimes, which depend on the melt plume behavior (side-attached or side-detached). These two regimes produce a nonlinear dependence of melt rate on velocity, and different distributions of meltwater in the water column. Iceberg meltwater may either be confined to a thin surface layer, when the melt plumes are side-attached, or mixed down to the iceberg draft, when the melt plumes are side-detached. In a two-layer vertically sheared flow, the average flow speed in existing melt parameterizations gives an underestimate of the submarine melt rate, in part due to the nonlinearity of the dependence of melt rate on flow speed, but also because vertical shear in the velocity profile fundamentally changes the flow splitting around the ice block and consequently the velocity felt by the ice surface. Including this nonlinear velocity dependence in melting parameterizations applied to observed icebergs increases iceberg side melt in the side-attached regime, improving agreement with observations of iceberg submarine melt rates. AF was supported by NA14OAR4320106, CC by NSF OCE-1434041 and OCE-1658079, and FS by NSF PLR-1332911 and OCE-1434041.

Toward Immersed Boundary Simulation of High Reynolds Number Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalitzin, Georgi; Iaccarino, Gianluca

2003-01-01

In the immersed boundary (IB) method, the surface of an object is reconstructed with forcing terms in the underlying flow field equations. The surface may split a computational cell removing the constraint of the near wall gridlines to be aligned with the surface. This feature greatly simplifies the grid generation process which is cumbersome and expensive in particular for structured grids and complex geometries. The IB method is ideally suited for Cartesian flow solvers. The flow equations written in Cartesian coordinates appear in a very simple form and several numerical algorithms can be used for an efficient solution of the equations. In addition, the accuracy of numerical algorithms is dependent on the underlying grid and it usually deteriorates when the grid deviates from a Cartesian mesh. The challenge for the IB method lies in the representation of the wall boundaries and in providing an adequate near wall flow field resolution. The issue of enforcing no-slip boundary conditions at the immersed surface has been addressed by several authors by imposing a local reconstruction of the solution. Initial work by Verzicco et al. was based on a simple linear, one-dimensional operator and this approach proved to be accurate for boundaries largely aligned with the grid lines. Majumdar et al. used various multidimensional and high order polynomial interpolations schemes. These high order schemes, however, are keen to introduce wiggles and spurious extrema. Iaccarino & Verzicco and Kalitzin & Iaccarino proposed a tri-linear reconstruction for the velocity components and the turbulent scalars. A modified implementation that has proven to be more robust is reported in this paper. The issue of adequate near wall resolution in a Cartesian framework can initially be addressed by using a non-uniform mesh which is stretched near the surface. In this paper, we investigate an unstructured approach for local grid refinement that utilizes Cartesian mesh features. The computation of high Reynolds number wall bounded flows is particularly challenging as it requires the consideration of thin turbulent boundary layers, i.e. near wall regions with large gradients of the flow field variables. For such flows, the representation of the wall boundary has a large impact on the accuracy of the computation. It is also critical for the robustness and convergence of the flow solver.

Pharmacognostic Screening of Piper trichostachyon Fruits and its Comparative Analysis with Piper nigrum Using Chromatographic Techniques

PubMed Central

Upadhya, Vinayak; Pai, Sandeep R.; Ankad, Gireesh M.; Hegde, Harsha V.

2016-01-01

Background: Piper trichostachyon is a wild, endemic Piper species from Western Ghats of India. The folklore healers of Belagavi region use this plant, similar to Piper nigrum. Aims: The present study investigates the comparison between P. nigrum and P. trichostachyon using pharmacognostic parameters. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out in terms of morphological, microscopic characters, and phytochemical analysis using standard methods. Comparative physicochemical analysis between P. trichostachyon and P. nigrum was also carried out through estimation of micro-macro nutrients, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) investigation and using piperine as a marker compound for reversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic (RP-UFLC) technique. Results: P. trichostachyon grows in the forests, and the fruits are morphologically similar to P. nigrum fruits, so the name in Kannada “Kaadu Kalu menasu” (wild/forest black pepper). The microscopy revealed the presence of stone cells, starch grains, oil cells and globules, beaker cells, and yellowish brown pigment layer, parenchymatous cells. The presence of alkaloids, oil, and tannins were observed in P. trichostachyon fruits. The HPTLC studies visibly indicated differences among two species with 12 peaks and varied banding pattern. RP-UFLC results showed less amount of piperine in P. trichostachyon (0.05 ± 0.002 mg/g) than in P. nigrum (16.14 ± 0.807 mg/g). Conclusion: The study reports on pharmacognostic parameters of P. trichostachyon for the 1st time and will be useful for the identification and authentication. The comparative HPTLC and RP-UFLC studies resolve the differentiation impasse among two species. However, further biological efficacy studies are required to establish its use in traditional medicine. SUMMARY Piper trichostachyon grows in the forests, and the fruits are morphologically similar to Piper nigrum fruitsThe microscopy of P. trichostachyon revealed the presence of stone cells, starch grains, oil cells and globules, beaker cells and yellowish brown pigment layer, parenchymatous cellsThe high-performance thin layer chromatography studies visibly indicated differences among two species with varied banding patternReversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic results showed less amount of piperine in P. trichostachyon than in P. nigrum. Abbreviation used: HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, RP-UFLC: Reversed phase-ultra flow liquid chromatographic analysis, DST: Length of line, Maj: Length of large half axis for ellipse RDS - radius for circle, Rf: Retention Factor, TS: Transverse Section, TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography. PMID:27279700

Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells. PMID:25386107

Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Tan, Furui; Qu, Shengchun; Zhang, Weifeng; Wang, Zhanguo

2014-01-01

A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells.

An experimental study of the aerodynamic characteristics of planar and non-planar outboard wing planforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naik, D. A.; Ostowari, C.

1987-01-01

A series of wind tunnel experiments have been conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of several planar and nonplanar wingtip planforms. Seven different configurations: base-line rectangular, elliptical, swept and tapered, swept and tapered with dihedral, swept and tapered with anhedral, rising arc, and drooping arc, were investigated for two different spans. The data are available in terms of coefficient plots of force data, flow visualization photographs, and velocity and pressure flowfield surveys. All planforms, particularly the nonplanar, have some advantages over the baseline rectangular planform. Span efficiencies up to 20-percent greater than baseline are a possibility. However, it is suggested that the span efficiency concept might need refinement for nonplanar wings. Flow survey data show the change in effective span with vortex roll-up. The flow visualization shows the occurrence of mushroom-cell-separation flow patterns at angles of attack corresponding to stall. These grow with an increase in post-stall angle of attack. For the larger aspect ratios, the cells are observed to split into sub-cells at the higher angles of attack. For all angles of attack, some amount of secondary vortex flow is observed for the planar and nonplanar out-board planforms with sweep and taper.

Mapping cell populations in flow cytometry data for cross‐sample comparison using the Friedman–Rafsky test statistic as a distance measure

PubMed Central

Hsiao, Chiaowen; Liu, Mengya; Stanton, Rick; McGee, Monnie; Qian, Yu

2015-01-01

Abstract Flow cytometry (FCM) is a fluorescence‐based single‐cell experimental technology that is routinely applied in biomedical research for identifying cellular biomarkers of normal physiological responses and abnormal disease states. While many computational methods have been developed that focus on identifying cell populations in individual FCM samples, very few have addressed how the identified cell populations can be matched across samples for comparative analysis. This article presents FlowMap‐FR, a novel method for cell population mapping across FCM samples. FlowMap‐FR is based on the Friedman–Rafsky nonparametric test statistic (FR statistic), which quantifies the equivalence of multivariate distributions. As applied to FCM data by FlowMap‐FR, the FR statistic objectively quantifies the similarity between cell populations based on the shapes, sizes, and positions of fluorescence data distributions in the multidimensional feature space. To test and evaluate the performance of FlowMap‐FR, we simulated the kinds of biological and technical sample variations that are commonly observed in FCM data. The results show that FlowMap‐FR is able to effectively identify equivalent cell populations between samples under scenarios of proportion differences and modest position shifts. As a statistical test, FlowMap‐FR can be used to determine whether the expression of a cellular marker is statistically different between two cell populations, suggesting candidates for new cellular phenotypes by providing an objective statistical measure. In addition, FlowMap‐FR can indicate situations in which inappropriate splitting or merging of cell populations has occurred during gating procedures. We compared the FR statistic with the symmetric version of Kullback–Leibler divergence measure used in a previous population matching method with both simulated and real data. The FR statistic outperforms the symmetric version of KL‐distance in distinguishing equivalent from nonequivalent cell populations. FlowMap‐FR was also employed as a distance metric to match cell populations delineated by manual gating across 30 FCM samples from a benchmark FlowCAP data set. An F‐measure of 0.88 was obtained, indicating high precision and recall of the FR‐based population matching results. FlowMap‐FR has been implemented as a standalone R/Bioconductor package so that it can be easily incorporated into current FCM data analytical workflows. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry PMID:26274018

Mapping cell populations in flow cytometry data for cross-sample comparison using the Friedman-Rafsky test statistic as a distance measure.

PubMed

Hsiao, Chiaowen; Liu, Mengya; Stanton, Rick; McGee, Monnie; Qian, Yu; Scheuermann, Richard H

2016-01-01

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a fluorescence-based single-cell experimental technology that is routinely applied in biomedical research for identifying cellular biomarkers of normal physiological responses and abnormal disease states. While many computational methods have been developed that focus on identifying cell populations in individual FCM samples, very few have addressed how the identified cell populations can be matched across samples for comparative analysis. This article presents FlowMap-FR, a novel method for cell population mapping across FCM samples. FlowMap-FR is based on the Friedman-Rafsky nonparametric test statistic (FR statistic), which quantifies the equivalence of multivariate distributions. As applied to FCM data by FlowMap-FR, the FR statistic objectively quantifies the similarity between cell populations based on the shapes, sizes, and positions of fluorescence data distributions in the multidimensional feature space. To test and evaluate the performance of FlowMap-FR, we simulated the kinds of biological and technical sample variations that are commonly observed in FCM data. The results show that FlowMap-FR is able to effectively identify equivalent cell populations between samples under scenarios of proportion differences and modest position shifts. As a statistical test, FlowMap-FR can be used to determine whether the expression of a cellular marker is statistically different between two cell populations, suggesting candidates for new cellular phenotypes by providing an objective statistical measure. In addition, FlowMap-FR can indicate situations in which inappropriate splitting or merging of cell populations has occurred during gating procedures. We compared the FR statistic with the symmetric version of Kullback-Leibler divergence measure used in a previous population matching method with both simulated and real data. The FR statistic outperforms the symmetric version of KL-distance in distinguishing equivalent from nonequivalent cell populations. FlowMap-FR was also employed as a distance metric to match cell populations delineated by manual gating across 30 FCM samples from a benchmark FlowCAP data set. An F-measure of 0.88 was obtained, indicating high precision and recall of the FR-based population matching results. FlowMap-FR has been implemented as a standalone R/Bioconductor package so that it can be easily incorporated into current FCM data analytical workflows. © The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC.

Critical Role of Interface and Crystallinity on the Performance and Photostability of Perovskite Solar Cell on Nickel Oxide

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

Nie, Wanyi; Tsai, Hsinhan; Blancon, Jean -Christophe

Hybrid perovskites are on a trajectory toward realizing the most efficient single-junction, solution-processed photovoltaic devices. However, a critical issue is the limited understanding of the correlation between the degree of crystallinity and the emergent perovskite/hole (or electron) transport layer on device performance and photostability. Here, the controlled growth of hybrid perovskites on nickel oxide (NiO) is shown, resulting in the formation of thin films with enhanced crystallinity with characteristic peak width and splitting reminiscent of the tetragonal phase in single crystals. Photophysical and interface sensitive measurements reveal a reduced trap density at the perovskite/NiO interface in comparison with perovskites grownmore » on poly(3,4-ethylene dioxy thiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Photovoltaic cells exhibit a high open circuit voltage (1.12 V), indicating a near-ideal energy band alignment. Moreover, photostability of photovoltaic devices up to 10-Suns is observed, which is a direct result of the superior crystallinity of perovskite thin films on NiO. Here, these results elucidate the critical role of the quality of the perovskite/hole transport layer interface in rendering high-performance and photostable optoelectronic devices.« less

Critical Role of Interface and Crystallinity on the Performance and Photostability of Perovskite Solar Cell on Nickel Oxide.

PubMed

Nie, Wanyi; Tsai, Hsinhan; Blancon, Jean-Christophe; Liu, Fangze; Stoumpos, Costas C; Traore, Boubacar; Kepenekian, Mikael; Durand, Olivier; Katan, Claudine; Tretiak, Sergei; Crochet, Jared; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Kanatzidis, MercouriG; Even, Jacky; Mohite, Aditya D

2018-02-01

Hybrid perovskites are on a trajectory toward realizing the most efficient single-junction, solution-processed photovoltaic devices. However, a critical issue is the limited understanding of the correlation between the degree of crystallinity and the emergent perovskite/hole (or electron) transport layer on device performance and photostability. Here, the controlled growth of hybrid perovskites on nickel oxide (NiO) is shown, resulting in the formation of thin films with enhanced crystallinity with characteristic peak width and splitting reminiscent of the tetragonal phase in single crystals. Photophysical and interface sensitive measurements reveal a reduced trap density at the perovskite/NiO interface in comparison with perovskites grown on poly(3,4-ethylene dioxy thiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Photovoltaic cells exhibit a high open circuit voltage (1.12 V), indicating a near-ideal energy band alignment. Moreover, photostability of photovoltaic devices up to 10-Suns is observed, which is a direct result of the superior crystallinity of perovskite thin films on NiO. These results elucidate the critical role of the quality of the perovskite/hole transport layer interface in rendering high-performance and photostable optoelectronic devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Critical Role of Interface and Crystallinity on the Performance and Photostability of Perovskite Solar Cell on Nickel Oxide

DOE PAGES

Nie, Wanyi; Tsai, Hsinhan; Blancon, Jean -Christophe; ...

2017-12-11

Hybrid perovskites are on a trajectory toward realizing the most efficient single-junction, solution-processed photovoltaic devices. However, a critical issue is the limited understanding of the correlation between the degree of crystallinity and the emergent perovskite/hole (or electron) transport layer on device performance and photostability. Here, the controlled growth of hybrid perovskites on nickel oxide (NiO) is shown, resulting in the formation of thin films with enhanced crystallinity with characteristic peak width and splitting reminiscent of the tetragonal phase in single crystals. Photophysical and interface sensitive measurements reveal a reduced trap density at the perovskite/NiO interface in comparison with perovskites grownmore » on poly(3,4-ethylene dioxy thiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Photovoltaic cells exhibit a high open circuit voltage (1.12 V), indicating a near-ideal energy band alignment. Moreover, photostability of photovoltaic devices up to 10-Suns is observed, which is a direct result of the superior crystallinity of perovskite thin films on NiO. Here, these results elucidate the critical role of the quality of the perovskite/hole transport layer interface in rendering high-performance and photostable optoelectronic devices.« less

Population splitting of rodlike swimmers in Couette flow.

PubMed

Nili, Hossein; Kheyri, Masoud; Abazari, Javad; Fahimniya, Ali; Naji, Ali

2017-06-28

We present a quantitative analysis on the response of a dilute active suspension of self-propelled rods (swimmers) in a planar channel subjected to an imposed shear flow. To best capture the salient features of the shear-induced effects, we consider the case of an imposed Couette flow, providing a constant shear rate across the channel. We argue that the steady-state behavior of swimmers can be understood in the light of a population splitting phenomenon, occurring as the shear rate exceeds a certain threshold, initiating the reversal of the swimming direction for a finite fraction of swimmers from down- to upstream or vice versa, depending on the swimmer position within the channel. Swimmers thus split into two distinct, statistically significant and oppositely swimming majority and minority populations. The onset of population splitting translates into a transition from a self-propulsion-dominated regime to a shear-dominated regime, corresponding to a unimodal-to-bimodal change in the probability distribution function of the swimmer orientation. We present a phase diagram in terms of the swim and flow Péclet numbers showing the separation of these two regimes by a discontinuous transition line. Our results shed further light on the behavior of swimmers in a shear flow and provide an explanation for the previously reported non-monotonic behavior of the mean, near-wall, parallel-to-flow orientation of swimmers with increasing shear strength.

Vessel calibre and flow splitting relationships at the internal carotid artery terminal bifurcation.

PubMed

Chnafa, C; Bouillot, P; Brina, O; Delattre, B M A; Vargas, M I; Lovblad, K O; Pereira, V M; Steinman, D A

2017-11-01

Vessel lumen calibres and flow rates are thought to be related by mathematical power laws, reflecting the optimization of cardiac versus metabolic work. While these laws have been confirmed indirectly via measurement of branch calibres, there is little data confirming power law relationships of flow distribution to branch calibres at individual bifurcations. Flow rates and diameters of parent and daughter vessels of the internal carotid artery terminal bifurcation were determined, via robust and automated methods, from 4D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging and 3D rotational angiography of 31 patients. Junction exponents were 2.06  ±  0.44 for relating parent to daughter branch diameters (geometrical exponent), and 2.45  ±  0.75 for relating daughter branch diameters to their flow division (flow split exponent). These exponents were not significantly different, but showed large inter- and intra-individual variations, and with confidence intervals excluding the theoretical optimum of 3. Power law fits of flow split versus diameter ratio and pooled flow rates versus diameters showed exponents of 2.17 and 1.96, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between age and the geometrical exponent (r  =  -0.55, p  =  0.003) but not the flow split exponent. We also found a dependence of our results on how lumen diameter is measured, possibly explaining some of the variability in the literature. Our study confirms that, on average, division of flow to the middle and anterior cerebral arteries is related to these vessels' relative calibres via a power law, but it is closer to a square law than a cube law as commonly assumed.

Glassy carbon/multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide photoanode for light energy storage in vanadium photoelectrochemical cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peimanifard, Zahra; Rashid-Nadimi, Sahar

2015-12-01

The aim of this study is utilizing the artificial photosynthesis, which is an attractive and challenging theme in the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting, to charge the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). In this work multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide hybrid is employed as a photoanode material to oxidize VO2+ toVO2+ for charging the positive vanadium redox flow battery's half-cell. Characterization studies are also described using the scanning electron microscopic-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and UV-Visible methods. The phtoelectrochemical performance is characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) is achieved for both two and three-electrode configurations. The glassy carbon/multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide yields high maximum ABPE of 2.6% and 2.12% in three and two-electrode setups, respectively. These results provide a useful guideline in designing photoelectrochemical cells for charging the vanadium redox flow batteries by sunlight as a low cost, free and abundant energy source, which does not rely on an external power input.

Indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistor with a planar split dual-gate structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-Rong; Liu, Jie; Song, Jia-Qi; Lai, Pui-To; Yao, Ruo-He

2017-12-01

An amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) with a planar split dual gate (PSDG) structure has been proposed, fabricated and characterized. Experimental results indicate that the two independent gates can provide dynamical control of device characteristics such as threshold voltage, sub-threshold swing, off-state current and saturation current. The transconductance extracted from the output characteristics of the device increases from 4.0 × 10-6S to 1.6 × 10-5S for a change of control gate voltage from -2 V to 2 V, and thus the device could be used in a variable-gain amplifier. A significant advantage of the PSDG structure is its flexibility in controlling the device performance according to the need of practical applications.

Splitting methods for low Mach number Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abarbanel, Saul; Dutt, Pravir; Gottlieb, David

1987-01-01

Examined are some splitting techniques for low Mach number Euler flows. Shortcomings of some of the proposed methods are pointed out and an explanation for their inadequacy suggested. A symmetric splitting for both the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is then presented which removes the stiffness of these equations when the Mach number is small. The splitting is shown to be stable.

Operator splitting method for simulation of dynamic flows in natural gas pipeline networks

DOE PAGES

Dyachenko, Sergey A.; Zlotnik, Anatoly; Korotkevich, Alexander O.; ...

2017-09-19

Here, we develop an operator splitting method to simulate flows of isothermal compressible natural gas over transmission pipelines. The method solves a system of nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) of hydrodynamic type for mass flow and pressure on a metric graph, where turbulent losses of momentum are modeled by phenomenological Darcy-Weisbach friction. Mass flow balance is maintained through the boundary conditions at the network nodes, where natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the system. Gas flow through the network is controlled by compressors boosting pressure at the inlet of the adjoint pipe. Our operator splitting numerical scheme ismore » unconditionally stable and it is second order accurate in space and time. The scheme is explicit, and it is formulated to work with general networks with loops. We test the scheme over range of regimes and network configurations, also comparing its performance with performance of two other state of the art implicit schemes.« less

Flow field induced particle accumulation inside droplets in rectangular channels.

PubMed

Hein, Michael; Moskopp, Michael; Seemann, Ralf

2015-07-07

Particle concentration is a basic operation needed to perform washing steps or to improve subsequent analysis in many (bio)-chemical assays. In this article we present field free, hydrodynamic accumulation of particles and cells in droplets flowing within rectangular micro-channels. Depending on droplet velocity, particles either accumulate at the rear of the droplet or are dispersed over the entire droplet cross-section. We show that the observed particle accumulation behavior can be understood by a coupling of particle sedimentation to the internal flow field of the droplet. The changing accumulation patterns are explained by a qualitative change of the internal flow field. The topological change of the internal flow field, however, is explained by the evolution of the droplet shape with increasing droplet velocity altering the friction with the channel walls. In addition, we demonstrate that accumulated particles can be concentrated, removing excess dispersed phase by splitting the droplet at a simple channel junction.

Implicit flux-split schemes for the Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, J. L.; Walters, R. W.; Van Leer, B.

1985-01-01

Recent progress in the development of implicit algorithms for the Euler equations using the flux-vector splitting method is described. Comparisons of the relative efficiency of relaxation and spatially-split approximately factored methods on a vector processor for two-dimensional flows are made. For transonic flows, the higher convergence rate per iteration of the Gauss-Seidel relaxation algorithms, which are only partially vectorizable, is amply compensated for by the faster computational rate per iteration of the approximately factored algorithm. For supersonic flows, the fully-upwind line-relaxation method is more efficient since the numerical domain of dependence is more closely matched to the physical domain of dependence. A hybrid three-dimensional algorithm using relaxation in one coordinate direction and approximate factorization in the cross-flow plane is developed and applied to a forebody shape at supersonic speeds and a swept, tapered wing at transonic speeds.

The Dye Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cell (DSPEC) for Solar Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Thomas; Alibabaei, Leila; Sherman, Benjamin; Sheridan, Matthew; Ashford, Dennis; Lapides, Alex; Brennaman, Kyle; Nayak, Animesh; Roy, Subhangi; Wee, Kyung-Ryang; Gish, Melissa; Meyer, Jerry; Papanikolas, John

The dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) integrates molecular level light absorption and catalysis with the bandgap properties of stable oxide materials such as TiO2 and NiO. Excitation of surface-bound chromophores leads to excited state formation and rapid electron or hole injection into the conduction or valence bands of n or p-type oxides. Addition of thin layers of TiO2 or NiO on the surfaces of mesoscopic, nanoparticle films of semiconductor or transparent conducting oxides to give core/shell structures provides a basis for accumulating multiple redox equivalents at catalysts for water oxidation or CO2 reduction. UNC EFRC Center for Solar Fuels, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001011.

Nanopore thin film enabled optical platform for drug loading and release.

PubMed

Song, Chao; Che, Xiangchen; Que, Long

2017-08-07

In this paper, a drug loading and release device fabricated using nanopore thin film and layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoassembly is reported. The nanopore thin film is a layer of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), consisting of honeycomb-shape nanopores. Using the LbL nanoassembly process, the drug, using gentamicin sulfate (GS) as the model, can be loaded into the nanopores and the stacked layers on the nanopore thin film surface. The drug release from the device is achieved by immersing it into flowing DI water. Both the loading and release processes can be monitored optically. The effect of the nanopore size/volume on drug loading and release has also been evaluated. Further, the neuron cells have been cultured and can grow normally on the nanopore thin film, verifying its bio-compatibility. The successful fabrication of nanopore thin film device on silicon membrane render it as a potential implantable controlled drug release device.

Serially connected solid oxide fuel cells having monolithic cores

DOEpatents

Herceg, Joseph E.

1987-01-01

A solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output, wherein the cell core has an array of cell segments electrically serially connected in the flow direction, each segment consisting of electrolyte walls and interconnect that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageways; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte composite materials is of the order of 0.002-0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002-0.05 cm thick. Between 2 and 50 cell segments may be connected in series.

A comparative study of spray keratinocytes and autologous meshed split-thickness skin graft in the treatment of acute burn injuries.

PubMed

Sood, Rajiv; Roggy, David Edward; Zieger, Madeline Jane; Nazim, Muhammad; Hartman, Brett Colby; Gibbs, Jeff Thomas

2015-02-01

ReCell (Avita Medical, Northridge, CA) is an autologous cell harvesting (ACH) device that enables a thin split-thickness skin biopsy to be processed to produce a cell population that includes a mixed population of keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and papillary dermal fibroblasts for immediate delivery via a spray applicator onto a prepared skin surface. In this Institutional Review Board-approved US Food and Drug Administration phase 2 study, the authors prospectively evaluated the treatment of partial-thickness burns in patients with two 320 cm2 areas, 1 area treated with the ACH device and the other with a meshed split-thickness skin graft (MSTSG) as a control. The authors compared the treatment areas for graft take, pigmentation, and color match to surrounding healthy tissue, scarring, and pain. In this preliminary study, 10 patients were treated with this protocol. Eight patients had 100% take to both treatment areas and 2 patients had significant non-take and graft loss attributable to underexcised wound beds and difficulty with the spray applicator. Pigmentation and color match ratings were identical at week 52 and the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale scores were comparable. One subject rated the autologous cell harvesting site as having a better appearance, while the remaining subjects rated their ACH and MSTSG sites' appearances as being comparable. In early follow-up visits, pain ratings were slightly elevated in the ACH group due to graft healing; however, in visits following week 2, pain ratings at the ACH and MSTSG sites were rated similarly by all patients. This preliminary report describes an early experience with the ACH device and the treatment of partial-thickness burn injuries. In this 10-patient series, patients benefitted from having a decreased donor site size and comparable outcomes with MSTSG treatment. While this preliminary underpowered study has provided positive results, there is a learning curve with choosing the proper wound for treatment with the ACH device, as well as with using the device.

Analysis of selected volatile organic compounds in split and nonsplit swiss cheese samples using selected-ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

PubMed

Castada, Hardy Z; Wick, Cheryl; Taylor, Kaitlyn; Harper, W James

2014-04-01

Splits/cracks are recurring product defects that negatively affect the Swiss cheese industry. Investigations to understand the biophysicochemical aspects of these defects, and thus determine preventive measures against their occurrence, are underway. In this study, selected-ion, flow tube mass spectrometry was employed to determine the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles present in the headspace of split compared with nonsplit cheeses. Two sampling methodologies were employed: split compared with nonsplit cheese vat pair blocks; and comparison of blind, eye, and split segments within cheese blocks. The variability in VOC profiles was examined to evaluate the potential biochemical pathway chemistry differences within and between cheese samples. VOC profile inhomogeneity was most evident in cheeses between factories. Evaluation of biochemical pathways leading to the formation of key VOCs differentiating the split from the blind and eye segments within factories indicated release of additional carbon dioxide by-product. These results suggest a factory-dependent cause of split formation that could develop from varied fermentation pathways in the blind, eye, and split areas within a cheese block. The variability of VOC profiles within and between factories exhibit varied biochemical fermentation pathways that could conceivably be traced back in the making process to identify parameters responsible for split defect. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

Hybrid lead halide perovskites for light energy conversion: Excited state properties and photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manser, Joseph S.

The burgeoning class of metal halide perovskites constitutes a paradigm shift in the study and application of solution-processed semiconductors. Advancements in thin film processing and our understanding of the underlying structural, photophysical, and electronic properties of these materials over the past five years have led to development of perovskite solar cells with power conversion efficiencies that rival much more mature first and second-generation commercial technologies. It seems only a matter of time before the real-world impact of these compounds is put to the test. Like oxide perovskites, metal halide perovskites have ABX3 stoichiometry, where typically A is a monovalent cation, B a bivalent post-transition metal, and X a halide anion. Characterizing the behavior of photogenerated charges in metal halide perovskites is integral for understanding the operating principles and fundamental limitations of perovskite optoelectronics. The majority of studies outlined in this dissertation involve fundamental study of the prototypical organic-inorganic compound methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI 3). Time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy serves as a principle tool in these investigations. Excitation of a semiconductor can lead to formation of a number different excited state species and electronic complexes. Through analysis of excited state decay kinetics and optical nonlinearities in perovskite thin films, we identify spontaneous formation of a large fraction of free electrons and holes, whose presence is requisite for efficient photovoltaic operation. Following photogeneration of charge carriers in a semiconductor absorber, these species must travel large distances across the thickness of the material to realize large external quantum efficiencies and efficient carrier extraction. Using a powerful technique known as transient absorption microscopy, we directly image long-range carrier diffusion in a CH3NH3PbI 3 thin film. Charges are unambiguously shown to travel 220 nm over the course of 2 ns after photoexcitation, with an extrapolated diffusion length greater than one micrometer over the full excited state lifetime. The solution-processability of metal halide perovskites necessarily raises questions as to the properties of the solvated precursors and their connection to the final solid-state perovskite phase. Through structural and steady-state and time-resolved absorption studies, the important link between the excited state properties of the precursor components, composed of solvated and solid-state halometallate complexes, and CH3NH3PbI3 is evinced. This connection provides insight into optical nonlinearities and electronic properties of the perovskite phase. Fundamental studies of CH 3NH3PbI3 ultimately serve as a foundation for application of this and other related materials in high-performance devices. In the final chapter, the operation of CH3NH3PbI 3 solar cells in a tandem architecture is presented. The quest for economic, large scale hydrogen production has motivated the search for new materials and device designs capable of splitting water using only energy from the sun. In light of this, we introduce an all solution-processed tandem water splitting assembly composed of a BiVO4 photoanode and a single-junction CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid perovskite solar cell. This unique configuration allows efficient solar photon management, with the metal oxide photoanode selectively harvesting high energy visible photons and the underlying perovskite solar cell capturing lower energy visible-near IR wavelengths in a single-pass excitation. Operating without external bias under standard terrestrial one sun illumination, the photoanode-photovoltaic architecture, in conjunction with an earthabundant cobalt phosphate catalyst, exhibits a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 2.5% at neutral pH. The design of low-cost tandem water splitting assemblies employing single-junction hybrid perovskite materials establishes a potentially promising new frontier for solar water splitting research.

76 FR 19759 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment: Publication of the Petition for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-08

... (``VRF'') multi-split systems. Carrier requests this waiver for the SMMSi systems because the basic design of VRF multi-split systems prevents testing or rating according to DOE's prescribed test... adopted by AHRI--``ANSI/AHRI 1230--2010: Performance Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split...

Column formation and hysteresis in a two-fluid tornado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharifullin, B. R.; Naumov, I. V.; Herrada, M. A.; Shtern, V. N.

2018-03-01

This experimental and numerical study addresses a flow of water and sunflower oil. This flow is driven by the rotating lid in a sealed vertical cylinder. The experiments were performed in a glass container with a radius of 45 mm and a height of 45 mm with the water volume fraction of 20%. Different densities and immiscibility of liquids provide the stable and sharp interface. At the rest, the interface is flat and horizontal. As the rotation speeds up, a new water-flow cell emerges near the bottom center. This cell expands and occupies almost the entire water domain while the initial water circulation shrinks into a thin layer adjacent to the interface. The water, rising near the container axis, strongly deforms the interface (upward near the axis and downward near the sidewall). A new oil-flow cell emerges above the interface near the axis. This cell disappears as the interface approaches the lid. The water separates from the sidewall, reaches the lid, and forms a column. As the rotation is decreased, the scenario reverses, but the flow states differ from those for the increasing rotation, i.e., a hysteresis is observed. The numerical simulations agree with the experiment and help explain the flow metamorphoses.

Capillary-Driven Flow in Liquid Filaments Connecting Orthogonal Channels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Jeffrey S.

2005-01-01

Capillary phenomena plays an important role in the management of product water in PEM fuel cells because of the length scales associated with the porous layers and the gas flow channels. The distribution of liquid water within the network of gas flow channels can be dramatically altered by capillary flow. We experimentally demonstrate the rapid movement of significant volumes of liquid via capillarity through thin liquid films which connect orthogonal channels. The microfluidic experiments discussed provide a good benchmark against which the proper modeling of capillarity by computational models may be tested. The effect of surface wettability, as expressed through the contact angle, on capillary flow will also be discussed.

Marangoni-Benard Convection in a Evaporating Liquid Thin Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chai, An-Ti; Zhang, Nengli

1996-01-01

Marangoni-Benard convection in evaporating liquid thin layers has been investigated through flow visualization and temperature profile measurement. Twelve liquids, namely ethyl alcohol, methanol, chloroform, acetone, cyclohexane, benzine, methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl acetate, n-pentane, silicone oil (0.65 cSt.), and freon-113, were tested and convection patterns in thin layers of these samples were observed. Comparison among these tested samples shows that some liquids are sensitive to surface contamination from aluminum powder but some are not. The latter is excellent to be used for the investigation of surface-tension driven convection through visualization using the tracer. Two sample liquids, alcohol and freon-113 were particularly selected for systematic study. It was found that the wavelength of Benard cells would not change with thickness of the layer when it evaporates at room temperature. Special attention was focused on cases in which a liquid layer was cooled from below, and some interesting results were obtained. Convection patterns were recorded during the evaporation process and the patterns at certain time frame were compared. Benard cells were observed in thin layers with a nonlinear temperature profile and even with a zero or positive temperature gradient. Wavelength of the cells was found to increase as the evaporation progressed.

Development of a split-flow system for high precision variable sample introduction in supercritical fluid chromatography.

PubMed

Sakai, Miho; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Funada, Yasuhiro; Ando, Takashi; Fukusaki, Eiichiro; Bamba, Takeshi

2017-09-15

In this study, we propose a novel variable sample injection system based on full-loop injection, named the split-flow sample introduction system, for application in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this system, the mobile phase is split by the differential pressure between two back pressure regulators (BPRs) after full-loop injection suitable for SFC, and this differential pressure determines the introduction rate. Nine compounds with a wide range of characteristics were introduced with high reproducibility and universality, confirming that a robust variable sample injection system was achieved. We also investigated the control factors of our proposed system. Sample introduction was controlled by the ratio between the column-side pressure drops in splitless and split flow, ΔP columnsideinsplitless and ΔP columnsideinsplit , respectively, where ΔP columnsideinsplitless is related to the mobile phase flow rate and composition and the column resistance. When all other conditions are kept constant, increasing the make-up flow induces an additional pressure drop on the column side of the system, which leads to a reduced column-side flow rate, and hence decreased the amount of sample injected, even when the net pressure drop on the column side remains the same. Thus, sample introduction could be highly controlled at low sample introduction rate, regardless of the introduction conditions. This feature is advantageous because, as a control factor, the solvent in the make-up pump is independent of the column-side pressure drop. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Selenization of CIS and CIGS layers deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis

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

Babu, B. J.; Egaas, B.; Velumani, S.

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) thin films with x=0 (CIS) and x=0.3 (CIGS) were prepared on Mo-coated glass substrate by using chemical spray pyrolysis at a substrate temperature of 350 degrees C, followed by selenization treatment at 550 degrees C in selenium environment under N2 gas flow. X-ray diffraction patterns of as-deposited CIGS layers on Mo showed polycrystalline chalcopyrite phase with an intense (112) plane. Splitting of (204)/(220) and (116)/(312) planes for the film with x=0.3 reveals deviation of tetragonal nature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images of selenized films showed clear re-crystallization of grains. During the selenization process of the CIGSmore » absorber, a thin interface layer of MoSe2 is formed. Line mapping of Mo/CIGS layer showed more gallium segregation at the interface of back contact resulting in band gap grading. Chemical composition and mapping of the as-deposited and selenized samples were determined by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. This work leads to fabrication of low cost and large scale Mo/CIGS/CdS/ZnO/ZnO:Al device structure.« less

Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical water oxidation through a buried junction.

PubMed

Xu, Pengtao; Huang, Tian; Huang, Jianbin; Yan, Yun; Mallouk, Thomas E

2018-06-18

Water oxidation has long been a challenge in artificial photosynthetic devices that convert solar energy into fuels. Water-splitting dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (WS-DSPECs) provide a modular approach for integrating light-harvesting molecules with water-oxidation catalysts on metal-oxide electrodes. Despite recent progress in improving the efficiency of these devices by introducing good molecular water-oxidation catalysts, WS-DSPECs have poor stability, owing to the oxidation of molecular components at very positive electrode potentials. Here we demonstrate that a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ss-DSSC) can be used as a buried junction for stable photoelectrochemical water splitting. A thin protecting layer of TiO 2 grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) stabilizes the operation of the photoanode in aqueous solution, although as a solar cell there is a performance loss due to increased series resistance after the coating. With an electrodeposited iridium oxide layer, a photocurrent density of 1.43 mA cm -2 was observed in 0.1 M pH 6.7 phosphate solution at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, with good stability over 1 h. We measured an incident photon-to-current efficiency of 22% at 540 nm and a Faradaic efficiency of 43% for oxygen evolution. While the potential profile of the catalyst layer suggested otherwise, we confirmed the formation of a buried junction in the as-prepared photoelectrode. The buried junction design of ss-DSSs adds to our understanding of semiconductor-electrocatalyst junction behaviors in the presence of a poor semiconducting material.

Novel thin/tunable gas diffusion electrodes with ultra-low catalyst loading for hydrogen evolution reactions in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

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

Kang, Zhenye; Yang, Gaoqiang; Mo, Jingke

2018-05-01

Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) have received great attention for hydrogen/oxygen production due to their high efficiencies even at low-temperature operation. Because of the high cost of noble platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts (Ir, Ru, Pt, etc.) that are widely used in water splitting, a PEMEC with low catalyst loadings and high catalyst utilizations is strongly desired for its wide commercialization. In this study, the ultrafast and multiscale hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) phenomena in an operating PEMEC is in-situ observed for the first time. The visualization results reveal that the HER and hydrogen bubble nucleation mainly occur on catalyst layersmore » at the rim of the pores of the thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers (TT-LGDLs). This indicates that the catalyst material of the conventional catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) that is located in the middle area of the LGDL pore is underutilized/inactive. Based on this discovery, a novel thin and tunable gas diffusion electrode (GDE) with a Pt catalyst thickness of 15 nm and a total thickness of about 25 um has been proposed and developed by taking advantage of advanced micro/nano manufacturing. The novel thin GDEs are comprehensively characterized both ex-situ and in-situ, and exhibit excellent PEMEC performance. More importantly, they achieve catalyst mass activity of up to 58 times higher than conventional CCM at 1.6 V under the operating conditions of 80 degrees C and 1 atm. This study demonstrates a promising concept for PEMEC electrode development, and provides a direction of future catalyst designs and fabrications for electrochemical devices.« less

Novel thin/tunable gas diffusion electrodes with ultra-low catalyst loading for hydrogen evolution reactions in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

DOE PAGES

Kang, Zhenye; Yang, Gaoqiang; Mo, Jingke; ...

2018-03-09

Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) have received great attention for hydrogen/oxygen production due to their high efficiencies even at low-temperature operation. Because of the high cost of noble platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts (Ir, Ru, Pt, etc.) that are widely used in water splitting, a PEMEC with low catalyst loadings and high catalyst utilizations is strongly desired for its wide commercialization. In this study, the ultrafast and multiscale hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) phenomena in an operating PEMEC is in-situ observed for the first time. The visualization results reveal that the HER and hydrogen bubble nucleation mainly occur on catalyst layersmore » at the rim of the pores of the thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers (TT-LGDLs). This indicates that the catalyst material of the conventional catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) that is located in the middle area of the LGDL pore is underutilized/inactive. Based on this discovery, a novel thin and tunable gas diffusion electrode (GDE) with a Pt catalyst thickness of 15 nm and a total thickness of about 25 um has been proposed and developed by taking advantage of advanced micro/nano manufacturing. The novel thin GDEs are comprehensively characterized both ex-situ and in-situ, and exhibit excellent PEMEC performance. More importantly, they achieve catalyst mass activity of up to 58 times higher than conventional CCM at 1.6 V under the operating conditions of 80 degrees C and 1 atm. This study demonstrates a promising concept for PEMEC electrode development, and provides a direction of future catalyst designs and fabrications for electrochemical devices.« less

Novel thin/tunable gas diffusion electrodes with ultra-low catalyst loading for hydrogen evolution reactions in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

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

Kang, Zhenye; Yang, Gaoqiang; Mo, Jingke

Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) have received great attention for hydrogen/oxygen production due to their high efficiencies even at low-temperature operation. Because of the high cost of noble platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts (Ir, Ru, Pt, etc.) that are widely used in water splitting, a PEMEC with low catalyst loadings and high catalyst utilizations is strongly desired for its wide commercialization. In this study, the ultrafast and multiscale hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) phenomena in an operating PEMEC is in-situ observed for the first time. The visualization results reveal that the HER and hydrogen bubble nucleation mainly occur on catalyst layersmore » at the rim of the pores of the thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers (TT-LGDLs). This indicates that the catalyst material of the conventional catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) that is located in the middle area of the LGDL pore is underutilized/inactive. Based on this discovery, a novel thin and tunable gas diffusion electrode (GDE) with a Pt catalyst thickness of 15 nm and a total thickness of about 25 um has been proposed and developed by taking advantage of advanced micro/nano manufacturing. The novel thin GDEs are comprehensively characterized both ex-situ and in-situ, and exhibit excellent PEMEC performance. More importantly, they achieve catalyst mass activity of up to 58 times higher than conventional CCM at 1.6 V under the operating conditions of 80 degrees C and 1 atm. This study demonstrates a promising concept for PEMEC electrode development, and provides a direction of future catalyst designs and fabrications for electrochemical devices.« less

One-dimensional high-order compact method for solving Euler's equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, M. A. H.; Basri, S.; Basuno, B.

2012-06-01

In the field of computational fluid dynamics, many numerical algorithms have been developed to simulate inviscid, compressible flows problems. Among those most famous and relevant are based on flux vector splitting and Godunov-type schemes. Previously, this system was developed through computational studies by Mawlood [1]. However the new test cases for compressible flows, the shock tube problems namely the receding flow and shock waves were not investigated before by Mawlood [1]. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a high-order compact (HOC) finite difference solver for onedimensional Euler equation. Before developing the solver, a detailed investigation was conducted to assess the performance of the basic third-order compact central discretization schemes. Spatial discretization of the Euler equation is based on flux-vector splitting. From this observation, discretization of the convective flux terms of the Euler equation is based on a hybrid flux-vector splitting, known as the advection upstream splitting method (AUSM) scheme which combines the accuracy of flux-difference splitting and the robustness of flux-vector splitting. The AUSM scheme is based on the third-order compact scheme to the approximate finite difference equation was completely analyzed consequently. In one-dimensional problem for the first order schemes, an explicit method is adopted by using time integration method. In addition to that, development and modification of source code for the one-dimensional flow is validated with four test cases namely, unsteady shock tube, quasi-one-dimensional supersonic-subsonic nozzle flow, receding flow and shock waves in shock tubes. From these results, it was also carried out to ensure that the definition of Riemann problem can be identified. Further analysis had also been done in comparing the characteristic of AUSM scheme against experimental results, obtained from previous works and also comparative analysis with computational results generated by van Leer, KFVS and AUSMPW schemes. Furthermore, there is a remarkable improvement with the extension of the AUSM scheme from first-order to third-order accuracy in terms of shocks, contact discontinuities and rarefaction waves.

Specialized CCDs for high-frame-rate visible imaging and UV imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Peter A.; Taylor, Gordon C.; Shallcross, Frank V.; Tower, John R.; Lawler, William B.; Harrison, Lorna J.; Socker, Dennis G.; Marchywka, Mike

1993-11-01

This paper reports recent progress by the authors in two distinct charge coupled device (CCD) technology areas. The first technology area is high frame rate, multi-port, frame transfer imagers. A 16-port, 512 X 512, split frame transfer imager and a 32-port, 1024 X 1024, split frame transfer imager are described. The thinned, backside illuminated devices feature on-chip correlated double sampling, buried blooming drains, and a room temperature dark current of less than 50 pA/cm2, without surface accumulation. The second technology area is vacuum ultraviolet (UV) frame transfer imagers. A developmental 1024 X 640 frame transfer imager with 20% quantum efficiency at 140 nm is described. The device is fabricated in a p-channel CCD process, thinned for backside illumination, and utilizes special packaging to achieve stable UV response.

Nanostructured hematite thin films for photoelectrochemical water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maabong, Kelebogile; Machatine, Augusto G. J.; Mwankemwa, Benard S.; Braun, Artur; Bora, Debajeet K.; Toth, Rita; Diale, Mmantsae

2018-04-01

Nanostructured hematite thin films prepared by dip coating technique were investigated for their photoelectrochemical activity for generation of hydrogen from water splitting. Structural, morphological and optical analyses of the doped/undoped films were performed by X-ray diffraction, high resolution field emission-scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrophotometry and Raman spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical measurements of the films showed enhanced photoresponse and cathodic shift of the onset potential upon Ti doping indicating improved transfer of photoholes at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface. Films doped with 1 at% Ti produced 0.72 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs RHE which is 2 times higher than current density for the pure film (0.30 mA/cm2, at 1.23 V vs RHE). Gas chromatography analysis of the films also showed enhanced hydrogen evolution at 1 at% Ti with respect to pure film.

Investigation of porosity and heterojunction effects of a mesoporous hematite electrode on photoelectrochemical water splitting.

PubMed

Liu, Jingling; Shahid, Muhammad; Ko, Young-Seon; Kim, Eunchul; Ahn, Tae Kyu; Park, Jong Hyeok; Kwon, Young-Uk

2013-06-28

In this paper, we report the porosity and heterojunction effects of hematite (α-Fe2O3) on the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting properties. The worm-like mesoporous hematite thin films (MHFs) with a pore size of ~9 nm and a wall thickness of ~5 nm were successfully obtained through the self-assembly process. MHFs formed on FTO showed much better PEC properties than those of nonporous hematite thin films (NP-HF) owing to the suppression of charge recombination. The PEC data of MHFs under front and back illumination conditions indicated that the porous structure allows the diffusion of electrolyte deep inside the MHF increasing the number of holes to be utilized in the water oxidation reaction. A heterojunction structure was formed by introducing a thin layer of SnO2 (~15 nm in thickness) between the MHF and FTO for a dramatically enhanced PEC response, which is attributed to the efficient electron transfer. Our spectroscopic and electrochemical data show that the SnO2 layer functions as an efficient electron transmitter, but does not affect the recombination kinetics of MHFs.

Balancing Hole and Electron Conduction in Ambipolar Split-Gate Thin-Film Transistors.

PubMed

Yoo, Hocheon; Ghittorelli, Matteo; Lee, Dong-Kyu; Smits, Edsger C P; Gelinck, Gerwin H; Ahn, Hyungju; Lee, Han-Koo; Torricelli, Fabrizio; Kim, Jae-Joon

2017-07-10

Complementary organic electronics is a key enabling technology for the development of new applications including smart ubiquitous sensors, wearable electronics, and healthcare devices. High-performance, high-functionality and reliable complementary circuits require n- and p-type thin-film transistors with balanced characteristics. Recent advancements in ambipolar organic transistors in terms of semiconductor and device engineering demonstrate the great potential of this route but, unfortunately, the actual development of ambipolar organic complementary electronics is currently hampered by the uneven electron (n-type) and hole (p-type) conduction in ambipolar organic transistors. Here we show ambipolar organic thin-film transistors with balanced n-type and p-type operation. By manipulating air exposure and vacuum annealing conditions, we show that well-balanced electron and hole transport properties can be easily obtained. The method is used to control hole and electron conductions in split-gate transistors based on a solution-processed donor-acceptor semiconducting polymer. Complementary logic inverters with balanced charging and discharging characteristics are demonstrated. These findings may open up new opportunities for the rational design of complementary electronics based on ambipolar organic transistors.

A time accurate finite volume high resolution scheme for three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Hsu, Andrew T.

1989-01-01

A time accurate, three-dimensional, finite volume, high resolution scheme for solving the compressible full Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The present derivation is based on the upwind split formulas, specifically with the application of Roe's (1981) flux difference splitting. A high-order accurate (up to the third order) upwind interpolation formula for the inviscid terms is derived to account for nonuniform meshes. For the viscous terms, discretizations consistent with the finite volume concept are described. A variant of second-order time accurate method is proposed that utilizes identical procedures in both the predictor and corrector steps. Avoiding the definition of midpoint gives a consistent and easy procedure, in the framework of finite volume discretization, for treating viscous transport terms in the curvilinear coordinates. For the boundary cells, a new treatment is introduced that not only avoids the use of 'ghost cells' and the associated problems, but also satisfies the tangency conditions exactly and allows easy definition of viscous transport terms at the first interface next to the boundary cells. Numerical tests of steady and unsteady high speed flows show that the present scheme gives accurate solutions.

Geophysical character of the intraplate Wabash Fault System from the Wabash EarthScope FlexArray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conder, J. A.; Zhu, L.; Wood, J. D.

2017-12-01

The Wabash Seismic Array was an EarthScope funded FlexArray deployment across the Wabash Fault System. The Wabash system is long known for oil and gas production. The fault system is often characterized as an intraplate seismic zone as it has produced several earthquakes above M4 in the last 50 years and potentially several above M7 in the Holocene. While earthquakes are far less numerous in the Wabash system than in the nearby New Madrid seismic zone, the seismic moment is nearly twice that of New Madrid over the past 50 years. The array consisted of 45 broadband instruments deployed across the axis to study the larger structure and 3 smaller phased arrays of 9 short-period instruments each to get a better sense of the local seismic output of smaller events. First results from the northern phased array indicate that seismicity in the Wabash behaves markedly differently than in New Madrid, with a low b-value around 0.7. Receiver functions show a 50 km thick crust beneath the system, thickening somewhat to the west. A variable-depth, positive-amplitude conversion in the deep crust gives evidence for a rift pillow at the base of the system within a dense lowermost crustal layer. Low Vs and a moderate negative amplitude conversion in the mid crust suggest a possible weak zone that could localize deformation. Shear wave splitting shows fast directions consistent with absolute plate motion across the system. Split times drop in magnitude to 0.5-0.7 seconds within the valley while in the 1-1.5 second range outside the valley. This magnitude decrease suggests a change in mantle signature beneath the fault system, possibly resulting from a small degree of local flow in the asthenosphere either along axis (as may occur with a thinned lithosphere) or by vertical flow (e.g., from delamination or dripping). We are building a 2D tomographic model across the region, relying primarily on teleseismic body waves. The tomography will undoubtedly show variations in crustal structure that will give additional context to the receiver function results. Possibly more importantly, the lithospheric structure will discriminate between hypotheses of mantle flow required to give the observed shear wave splitting signature.

A novel low profile wireless flow sensor to monitor hemodynamic changes in cerebral aneurysm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yanfei; Jankowitz, Brian T.; Cho, Sung Kwon; Chun, Youngjae

2015-03-01

A proof of concept of low-profile flow sensor has been designed, fabricated, and subsequently tested to demonstrate its feasibility for monitoring hemodynamic changes in cerebral aneurysm. The prototype sensor contains three layers, i.e., a thin polyurethane layer was sandwiched between two sputter-deposited thin film nitinol layers (6μm thick). A novel superhydrophilic surface treatment was used to create hemocompatible surface of thin nitinol electrode layers. A finite element model was conducted using ANSYS Workbench 15.0 Static Structural to optimize the dimensions of flow sensor. A computational fluid dynamics calculations were performed using ANSYS Workbench Fluent to assess the flow velocity patterns within the aneurysm sac. We built a test platform with a z-axis translation stage and an S-beam load cell to compare the capacitance changes of the sensors with different parameters during deformation. Both LCR meter and oscilloscope were used to measure the capacitance and the resonant frequency shifts, respectively. The experimental compression tests demonstrated the linear relationship between the capacitance and applied compression force and decreasing the length, width and increasing the thickness improved the sensor sensitivity. The experimentally measured resonant frequency dropped from 12.7MHz to 12.48MHz, indicating a 0.22MHz shift with 200g ( 2N) compression force while the theoretical resonant frequency shifted 0.35MHz with 50g ( 0.5N). Our recent results demonstrated a feasibility of the low-profile flow sensor for monitoring haemodynamics in cerebral aneurysm region, as well as the efficacy of the use of the surface treated thin film nitinol for the low-profile sensor materials.

A hybrid water-splitting cycle using copper sulfate and mixed copper oxides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schreiber, J. D.; Remick, R. J.; Foh, S. E.; Mazumder, M. M.

1980-01-01

The Institute of Gas Technology has derived and developed a hybrid thermochemical water-splitting cycle based on mixed copper oxides and copper sulfate. Similar to other metal oxide-metal sulfate cycles that use a metal oxide to 'concentrate' electrolytically produced sulfuric acid, this cycle offers the advantage of producing oxygen (to be vented) and sulfur dioxide (to be recycled) in separate steps, thereby eliminating the need of another step to separate these gases. The conceptual process flow-sheet efficiency of the cycle promises to exceed 50%. It has been completely demonstrated in the laboratory with recycled materials. Research in the electrochemical oxidation of sulfur dioxide to produce sulfuric acid and hydrogen performed at IGT indicates that the cell performance goals of 200 mA/sq cm at 0.5 V will be attainable using relatively inexpensive electrode materials.

Bubble transport in bifurcations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bull, Joseph; Qamar, Adnan

2017-11-01

Motivated by a developmental gas embolotherapy technique for cancer treatment, we examine the transport of bubbles entrained in liquid. In gas embolotherapy, infarction of tumors is induced by selectively formed vascular gas bubbles that originate from acoustic vaporization of vascular droplets. In the case of non-functionalized droplets with the objective of vessel occlusion, the bubbles are transported by flow through vessel bifurcations, where they may split prior to eventually reach vessels small enough that they become lodged. This splitting behavior affects the distribution of bubbles and the efficacy of flow occlusion and the treatment. In these studies, we investigated bubble transport in bifurcations using computational and theoretical modeling. The model reproduces the variety of experimentally observed splitting behaviors. Splitting homogeneity and maximum shear stress along the vessel walls is predicted over a variety of physical parameters. Maximum shear stresses were found to decrease with increasing Reynolds number. The initial bubble length was found to affect the splitting behavior in the presence of gravitational asymmetry. This work was supported by NIH Grant R01EB006476.

Spectral splitting for thermal management in photovoltaic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apostoleris, Harry; Chiou, Yu-Cheng; Chiesa, Matteo; Almansouri, Ibraheem

2017-09-01

Spectral splitting is widely employed as a way to divide light between different solar cells or processes to optimize energy conversion. Well-understood but less explored is the use of spectrum splitting or filtering to combat solar cell heating. This has impacts both on cell performance and on the surrounding environment. In this manuscript we explore the design of spectral filtering systems that can improve the thermal and power-conversion performance of commercial PV modules.

The Split Coefficient Matrix method for hyperbolic systems of gasdynamic equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chakravarthy, S. R.; Anderson, D. A.; Salas, M. D.

1980-01-01

The Split Coefficient Matrix (SCM) finite difference method for solving hyperbolic systems of equations is presented. This new method is based on the mathematical theory of characteristics. The development of the method from characteristic theory is presented. Boundary point calculation procedures consistent with the SCM method used at interior points are explained. The split coefficient matrices that define the method for steady supersonic and unsteady inviscid flows are given for several examples. The SCM method is used to compute several flow fields to demonstrate its accuracy and versatility. The similarities and differences between the SCM method and the lambda-scheme are discussed.

Bioluminescent indicators for Ca2+ based on split Renilla luciferase complementation in living cells.

PubMed

Kaihara, Asami; Umezawa, Yoshio; Furukawa, Tetsushi

2008-01-01

Genetically encoded bioluminescent indicators for intracellular Ca2+ are described here with CaM-M13 interaction-induced complementation of split Renilla luciferase. The Ca2+-induced interaction between CaM and M13 leads to complementation of the N- and C-terminal halves of split Renilla luciferase in living cells. This intramolecular interaction results in the spontaneous and simultaneous emission of bioluminescence split Renilla luciferase. This is how intracellular Ca2+ is illuminated with the intramolecular complementation of split Renilla luciferase. The Ca2+-dependent spontaneous and simultaneous emission of bioluminescence promises to reveal Ca2+ dynamics in living cells, and also in vivo using the present indicators.

Upper Mantle Seismic Anisotropy Beneath West Antarctica from Shear Wave Splitting Analysis of POLENET/ANET Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Accardo, N.; Wiens, D. A.; Hernandez, S.; Aster, R. C.; Nyblade, A.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Huerta, A. D.; Wilson, T. J.

2011-12-01

We constrain azimuthal anisotropy in the Antarctic upper mantle using shear wave splitting parameters obtained from teleseismic SKS, SKKS, and PKS phases recorded at 30 broad-band seismometers deployed in West Antarctica, and the Transantarctic Mountains as a part of POLENET/ANET. The first seismometers were deployed in late 2007 and additional seismometers were deployed in 2008 and 2009. The seismometers generally operate year-round using solar power, insulated boxes, and either rechargeable AGM or primary lithium batteries. We used an eigenvalue technique to linearize the rotated and shifted shear wave particle motions and determine the best splitting parameters. Robust windows around the individual phases were chosen using the Teanby cluster-analysis algorithm. We visually inspected all results and assigned a quality rating based on factors including signal-to-noise ratios, particle motions, and error contours. The best results for each station were then stacked to get an average splitting direction and delay time. The delay times range from 0.33 to 1.33 s, but generally average about 1 s. We conclude that the splitting results from anisotropy in the upper mantle, since the large splitting times cannot be accumulated in the relatively thin crust (20-30 km) of the region. Overall, fast directions in West Antarctica are at large angles to the direction of Antarctic absolute plate motion in either hotspot or no-net rotation frameworks, showing that the anisotropic fabric does not result from shear associated with the motion of Antarctica over the mantle. The West Antarctic fast directions are also much different than those found in East Antarctica by previous studies. We suggest that the East Antarctic splitting results from anisotropy frozen into the cold cratonic continental lithosphere, whereas West Antarctic splitting is related to Cenozoic tectonism. Stations within the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS), a region of Cenozoic extension, show fast directions subparallel to the inferred WARS extension direction. Stations located in the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains (EWM) show fast directions parallel to those found within WARS. Furthermore, results from WARS and from EWM all show relatively large splitting times of 0.6 - 1.33 s. These results suggest upper mantle anisotropy that results from mantle flow and deformation related to the extensional deformation of the region. Two stations were installed in the Pensacola Mountains which are located grid-north of the EWM. The results from this region deviate from the dominant fast orientation seen in WARS but appear to be approximately perpendicular to the strike of the mountain range. Stations in Marie Byrd Land (MBL) show inconsistent fast directions and a wide range of delay times (0.3 - 0.9 s), perhaps as a result of complex mantle fabric related to a possible MBL hotspot.

Split Flow Online Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry System for One-Shot Data Acquisition of Quantification and Recovery Efficiency.

PubMed

Furukawa, Makoto; Takagai, Yoshitaka

2016-10-04

Online solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is a useful tool in automatic sequential analysis. However, it cannot simultaneously quantify the analytical targets and their recovery percentages (R%) in one-shot samples. We propose a system that simultaneously acquires both data in a single sample injection. The main flowline of the online solid-phase extraction is divided into main and split flows. The split flow line (i.e., bypass line), which circumvents the SPE column, was placed on the main flow line. Under program-controlled switching of the automatic valve, the ICPMS sequentially measures the targets in a sample before and after column preconcentration and determines the target concentrations and the R% on the SPE column. This paper describes the system development and two demonstrations to exhibit the analytical significance, i.e., the ultratrace amounts of radioactive strontium ( 90 Sr) using commercial Sr-trap resin and multielement adsorbability on the SPE column. This system is applicable to other flow analyses and detectors in online solid phase extraction.

76 FR 31951 - Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Decision and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-02

... specific to the Carrier Super Modular Multi-System (SMMSi) variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split... in this notice to test and rate its SMMSi VRF multi-split commercial heat pumps. DATES: This Decision... its SMMSi VRF multi-split products. Carrier must use the alternate test procedure provided in this...

Accelerated stress testing of amorphous silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoddard, W. G.; Davis, C. W.; Lathrop, J. W.

1985-01-01

A technique for performing accelerated stress tests of large-area thin a-Si solar cells is presented. A computer-controlled short-interval test system employing low-cost ac-powered ELH illumination and a simulated a-Si reference cell (seven individually bandpass-filtered zero-biased crystalline PIN photodiodes) calibrated to the response of an a-Si control cell is described and illustrated with flow diagrams, drawings, and graphs. Preliminary results indicate that while most tests of a program developed for c-Si cells are applicable to a-Si cells, spurious degradation may appear in a-Si cells tested at temperatures above 130 C.

Upper Mantle Texture Patterns In Eastern North America From Seismic Anisotropy And Global Mantle Flow Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, V. L.; Moucha, R.; Yuan, H.

2013-12-01

Global seismic models show gradual and systematic changes in upper mantle seismic properties beneath North America. Faster and thicker lithosphere of the interior thins eastward. Upper mantle rock fabric reflected in observations of seismic anisotropy also varies. Near the coast apparent fast directions of split shear waves are nearly east-west, with considerable scatter. Further inland they are more uniform and align SW-NE, close to the absolute plate motion direction of North America. Mantle convection simulations driven by density inferred from global joint seismic-geodynamic tomography models exhibit complex flow beneath the eastern edge of the North American continent due to the ongoing descent of the Farallon slab deep beneath it (figure 1). Flow predicted beneath the coast is nearly horizontal with a small, though dynamically important, vertical component, while west of the Appalachians it turns downward. Long records of teleseismic observations accumulated at permanent seismic stations HRV, PAL and SSPA (figure 2) are inverted for vertical distribution of anisotropic parameters. We find preference for more than one layer of anisotropy beneath all sites, with significantly different parameters that could reflect either lateral variations in the lithospheric thickness, variations in the asthenospheric flow field, or both. Since we find considerable consistency in directional patterns of P-to-S mode converted waves associated with the lower part of the lithosphere, variations of asthenospheric flow seem to be a more plausible explanation. We explore the links between predicted flow and inferences from seismic data with additional observations of anisotropy and calculations of flow-induced rock fabric.

Electrochemical Atomic Layer Epitaxy of Thin Film CdSe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, L.; Kaleida, K.; Happek, U.; Mathe, M. K.; Vaidyanathan, R.; Stickney, J. L.; Radevic, M.

2002-10-01

Electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) is a current developmental technique for the fabrication of compound semiconductor thin films. The deposition of elements making up the compound utilizes surface limited reactions where the potential is less than that required for bulk growth. This growth method offers mono-atomic layer control, allowing the deposition of superlattices with sharp interfaces. Here we report on the EC-ALE formation of CdSe thin films on Au and Cu substrates using an automated flow cell system. The band gap was measured using IR absorption and photoconductivity and found to be consistent with the literature value of 1.74 eV at 300K and 1.85 eV at 20K. The stoichiometry of the thin film was confirmed with electron microprobe analysis and x-ray diffraction.

In situ flow cell for combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry at high photon energies under solar thermochemical looping conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothensteiner, Matthäus; Jenni, Joel; Emerich, Hermann; Bonk, Alexander; Vogt, Ulrich F.; van Bokhoven, Jeroen A.

2017-08-01

An in situ/operando flow cell for transmission mode X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and combined XAS/XRD measurements in a single experiment under the extreme conditions of two-step solar thermochemical looping for the dissociation of water and/or carbon dioxide was developed. The apparatus exposes materials to relevant conditions of both the auto-reduction and the oxidation sub-steps of the thermochemical cycle at ambient temperature up to 1773 K and enables determination of the composition of the effluent gases by online quadrupole mass spectrometry. The cell is based on a tube-in-tube design and is heated by means of a focusing infrared furnace. It was tested successfully for carbon dioxide splitting. In combined XAS/XRD experiments with an unfocused beam, XAS measurements were performed at the Ce K edge (40.4 keV) and XRD measurements at 64.8 keV and 55.9 keV. Furthermore, XRD measurements with a focused beam at 41.5 keV were carried out. Equimolar ceria-hafnia was auto-reduced in a flow of argon and chemically reduced in a flow of hydrogen/helium. Under reducing conditions, all cerium(iv) was converted to cerium(iii) and a cation-ordered pyrochlore-type structure was formed, which was not stable upon oxidation in a flow of carbon dioxide.

In situ flow cell for combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry at high photon energies under solar thermochemical looping conditions.

PubMed

Rothensteiner, Matthäus; Jenni, Joel; Emerich, Hermann; Bonk, Alexander; Vogt, Ulrich F; van Bokhoven, Jeroen A

2017-08-01

An in situ/operando flow cell for transmission mode X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and combined XAS/XRD measurements in a single experiment under the extreme conditions of two-step solar thermochemical looping for the dissociation of water and/or carbon dioxide was developed. The apparatus exposes materials to relevant conditions of both the auto-reduction and the oxidation sub-steps of the thermochemical cycle at ambient temperature up to 1773 K and enables determination of the composition of the effluent gases by online quadrupole mass spectrometry. The cell is based on a tube-in-tube design and is heated by means of a focusing infrared furnace. It was tested successfully for carbon dioxide splitting. In combined XAS/XRD experiments with an unfocused beam, XAS measurements were performed at the Ce K edge (40.4 keV) and XRD measurements at 64.8 keV and 55.9 keV. Furthermore, XRD measurements with a focused beam at 41.5 keV were carried out. Equimolar ceria-hafnia was auto-reduced in a flow of argon and chemically reduced in a flow of hydrogen/helium. Under reducing conditions, all cerium(iv) was converted to cerium(iii) and a cation-ordered pyrochlore-type structure was formed, which was not stable upon oxidation in a flow of carbon dioxide.

Zonal Flow Velocimetry in Spherical Couette Flow using Acoustic Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Matthew M.; Mautino, Anthony R.; Stone, Douglas R.; Triana, Santiago A.; Lekic, Vedran; Lathrop, Daniel P.

2015-11-01

We present studies of spherical Couette flows using the technique of acoustic mode Doppler velocimetry. This technique uses rotational splittings of acoustic modes to infer the azimuthal velocity profile of a rotating flow, and is of special interest in experiments where direct flow visualization is impractical. The primary experimental system consists of a 60 cm diameter outer spherical shell concentric with a 20 cm diameter sphere, with air or nitrogen gas serving as the working fluid. The geometry of the system approximates that of the Earth's core, making these studies geophysically relevant. A turbulent shear flow is established in the system by rotating the inner sphere and outer shell at different rates. Acoustic modes of the fluid volume are excited using a speaker and measured via microphones, allowingdetermination of rotational splittings. Preliminary results comparing observed splittings with those predicted by theory are presented. While the majority of these studies were performed in the 60 cm diameter device using nitrogen gas, some work has also been done looking at acoustic modes in the 3 m diameter liquid sodium spherical Couette experiment. Prospects for measuring zonal velocity profiles in a wide variety of experiments are discussed.

Seismic anisotropy beneath the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions revealed by shear-wave splitting analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, S. S.; Kong, F.; Wu, J.; Liu, L.; Liu, K. H.

2017-12-01

Seismic azimuthal anisotropy is measured at 83 stations situated at the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions based on shear-wave splitting analyses. A total of 1701 individual pairs of splitting parameters (fast polarization orientations and splitting delay times) are obtained using the PKS, SKKS, and SKS phases. The splitting parameters from 21 stations exhibit systematic back-azimuthal variations with a 90° periodicity, which is consistent with a two-layer anisotropy model. The resulting upper-layer splitting parameters computed based on a grid-search algorithm are comparable with crustal anisotropy measurements obtained independently based on the sinusoidal moveout of P-to-S conversions from the Moho. The fast orientations of the upper layer anisotropy, which is mostly parallel with major shear zones, are associated with crustal fabrics with a vertical foliation plane. The lower layer anisotropy and the station averaged splitting parameters at stations with azimuthally invariant splitting parameters can be adequately explained by the differential movement between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The NW-SE fast orientations obtained in the northern part of the study area probably reflect the southeastward extruded mantle flow from central Tibet. In contrast, the NE-SW to E-W fast orientations observed in the southern part of the study area are most likely related to the northeastward to eastward mantle flow induced by the subduction of the Burma microplate.

Neuron splitting in compute-bound parallel network simulations enables runtime scaling with twice as many processors.

PubMed

Hines, Michael L; Eichner, Hubert; Schürmann, Felix

2008-08-01

Neuron tree topology equations can be split into two subtrees and solved on different processors with no change in accuracy, stability, or computational effort; communication costs involve only sending and receiving two double precision values by each subtree at each time step. Splitting cells is useful in attaining load balance in neural network simulations, especially when there is a wide range of cell sizes and the number of cells is about the same as the number of processors. For compute-bound simulations load balance results in almost ideal runtime scaling. Application of the cell splitting method to two published network models exhibits good runtime scaling on twice as many processors as could be effectively used with whole-cell balancing.

Adaptive Harmonic Balance Method for Unsteady, Nonlinear, One-Dimensional Periodic Flows

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-01

Design and Implemen- tation. May 1999. REF-2 23. Toro , Eleuterio F . Fiemann Solvers and Numerical Methods for Fluid Dynamics, chapter 15. New York...prominent for high-frequency unsteady-flows. Experimental Analysis of Splitting-induced Error To assess the actual effect of splitting error on a...VITA-1 vi List of Figures Figure Page 1.1. Experimental Pressure Data on Inlet Guide Vane Upstream of Transonic Rotating

Investigation of Convection and Pressure Treatment with Splitting Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thakur, Siddharth; Shyy, Wei; Liou, Meng-Sing

1995-01-01

Treatment of convective and pressure fluxes in the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations using splitting formulas for convective velocity and pressure is investigated. Two schemes - controlled variation scheme (CVS) and advection upstream splitting method (AUSM) - are explored for their accuracy in resolving sharp gradients in flows involving moving or reflecting shock waves as well as a one-dimensional combusting flow with a strong heat release source term. For two-dimensional compressible flow computations, these two schemes are implemented in one of the pressure-based algorithms, whose very basis is the separate treatment of convective and pressure fluxes. For the convective fluxes in the momentum equations as well as the estimation of mass fluxes in the pressure correction equation (which is derived from the momentum and continuity equations) of the present algorithm, both first- and second-order (with minmod limiter) flux estimations are employed. Some issues resulting from the conventional use in pressure-based methods of a staggered grid, for the location of velocity components and pressure, are also addressed. Using the second-order fluxes, both CVS and AUSM type schemes exhibit sharp resolution. Overall, the combination of upwinding and splitting for the convective and pressure fluxes separately exhibits robust performance for a variety of flows and is particularly amenable for adoption in pressure-based methods.

Vapor phase synthesis of compound semiconductors, from thin films to nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarigiannis, Demetrius

A counterflow jet reactor was developed to study the gas-phase decomposition kinetics of organometallics used in the vapor phase synthesis of compound semiconductors. The reactor minimized wall effects by generating a reaction zone near the stagnation point of two vertically opposed counterflowing jets. Smoke tracing experiments were used to confirm the stability of the flow field and validate the proposed heat, mass and flow models of the counterflow jet reactor. Transport experiments using ethyl acetate confirmed the overall mass balance for the system and verified the ability of the model to predict concentrations at various points in the reactor under different flow conditions. Preliminary kinetic experiments were performed with ethyl acetate and indicated a need to redesign the reactor. The counterflow jet reactor was adapted for the synthesis of ZnSe nanoparticles. Hydrogen selenide was introduced through one jet and dimethylzinc-triethylamine through the other. The two precursors reacted in a region near the stagnation zone and polycrystalline particles of zinc selenide were reproducibly synthesized at room temperature and collected for analysis. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the particles were crystalline zinc selenide, Morphological analysis using SEM clearly showed the presence of aggregates of particles, 40 to 60 nanometers in diameter. Analysis by TEM showed that the particles were polycrystalline in nature and composed of smaller single crystalline nanocrystallites, five to ten nanometers in diameter. The particles in the aggregate had the appearance of being sintered together. To prevent this sintering, a split inlet lower jet was designed to introduce dimethylzinc through the inner tube and a surface passivator through the outer one. This passivating agent appeared to prevent the particles from agglomerating. An existing MOVPE reactor for II-VI thin film growth was modified to grow III-V semiconductors. A novel new heater was designed and built around an easily replaceable, economical, 650-watt, tungsten-halogen lamp. The heater was successfully tested to temperatures up to 1500°F. The deposition reactor was successfully tested by growing a thin film of GaP on GaAs <100>. The film surface was imperfect but the experiments proved that the reactor was ready for service.

A streamline splitting pore-network approach for computationally inexpensive and accurate simulation of transport in porous media

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

Mehmani, Yashar; Oostrom, Martinus; Balhoff, Matthew

2014-03-20

Several approaches have been developed in the literature for solving flow and transport at the pore-scale. Some authors use a direct modeling approach where the fundamental flow and transport equations are solved on the actual pore-space geometry. Such direct modeling, while very accurate, comes at a great computational cost. Network models are computationally more efficient because the pore-space morphology is approximated. Typically, a mixed cell method (MCM) is employed for solving the flow and transport system which assumes pore-level perfect mixing. This assumption is invalid at moderate to high Peclet regimes. In this work, a novel Eulerian perspective on modelingmore » flow and transport at the pore-scale is developed. The new streamline splitting method (SSM) allows for circumventing the pore-level perfect mixing assumption, while maintaining the computational efficiency of pore-network models. SSM was verified with direct simulations and excellent matches were obtained against micromodel experiments across a wide range of pore-structure and fluid-flow parameters. The increase in the computational cost from MCM to SSM is shown to be minimal, while the accuracy of SSM is much higher than that of MCM and comparable to direct modeling approaches. Therefore, SSM can be regarded as an appropriate balance between incorporating detailed physics and controlling computational cost. The truly predictive capability of the model allows for the study of pore-level interactions of fluid flow and transport in different porous materials. In this paper, we apply SSM and MCM to study the effects of pore-level mixing on transverse dispersion in 3D disordered granular media.« less

Visualizing multiple inter-organelle contact sites using the organelle-targeted split-GFP system.

PubMed

Kakimoto, Yuriko; Tashiro, Shinya; Kojima, Rieko; Morozumi, Yuki; Endo, Toshiya; Tamura, Yasushi

2018-04-18

Functional integrity of eukaryotic organelles relies on direct physical contacts between distinct organelles. However, the entity of organelle-tethering factors is not well understood due to lack of means to analyze inter-organelle interactions in living cells. Here we evaluate the split-GFP system for visualizing organelle contact sites in vivo and show its advantages and disadvantages. We observed punctate GFP signals from the split-GFP fragments targeted to any pairs of organelles among the ER, mitochondria, peroxisomes, vacuole and lipid droplets in yeast cells, which suggests that these organelles form contact sites with multiple organelles simultaneously although it is difficult to rule out the possibilities that these organelle contacts sites are artificially formed by the irreversible associations of the split-GFP probes. Importantly, split-GFP signals in the overlapped regions of the ER and mitochondria were mainly co-localized with ERMES, an authentic ER-mitochondria tethering structure, suggesting that split-GFP assembly depends on the preexisting inter-organelle contact sites. We also confirmed that the split-GFP system can be applied to detection of the ER-mitochondria contact sites in HeLa cells. We thus propose that the split-GFP system is a potential tool to observe and analyze inter-organelle contact sites in living yeast and mammalian cells.

A grid-doubling finite-element technique for calculating dynamic three-dimensional spontaneous rupture on an earthquake fault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barall, Michael

2009-01-01

We present a new finite-element technique for calculating dynamic 3-D spontaneous rupture on an earthquake fault, which can reduce the required computational resources by a factor of six or more, without loss of accuracy. The grid-doubling technique employs small cells in a thin layer surrounding the fault. The remainder of the modelling volume is filled with larger cells, typically two or four times as large as the small cells. In the resulting non-conforming mesh, an interpolation method is used to join the thin layer of smaller cells to the volume of larger cells. Grid-doubling is effective because spontaneous rupture calculations typically require higher spatial resolution on and near the fault than elsewhere in the model volume. The technique can be applied to non-planar faults by morphing, or smoothly distorting, the entire mesh to produce the desired 3-D fault geometry. Using our FaultMod finite-element software, we have tested grid-doubling with both slip-weakening and rate-and-state friction laws, by running the SCEC/USGS 3-D dynamic rupture benchmark problems. We have also applied it to a model of the Hayward fault, Northern California, which uses realistic fault geometry and rock properties. FaultMod implements fault slip using common nodes, which represent motion common to both sides of the fault, and differential nodes, which represent motion of one side of the fault relative to the other side. We describe how to modify the traction-at-split-nodes method to work with common and differential nodes, using an implicit time stepping algorithm.

Azimuthal Anisotropy beneath the Contiguous United States Revealed by Shear Wave Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, K. H.; Yang, B.; Liu, Y.; Dahm, H. H.; Refayee, H. A.; Gao, S. S.

2017-12-01

We have produced a uniformly-measured XKS (including SKS, SKKS, and PKS) splitting database for the contiguous United States and adjacent areas. The database consists of about 30,000 pairs of splitting parameters from 3185 stations. Both the fast orientations and splitting times show systematic spatial variations. The vast majority of the fast orientations are in agreement with the absolute plate motion (APM) direction computed under a fixed hot-spot reference frame. Spatial coherency analysis of the splitting parameters indicates that for the majority of the study area, where a single layer of anisotropy with a horizontal axis of symmetry is inferred, the source of anisotropy is located in the rheologically transitional zone between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Beneath the western U.S., the previously recognized semi-circular feature of the fast orientations has a much greater spatial coverage, extending to northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Rift. The fast orientations are parallel to the western, southern, and southeastern edges of the North American Craton and can be interpreted by simple shear strain associated with mantle flow around the cratonic keel. The combination of anisotropy induced by this around keel flow and the APM can effectively explain the E-W fast orientations beneath the southern margin of the North American Craton and NE U.S., as well as the nearly N-S fast orientations and small splitting times observed in the SE U.S. The splitting times show a systematic decrease from both the western and eastern U.S. toward the central U.S., where the thickness of the lithosphere is the largest in the study area. This trend can be explained by the reduced efficiency of anisotropy development at greater depth, as well as by the lack of around keel flow in the continental interior.

Development of an explicit multiblock/multigrid flow solver for viscous flows in complex geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, E.; Liou, M. S.; Povinelli, L. A.

1993-01-01

A new computer program is being developed for doing accurate simulations of compressible viscous flows in complex geometries. The code employs the full compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The eddy viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax is used to model the effects of turbulence on the flow. A cell centered finite volume discretization is used for all terms in the governing equations. The Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM) is used to compute the inviscid fluxes, while central differencing is used for the diffusive fluxes. A four-stage Runge-Kutta time integration scheme is used to march solutions to steady state, while convergence is enhanced by a multigrid scheme, local time-stepping, and implicit residual smoothing. To enable simulations of flows in complex geometries, the code uses composite structured grid systems where all grid lines are continuous at block boundaries (multiblock grids). Example results shown are a flow in a linear cascade, a flow around a circular pin extending between the main walls in a high aspect-ratio channel, and a flow of air in a radial turbine coolant passage.

Development of an explicit multiblock/multigrid flow solver for viscous flows in complex geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, E.; Liou, M.-S.; Povinelli, L. A.

1993-01-01

A new computer program is being developed for doing accurate simulations of compressible viscous flows in complex geometries. The code employs the full compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The eddy viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax is used to model the effects of turbulence on the flow. A cell centered finite volume discretization is used for all terms in the governing equations. The Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM) is used to compute the inviscid fluxes, while central differencing is used for the diffusive fluxes. A four-stage Runge-Kutta time integration scheme is used to march solutions to steady state, while convergence is enhanced by a multigrid scheme, local time-stepping and implicit residual smoothing. To enable simulations of flows in complex geometries, the code uses composite structured grid systems where all grid lines are continuous at block boundaries (multiblock grids). Example results are shown a flow in a linear cascade, a flow around a circular pin extending between the main walls in a high aspect-ratio channel, and a flow of air in a radial turbine coolant passage.

Modeling Mass and Thermal Transport in Thin Porous Media of PEM Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konduru, Vinaykumar

Water transport in the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) plays an important role in the efficient operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Excessive water content as well as dry operating conditions are unfavorable for efficient and reliable operation of the fuel cell. The effect of thermal conductivity and porosity on water management are investigated by simulating two-phase flow in the PTL of the fuel cell using a network model. In the model, the PTL consists of a pore-phase and a solid-phase. Different models of the PTLs are generated using independent Weibull distributions for the pore-phase and the solid-phase. The specific arrangement of the pores and solid elements is varied to obtain different PTL realizations for the same Weibull parameters. The properties of PTL are varied by changing the porosity and thermal conductivity. The parameters affecting operating conditions include the temperature, relative humidity in the flow channel and voltage and current density. In addition, a novel high-speed capable Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) microscope was built based on Kretschmann's configuration utilizing a collimated Kohler illumination. The SPR allows thin film characterization in a thickness of approximately 0-200nm by measuring the changes in the refractive index. Various independent experiments were run to measure film thickness during droplet coalescence during condensation.

Separation of acoustic waves in isentropic flow perturbations

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

Henke, Christian, E-mail: christian.henke@atlas-elektronik.com

2015-04-15

The present contribution investigates the mechanisms of sound generation and propagation in the case of highly-unsteady flows. Based on the linearisation of the isentropic Navier–Stokes equation around a new pathline-averaged base flow, it is demonstrated for the first time that flow perturbations of a non-uniform flow can be split into acoustic and vorticity modes, with the acoustic modes being independent of the vorticity modes. Therefore, we can propose this acoustic perturbation as a general definition of sound. As a consequence of the splitting result, we conclude that the present acoustic perturbation is propagated by the convective wave equation and fulfilsmore » Lighthill’s acoustic analogy. Moreover, we can define the deviations of the Navier–Stokes equation from the convective wave equation as “true” sound sources. In contrast to other authors, no assumptions on a slowly varying or irrotational flow are necessary. Using a symmetry argument for the conservation laws, an energy conservation result and a generalisation of the sound intensity are provided. - Highlights: • First splitting of non-uniform flows in acoustic and non-acoustic components. • These result leads to a generalisation of sound which is compatible with Lighthill’s acoustic analogy. • A closed equation for the generation and propagation of sound is given.« less

Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve

DOEpatents

Walrath, David E.; Lindberg, William R.; Burgess, Robert K.

2000-08-29

The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow typically connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner yet be uniquely located outside of the axial flow path to further reduce friction losses. A seal may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane.

Improved water electrolysis using magnetic heating of FeC-Ni core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niether, Christiane; Faure, Stéphane; Bordet, Alexis; Deseure, Jonathan; Chatenet, Marian; Carrey, Julian; Chaudret, Bruno; Rouet, Alain

2018-06-01

Water electrolysis enables the storage of renewable electricity via the chemical bonds of hydrogen. However, proton-exchange-membrane electrolysers are impeded by the high cost and low availability of their noble-metal electrocatalysts, whereas alkaline electrolysers operate at a low power density. Here, we demonstrate that electrocatalytic reactions relevant for water splitting can be improved by employing magnetic heating of noble-metal-free catalysts. Using nickel-coated iron carbide nanoparticles, which are prone to magnetic heating under high-frequency alternating magnetic fields, the overpotential (at 20 mA cm-2) required for oxygen evolution in an alkaline water-electrolysis flow-cell was decreased by 200 mV and that for hydrogen evolution was decreased by 100 mV. This enhancement of oxygen-evolution kinetics is equivalent to a rise of the cell temperature to 200 °C, but in practice it increased by 5 °C only. This work suggests that, in the future, water splitting near the equilibrium voltage could be possible at room temperature, which is currently beyond reach in the classic approach to water electrolysis.

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Influence of the total gas flow rate on high rate growth microcrystalline silicon films and solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Xiao-Yan; Hou, Guo-Fu; Zhang, Xiao-Dan; Wei, Chang-Chun; Li, Gui-Jun; Zhang, De-Kun; Chen, Xin-Liang; Sun, Jian; Zhang, Jian-Jun; Zhao, Ying; Geng, Xin-Hua

2009-08-01

This paper reports that high-rate-deposition of microcrystalline silicon solar cells was performed by very-high-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. These solar cells, whose intrinsic μc-Si:H layers were prepared by using a different total gas flow rate (Ftotal), behave much differently in performance, although their intrinsic layers have similar crystalline volume fraction, opto-electronic properties and a deposition rate of ~ 1.0 nm/s. The influence of Ftotal on the micro-structural properties was analyzed by Raman and Fourier transformed infrared measurements. The results showed that the vertical uniformity and the compact degree of μc-Si:H thin films were improved with increasing Ftotal. The variation of the microstructure was regarded as the main reason for the difference of the J-V parameters. Combined with optical emission spectroscopy, we found that the gas temperature plays an important role in determining the microstructure of thin films. With Ftotal of 300 sccm, a conversion efficiency of 8.11% has been obtained for the intrinsic layer deposited at 8.5 Å/s (1 Å = 0.1 nm).

Coupling compositional liquid gas Darcy and free gas flows at porous and free-flow domains interface

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

Masson, R., E-mail: roland.masson@unice.fr; Team COFFEE INRIA Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée; Trenty, L., E-mail: laurent.trenty@andra.fr

This paper proposes an efficient splitting algorithm to solve coupled liquid gas Darcy and free gas flows at the interface between a porous medium and a free-flow domain. This model is compared to the reduced model introduced in [6] using a 1D approximation of the gas free flow. For that purpose, the gas molar fraction diffusive flux at the interface in the free-flow domain is approximated by a two point flux approximation based on a low-frequency diagonal approximation of a Steklov–Poincaré type operator. The splitting algorithm and the reduced model are applied in particular to the modelling of the massmore » exchanges at the interface between the storage and the ventilation galleries in radioactive waste deposits.« less

Did the Eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo Volcano Affect Cirrus Properties?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, Zhengzhao; Rossow, William B.; Inoue, Toshiro; Stubenrauch, Claudia J.; Hansen, James E. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Some observations suggest that the volcanic aerosols produced by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption may have altered cirrus properties. We look for evidence that such modification of cirrus is extensive enough to be climatically significant by comparing three satellite-based cirrus datasets produced by the ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) analysis, the 'split-window' analysis, and 3I analysis. Since the former two have not been compared in detail before, we conduct such a comparison here. When applied to AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) data, both the ISCCP and split-window analyses identify about 0.2 - 0.3 cirrus cloud amount in tropical latitudes; however, there are detailed differences of classification for about half of these clouds. The discrepancies are attributed to the simplified assumptions made by both methods. The latter two datasets are derived from infrared radiances, so they are much less sensitive to volcanic aerosols than the ISCCP analysis. After the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the ISCCP results indicate a dramatic decrease of thin cirrus (cloud top pressure less than 440 mb and visible optical thickness less than 1.3) over ocean, accompanied by a comparable increase of altocumulus and cumulus clouds; over land, there are no significant changes. In contrast, results from the split-window and 3I analyses show little change in thin cirrus amount over either ocean or land that is associated with the volcanic eruption. The ISCCP results can, therefore, be understood as a misclassification of thin cirrus because the additional reflected sunlight by the volcanic aerosol makes the cirrus clouds appear to be optically thicker. Examination of the split-window signature and the infrared emissivities from 3I show no significant change in infrared emissivity (or optical thickness). These results indicate that the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic aerosol did not have a significant systematic effect on tropical cirrus properties, but rather produced only temporary, local effects. Hence, these results indicate that there was no significant climate feedback produced by aerosol-cirrus-radiative interactions.

Honeycomb-Fin Heat Sink

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rippel, Wally E.

1989-01-01

Improved finned heat sink for electronic components more lightweight, inexpensive, and efficient. Designed for use with forced air, easily scaled up to dissipate power up to few hundred watts. Fins are internal walls of aluminum honeycomb structure. Cell structure gives strength to thin aluminum foil. Length of channels chosen for thermodynamic efficency; columns of cells combined in any reasonable number because flowing air distributed to all. Heat sink cools nearly as effectively at ends as near its center, no matter how many columns of cells combined.

76 FR 50204 - Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to Fujitsu General Limited From the Department of Energy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-12

... Refrigerant Flow (VRF) multi-split commercial heat pump models specified in Fujitsu's petition for waiver. As... to test and rate these AIRSTAGE V-II VRF multi-split commercial heat pumps. DATES: This Decision and...) Standard 1230-2010, ``Performance Rating of VRF Multi-Split Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment'' to...

Roll splitting as an alternative intermediate process for wood fuel

Treesearch

Paul E. Barnett; Donald L. Sirois

1985-01-01

In an effort to develop mobile equipment for harvesting and processing woody biomass from power line rights-of-way and precommerial thinnings, numerous alternative concepts were evaluated by Tennessee Valley Authority's Timber Harvesting Project.

Role of SiNx Barrier Layer on the Performances of Polyimide Ga2O3-doped ZnO p-i-n Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Fang-Hsing; Kuo, Hsin-Hui; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Min-Chu

2014-01-01

In this study, silicon nitride (SiNx) thin films were deposited on polyimide (PI) substrates as barrier layers by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were deposited on PI and SiNx/PI substrates at room temperature (RT), 100 and 200 °C by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The thicknesses of the GZO and SiNx thin films were controlled at around 160 ± 12 nm and 150 ± 10 nm, respectively. The optimal deposition parameters for the SiNx thin films were a working pressure of 800 × 10−3 Torr, a deposition power of 20 W, a deposition temperature of 200 °C, and gas flowing rates of SiH4 = 20 sccm and NH3 = 210 sccm, respectively. For the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI structures we had found that the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C had higher crystallinity, higher electron mobility, larger carrier concentration, smaller resistivity, and higher optical transmittance ratio. For that, the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C on PI and SiNx/PI substrates with thickness of ~000 nm were used to fabricate p-i-n hydrogenated amorphous silicon (α-Si) thin film solar cells. 0.5% HCl solution was used to etch the surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates. Finally, PECVD system was used to deposit α-Si thin film onto the etched surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates to fabricate α-Si thin film solar cells, and the solar cells’ properties were also investigated. We had found that substrates to get the optimally solar cells’ efficiency were 200 °C-deposited GZO-SiNx/PI. PMID:28788494

High-Order Polynomial Expansions (HOPE) for flux-vector splitting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Chris J., Jr.

1991-01-01

The Van Leer flux splitting is known to produce excessive numerical dissipation for Navier-Stokes calculations. Researchers attempt to remedy this deficiency by introducing a higher order polynomial expansion (HOPE) for the mass flux. In addition to Van Leer's splitting, a term is introduced so that the mass diffusion error vanishes at M = 0. Several splittings for pressure are proposed and examined. The effectiveness of the HOPE scheme is illustrated for 1-D hypersonic conical viscous flow and 2-D supersonic shock-wave boundary layer interactions.

Better Than Nothing: A Rational Approach for Minimizing the Impact of Outflow Strategy on Cerebrovascular Simulations.

PubMed

Chnafa, C; Brina, O; Pereira, V M; Steinman, D A

2018-02-01

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of neurovascular diseases are impacted by various modeling assumptions and uncertainties, including outlet boundary conditions. Many studies of intracranial aneurysms, for example, assume zero pressure at all outlets, often the default ("do-nothing") strategy, with no physiological basis. Others divide outflow according to the outlet diameters cubed, nominally based on the more physiological Murray's law but still susceptible to subjective choices about the segmented model extent. Here we demonstrate the limitations and impact of these outflow strategies, against a novel "splitting" method introduced here. With our method, the segmented lumen is split into its constituent bifurcations, where flow divisions are estimated locally using a power law. Together these provide the global outflow rate boundary conditions. The impact of outflow strategy on flow rates was tested for 70 cases of MCA aneurysm with 0D simulations. The impact on hemodynamic indices used for rupture status assessment was tested for 10 cases with 3D simulations. Differences in flow rates among the various strategies were up to 70%, with a non-negligible impact on average and oscillatory wall shear stresses in some cases. Murray-law and splitting methods gave flow rates closest to physiological values reported in the literature; however, only the splitting method was insensitive to arbitrary truncation of the model extent. Cerebrovascular simulations can depend strongly on the outflow strategy. The default zero-pressure method should be avoided in favor of Murray-law or splitting methods, the latter being released as an open-source tool to encourage the standardization of outflow strategies. © 2018 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Flow interactions with cells and tissues: cardiovascular flows and fluid-structure interactions. Sixth International Bio-Fluid Mechanics Symposium and Workshop, March 28-30, 2008, Pasadena, California.

PubMed

Friedman, Morton H; Krams, Rob; Chandran, Krishnan B

2010-03-01

Interactions between flow and biological cells and tissues are intrinsic to the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and genitourinary systems. In the circulatory system, an understanding of the complex interaction between the arterial wall (a living multi-component organ with anisotropic, nonlinear material properties) and blood (a shear-thinning fluid with 45% by volume consisting of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells) is vital to our understanding of the physiology of the human circulation and the etiology and development of arterial diseases, and to the design and development of prosthetic implants and tissue-engineered substitutes. Similarly, an understanding of the complex dynamics of flow past native human heart valves and the effect of that flow on the valvular tissue is necessary to elucidate the etiology of valvular diseases and in the design and development of valve replacements. In this paper we address the influence of biomechanical factors on the arterial circulation. The first part presents our current understanding of the impact of blood flow on the arterial wall at the cellular level and the relationship between flow-induced stresses and the etiology of atherosclerosis. The second part describes recent advances in the application of fluid-structure interaction analysis to arterial flows and the dynamics of heart valves.

Thin silicon foils produced by epoxy-induced spalling of silicon for high efficiency solar cells

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

Martini, R., E-mail: roberto.martini@imec.be; imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven; Kepa, J.

2014-10-27

We report on the drastic improvement of the quality of thin silicon foils produced by epoxy-induced spalling. In the past, researchers have proposed to fabricate silicon foils by spalling silicon substrates with different stress-inducing materials to manufacture thin silicon solar cells. However, the reported values of effective minority carrier lifetime of the fabricated foils remained always limited to ∼100 μs or below. In this work, we investigate epoxy-induced exfoliated foils by electron spin resonance to analyze the limiting factors of the minority carrier lifetime. These measurements highlight the presence of disordered dangling bonds and dislocation-like defects generated by the exfoliation process.more » A solution to remove these defects compatible with the process flow to fabricate solar cells is proposed. After etching off less than 1 μm of material, the lifetime of the foil increases by more than a factor of 4.5, reaching a value of 461 μs. This corresponds to a lower limit of the diffusion length of more than 7 times the foil thickness. Regions with different lifetime correlate well with the roughness of the crack surface which suggests that the lifetime is now limited by the quality of the passivation of rough surfaces. The reported values of the minority carrier lifetime show a potential for high efficiency (>22%) thin silicon solar cells.« less

Photomixing of chlamydomonas rheinhardtii suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dervaux, Julien; Capellazzi Resta, Marina; Abou, Bérengère; Brunet, Philippe

2014-11-01

Chlamydomonas rheinhardtii is a fast swimming unicellular alga able to bias its swimming direction in gradients of light intensity, an ability know as phototaxis. We have investigated experimentally both the swimming behavior of individual cells and the macroscopic response of shallow suspensions of these micro-organisms in response to a localized light source. At low light intensity, algae exhibit positive phototaxis and accumulate beneath the excitation light. In weakly concentrated thin layers, the balance between phototaxis and cell motility results in steady symmetrical patterns compatible with a purely diffusive model using effective diffusion coefficients extracted from the analysis of individual cell trajectories. However, at higher cell density and layer depth, collective effects induce convective flows around the light source. These flows disturb the cell concentration patterns which spread and may then becomes unstable. Using large passive tracer particles, we have characterized the velocity fields associated with this forced bioconvection and their dependence on the cell density and layer depth. By tuning the light distribution, this mechanism of photo-bioconvection allows a fine control over the local fluid flows, and thus the mixing efficiency, in algal suspensions.

Enhancing Electrochemical Water-Splitting Kinetics by Polarization-Driven Formation of Near-Surface Iron(0): An In Situ XPS Study on Perovskite-Type Electrodes**

PubMed Central

Opitz, Alexander K; Nenning, Andreas; Rameshan, Christoph; Rameshan, Raffael; Blume, Raoul; Hävecker, Michael; Knop-Gericke, Axel; Rupprechter, Günther; Fleig, Jürgen; Klötzer, Bernhard

2015-01-01

In the search for optimized cathode materials for high-temperature electrolysis, mixed conducting oxides are highly promising candidates. This study deals with fundamentally novel insights into the relation between surface chemistry and electrocatalytic activity of lanthanum ferrite based electrolysis cathodes. For this means, near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) and impedance spectroscopy experiments were performed simultaneously on electrochemically polarized La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ (LSF) thin film electrodes. Under cathodic polarization the formation of Fe0 on the LSF surface could be observed, which was accompanied by a strong improvement of the electrochemical water splitting activity of the electrodes. This correlation suggests a fundamentally different water splitting mechanism in presence of the metallic iron species and may open novel paths in the search for electrodes with increased water splitting activity. PMID:25557533

Numerical and experimental analysis of a thin liquid film on a rotating disk related to development of a spacecraft absorption cooling system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faghri, Amir; Swanson, Theodore D.

1989-01-01

The numerical and experimental analysis of a thin liquid film on a rotating and a stationary disk related to the development of an absorber unit for a high capacity spacecraft absorption cooling system, is described. The creation of artificial gravity by the use of a centrifugal field was focused upon in this report. Areas covered include: (1) One-dimensional computation of thin liquid film flows; (2) Experimental measurement of film height and visualization of flow; (3) Two-dimensional computation of the free surface flow of a thin liquid film using a pressure optimization method; (4) Computation of heat transfer in two-dimensional thin film flow; (5) Development of a new computational methodology for the free surface flows using a permeable wall; (6) Analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer in a thin film in the presence and absence of gravity; and (7) Comparison of theoretical prediction and experimental data. The basic phenomena related to fluid flow and heat transfer on rotating systems reported here can also be applied to other areas of space systems.

Multi-layer thin-film electrolytes for metal supported solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haydn, Markus; Ortner, Kai; Franco, Thomas; Uhlenbruck, Sven; Menzler, Norbert H.; Stöver, Detlev; Bräuer, Günter; Venskutonis, Andreas; Sigl, Lorenz S.; Buchkremer, Hans-Peter; Vaßen, Robert

2014-06-01

A key to the development of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MSCs) is the manufacturing of gas-tight thin-film electrolytes, which separate the cathode from the anode. This paper focuses the electrolyte manufacturing on the basis of 8YSZ (8 mol.-% Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2). The electrolyte layers are applied by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) gas flow sputtering (GFS) process. The gas-tightness of the electrolyte is significantly improved when sequential oxidic and metallic thin-film multi-layers are deposited, which interrupt the columnar grain structure of single-layer electrolytes. Such electrolytes with two or eight oxide/metal layers and a total thickness of about 4 μm obtain leakage rates of less than 3 × 10-4 hPa dm3 s-1 cm-2 (Δp: 100 hPa) at room temperature and therefore fulfill the gas tightness requirements. They are also highly tolerant with respect to surface flaws and particulate impurities which can be present on the graded anode underground. MSC cell tests with double-layer and multilayer electrolytes feature high power densities more than 1.4 W cm-2 at 850 °C and underline the high potential of MSC cells.

Method for controlling start-up and steady state performance of a closed split flow recompression brayton cycle

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

Pasch, James Jay

A method of resolving a balanced condition that generates control parameters for start-up and steady state operating points and various component and cycle performances for a closed split flow recompression cycle system. The method provides for improved control of a Brayton cycle thermal to electrical power conversion system. The method may also be used for system design, operational simulation and/or parameter prediction.

Temperature stabilized effusion cell evaporation source for thin film deposition and molecular-beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiedje, H. F.; Brodie, D. E.

2000-05-01

A simple effusion cell evaporation source for thin film deposition and molecular-beam epitaxy is described. The source consists of a crucible with a thermocouple temperature sensor heated by a resistive crucible heater. Radiation heat transfer from the crucible to the thermocouple produces a consistent and reproducible thermocouple temperature for a given crucible temperature, without direct contact between the thermocouple and the crucible. The thermocouple temperature is somewhat less than the actual crucible temperature because of heat flow from the thermocouple junction along the thermocouple lead wires. In a typical case, the thermocouple temperature is 1007 °C while the crucible is at 1083 °C. The crucible temperature stability is estimated from the measured sensitivity of the evaporation rate of indium to temperature, and the observed variations in the evaporation rate for a fixed thermocouple temperature. The crucible temperature peak-to-peak variation over a one hour period is 1.2 °C. Machined molybdenum crucibles were used in the indium and copper sources for depositing CuInSe2 thin films for solar cells.

Silicon/Carbon Nanotube Photocathode for Splitting Water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amashukeli, Xenia; Manohara, Harish; Greer, Harold F.; Hall, Lee J.; Gray, Harry B.; Subbert, Bryan

2013-01-01

A proof-of-concept device is being developed for hydrogen gas production based on water-splitting redox reactions facilitated by cobalt tetra-aryl porphyrins (Co[TArP]) catalysts stacked on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are grown on n-doped silicon substrates. The operational principle of the proposed device is based on conversion of photoelectron energy from sunlight into chemical energy, which at a later point, can be turned into electrical and mechanical power. The proposed device will consist of a degenerately n-doped silicon substrate with Si posts covering the surface of a 4-in. (approximately equal to 10cm) wafer. The substrate will absorb radiation, and electrons will move radially out of Si to CNT. Si posts are designed such that the diameters are small enough to allow considerable numbers of electrons to transport across to the CNT layer. CNTs will be grown on top of Si using conformal catalyst (Fe/Ni) deposition over a thin alumina barrier layer. Both metallic and semiconducting CNT will be used in this investigation, thus allowing for additional charge generation from CNT in the IR region. Si post top surfaces will be masked from catalyst deposition so as to prevent CNT growth on the top surface. A typical unit cell will then consist of a Si post covered with CNT, providing enhanced surface area for the catalyst. The device will then be dipped into a solution of Co[TArP] to enable coating of CNT with Co(P). The Si/CNT/Co [TArP] assembly then will provide electrons for water splitting and hydrogen gas production. A potential of 1.23 V is needed to split water, and near ideal band gap is approximately 1.4 eV. The combination of doped Si/CNT/Co [TArP] will enable this redox reaction to be more efficient.

Geometry of thin liquid sheet flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chubb, Donald L.; Calfo, Frederick D.; Mcconley, Marc W.; Mcmaster, Matthew S.; Afjeh, Abdollah A.

1994-01-01

Incompresible, thin sheet flows have been of research interest for many years. Those studies were mainly concerned with the stability of the flow in a surrounding gas. Squire was the first to carry out a linear, invicid stability analysis of sheet flow in air and compare the results with experiment. Dombrowski and Fraser did an experimental study of the disintegration of sheet flows using several viscous liquids. They also detected the formulation of holes in their sheet flows. Hagerty and Shea carried out an inviscid stability analysis and calculated growth rates with experimental values. They compared their calculated growth rates with experimental values. Taylor studied extensively the stability of thin liquid sheets both theoretically and experimentally. He showed that thin sheets in a vacuum are stable. Brown experimentally investigated thin liquid sheet flows as a method of application of thin films. Clark and Dumbrowski carried out second-order stability analysis for invicid sheet flows. Lin introduced viscosity into the linear stability analysis of thin sheet flows in a vacuum. Mansour and Chigier conducted an experimental study of the breakup of a sheet flow surrounded by high-speed air. Lin et al. did a linear stability analysis that included viscosity and a surrounding gas. Rangel and Sirignano carried out both a linear and nonlinear invisid stability analysis that applies for any density ratio between the sheet liquid and the surrounding gas. Now there is renewed interest in sheet flows because of their possible application as low mass radiating surfaces. The objective of this study is to investigate the fluid dynamics of sheet flows that are of interest for a space radiator system. Analytical expressions that govern the sheet geometry are compared with experimental results. Since a space radiator will operate in a vacuum, the analysis does not include any drag force on the sheet flow.

Line sensing device for ultrafast laser acoustic inspection using adaptive optics

DOEpatents

Hale, Thomas C.; Moore, David S.

2003-11-04

Apparatus and method for inspecting thin film specimens along a line. A laser emits pulses of light that are split into first, second, third and fourth portions. A delay is introduced into the first portion of pulses and the first portion of pulses is directed onto a thin film specimen along a line. The third portion of pulses is directed onto the thin film specimen along the line. A delay is introduced into the fourth portion of pulses and the delayed fourth portion of pulses are directed to a photorefractive crystal. Pulses of light reflected from the thin film specimen are directed to the photorefractive crystal. Light from the photorefractive crystal is collected and transmitted to a linear photodiode array allowing inspection of the thin film specimens along a line.

Reconstruction of three-dimensional porous media using a single thin section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahmasebi, Pejman; Sahimi, Muhammad

2012-06-01

The purpose of any reconstruction method is to generate realizations of two- or multiphase disordered media that honor limited data for them, with the hope that the realizations provide accurate predictions for those properties of the media for which there are no data available, or their measurement is difficult. An important example of such stochastic systems is porous media for which the reconstruction technique must accurately represent their morphology—the connectivity and geometry—as well as their flow and transport properties. Many of the current reconstruction methods are based on low-order statistical descriptors that fail to provide accurate information on the properties of heterogeneous porous media. On the other hand, due to the availability of high resolution two-dimensional (2D) images of thin sections of a porous medium, and at the same time, the high cost, computational difficulties, and even unavailability of complete 3D images, the problem of reconstructing porous media from 2D thin sections remains an outstanding unsolved problem. We present a method based on multiple-point statistics in which a single 2D thin section of a porous medium, represented by a digitized image, is used to reconstruct the 3D porous medium to which the thin section belongs. The method utilizes a 1D raster path for inspecting the digitized image, and combines it with a cross-correlation function, a grid splitting technique for deciding the resolution of the computational grid used in the reconstruction, and the Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity of the porous sample, in order to reconstruct the 3D medium. It also utilizes an adaptive technique for identifying the locations and optimal number of hard (quantitative) data points that one can use in the reconstruction process. The method is tested on high resolution images for Berea sandstone and a carbonate rock sample, and the results are compared with the data. To make the comparison quantitative, two sets of statistical tests consisting of the autocorrelation function, histogram matching of the local coordination numbers, the pore and throat size distributions, multiple-points connectivity, and single- and two-phase flow permeabilities are used. The comparison indicates that the proposed method reproduces the long-range connectivity of the porous media, with the computed properties being in good agreement with the data for both porous samples. The computational efficiency of the method is also demonstrated.

Tomographic PIV of flow through ordered thin porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsson, I. A. Sofia; Lundström, T. Staffan; Lycksam, Henrik

2018-06-01

Pressure-driven flow in a model of a thin porous medium is investigated using tomographic particle image velocimetry. The solid parts of the porous medium have the shape of vertical cylinders placed on equal interspatial distance from each other. The array of cylinders is confined between two parallel plates, meaning that the permeability is a function of the diameter and height of the cylinders, as well as their interspatial distance. Refractive index matching is applied to enable measurements without optical distortion and a dummy cell is used for the calibration of the measurements. The results reveal that the averaged flow field changes substantially as Reynolds number increases, and that the wakes formed downstream the cylinders contain complex, three-dimensional vortex structures hard to visualize with only planar measurements. An interesting observation is that the time-averaged velocity maximum changes position as Reynolds number increases. For low Reynolds number flow, the maximum is in the middle of the channel, while, for the higher Reynolds numbers investigated, two maxima appear closer to each bounding lower and upper wall.

Serially connected solid oxide fuel cells having monolithic cores

DOEpatents

Herceg, J.E.

1985-05-20

Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically combining fuel and oxidant for generating galvanic output. The cell core has an array of cell segments electrically serially connected in the flow direction, each segment consisting of electrolyte walls and interconnect that are substantially devoid of any composite inert materials for support. Instead, the core is monolithic, where each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte material therebetween. Means direct the fuel to the anode-exposed core passageways and means direct the oxidant to the cathode-exposed core passageways; and means also direct the galvanic output to an exterior circuit. Each layer of the electrolyte composite materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.01 cm thick; and each layer of the cathode and anode materials is of the order of 0.002 to 0.05 cm thick. Between 2 and 50 cell segments may be connected in series.

Flux splitting algorithms for two-dimensional viscous flows with finite-rate chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuen, Jian-Shun; Liou, Meng-Sing

1989-01-01

The Roe flux difference splitting method was extended to treat 2-D viscous flows with nonequilibrium chemistry. The derivations have avoided unnecessary assumptions or approximations. For spatial discretization, the second-order Roe upwind differencing is used for the convective terms and central differencing for the viscous terms. An upwind-based TVD scheme is applied to eliminate oscillations and obtain a sharp representation of discontinuities. A two-state Runge-Kutta method is used to time integrate the discretized Navier-Stokes and species transport equations for the asymptotic steady solutions. The present method is then applied to two types of flows: the shock wave/boundary layer interaction problems and the jet in cross flows.

Flux splitting algorithms for two-dimensional viscous flows with finite-rate chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuen, Jian-Shun; Liou, Meng-Sing

1989-01-01

The Roe flux-difference splitting method has been extended to treat two-dimensional viscous flows with nonequilibrium chemistry. The derivations have avoided unnecessary assumptions or approximations. For spatial discretization, the second-order Roe upwind differencing is used for the convective terms and central differencing for the viscous terms. An upwind-based TVD scheme is applied to eliminate oscillations and obtain a sharp representation of discontinuities. A two-stage Runge-Kutta method is used to time integrate the discretized Navier-Stokes and species transport equations for the asymptotic steady solutions. The present method is then applied to two types of flows: the shock wave/boundary layer interaction problems and the jet in cross flows.

Characterization of opto-electrical enhancement of tandem photoelectrochemical cells by using photoconductive-AFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sun-Young; Elbersen, Rick; Huskens, Jurriaan; Gardeniers, Han; Lee, Joo-Yul; Mul, Guido; Heo, Jinhee

2017-07-01

Solar-to-hydrogen conversion by water splitting in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) is a promising approach to alleviate problems associated with intermittency in solar energy supply and demand. Several interfacial resistances in photoelectrodes limit the performance of such cells, while the properties of interfaces are not easy to analyze in situ. We applied photoconductive-AFM to analyze the performance of WO3/p+n Si photoanodes, containing an ultra-thin metal interface of either Au or Pt. The Au interface consisted of Au nanoparticles with well-ordered interspacing, while Pt was present in the form of a continuous film. Photoconductive-AFM data show that upon illumination significantly larger currents are measured for the WO3/p+n Si anode equipped with the Au interface, as compared to the WO3/p+n Si anode with the Pt interface, in agreement with the better performance of the former electrode in a photoelectrochemical cell. The remarkable performance of the Au-containing electrode is proposed to be the result of favorable electron-hole recombination rates induced by the Au nanoparticles in a plasmon resonance excited state.

Light-driven water oxidation for solar fuels

PubMed Central

Young, Karin J.; Martini, Lauren A.; Milot, Rebecca L.; III, Robert C. Snoeberger; Batista, Victor S.; Schmuttenmaer, Charles A.; Crabtree, Robert H.; Brudvig, Gary W.

2014-01-01

Light-driven water oxidation is an essential step for conversion of sunlight into storable chemical fuels. Fujishima and Honda reported the first example of photoelectrochemical water oxidation in 1972. In their system, TiO2 was irradiated with ultraviolet light, producing oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at a platinum cathode. Inspired by this system, more recent work has focused on functionalizing nanoporous TiO2 or other semiconductor surfaces with molecular adsorbates, including chromophores and catalysts that absorb visible light and generate electricity (i.e., dye-sensitized solar cells) or trigger water oxidation at low overpotentials (i.e., photocatalytic cells). The physics involved in harnessing multiple photochemical events for multielectron reactions, as required in the four-electron water oxidation process, has been the subject of much experimental and computational study. In spite of significant advances with regard to individual components, the development of highly efficient photocatalytic cells for solar water splitting remains an outstanding challenge. This article reviews recent progress in the field with emphasis on water-oxidation photoanodes inspired by the design of functionalized thin film semiconductors of typical dye-sensitized solar cells. PMID:25364029

Trigonal Cu2-II-Sn-VI4 (II = Ba, Sr and VI = S, Se) quaternary compounds for earth-abundant photovoltaics.

PubMed

Hong, Feng; Lin, Wenjun; Meng, Weiwei; Yan, Yanfa

2016-02-14

We propose trigonal Cu2-II-Sn-VI4 (II = Ba, Sr and VI = S, Se) quaternary compounds for earth-abundant solar cell applications. Through density functional theory calculations, we show that these compounds exhibit similar electronic and optical properties to kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS): high optical absorption with band gaps suitable for efficient single-junction solar cell applications. However, the trigonal Cu2-II-Sn-VI4 compounds exhibit defect properties more suitable for photovoltaic applications than those of CZTS. In CZTS, the dominant defects are the deep acceptors, Cu substitutions on Zn sites, which cause non-radiative recombination and limit the open-circuit voltages of CZTS solar cells. On the contrary, the dominant defects in trigonal Cu2-II-Sn-VI4 are the shallow acceptors, Cu vacancies, similar to those in CuInSe2. Our results suggest that the trigonal Cu2-II-Sn-VI4 quaternary compounds could be promising candidates for efficient earth-abundant thin-film solar cell and photoeletrochemical water-splitting applications.

A Decade of Shear-Wave Splitting Observations in Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellesiles, A. K.; Christensen, D. H.; Abers, G. A.; Hansen, R. A.; Pavlis, G. L.; Song, X.

2010-12-01

Over the last decade four PASSCAL experiments have been conducted in different regions of Alaska. ARCTIC, BEAAR and MOOS form a north-south transect across the state, from the Arctic Ocean to Price Williams Sound, while the STEEP experiment is currently deployed to the east of that line in the St Elias Mountains of Southeastern Alaska. Shear-wave splitting observations from these networks in addition to several permanent stations of the Alaska Earthquake Information Center were determined in an attempt to understand mantle flow under Alaska in a variety of different geologic settings. Results show two dominant splitting patterns in Alaska, separated by the subducted Pacific Plate. North of the subducted Pacific Plate fast directions are parallel to the trench (along strike of the subducted Pacific Plate) indicating large scale mantle flow in the northeast-southwest direction with higher anisotropy (splitting times) within the mantle wedge. Within or below the Pacific Plate fast directions are normal to the trench in the direction of Pacific Plate convergence. In addition to these two prominent splitting patterns there are several regions that do not match either of these trends. These more complex regions which include the results from STEEP could be due to several factors including effects from the edge of the Pacific Plate. The increase of station coverage that Earthscope will bring to Alaska will aid in developing a more complete model for anisotropy and mantle flow in Alaska.

Investigation of pitchfork bifurcation phenomena effects on heat transfer of viscoelastic flow inside a symmetric sudden expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahbani-Zahiri, A.; Hassanzadeh, H.; Shahmardan, M. M.; Norouzi, M.

2017-11-01

In this paper, the inertial and non-isothermal flows of the viscoelastic fluid through a planar channel with symmetric sudden expansion are numerically simulated. Effects of pitchfork bifurcation phenomena on the heat transfer rate are examined for the thermally developing and fully developed flow of the viscoelastic fluid inside the expanded part of the planar channel with an expansion ratio of 1:3. The rheological model of exponential Phan Thien-Tanner is used to include both the effects of shear-thinning and elasticity in fluid viscosity. The properties of fluids are temperature-dependent, and the viscous dissipation and heat stored by fluid elasticity are considered in the heat transfer equation. For coupling the governing equations, the PISO algorithm (Pressure Implicit with Splitting of Operator) is applied and the system of equations is linearized using the finite volume method on the collocated grids. The main purpose of this study is to examine the pitchfork bifurcation phenomena and its influences on the temperature distribution, the local and mean Nusselt numbers, and the first and second normal stress differences at different Reynolds, elasticity, and Brinkman numbers. The results show that by increasing the Brinkman number for the heated flow of the viscoelastic fluid inside the expanded part of the channel, the value of the mean Nusselt number is almost linearly decreased. Also, the maximum values of the local Nusselt number for the thermally developing flow and the local Nusselt number of the thermally fully developed flow are decremented by enhancing the Brinkman number.

Remedial Amendment Delivery near the Water Table Using Shear Thinning Fluids: Experiments and Numerical Simulations

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

Oostrom, Martinus; Truex, Michael J.; Vermeul, Vincent R.

2014-08-19

The use of shear thinning fluids (STFs) containing xanthan is a potential enhancement for emplacing a solute amendment near the water table and within the capillary fringe. Most research to date related to STF behavior has involved saturated and confined conditions. A series of flow cell experiments were conducted to investigate STF emplacement in variable saturated homogeneous and layered heterogeneous systems. Besides flow visualization using dyes, amendment concentrations and pressure data were obtained at several locations. The experiments showed that injection of STFs considerably improved the subsurface distribution near the water table by mitigating preferential flow through higher permeability zonesmore » compared to no-polymer injections. The phosphate amendment migrated with the xanthan SFT without retardation. Despite the high viscosity of the STF, no excessive mounding or preferential flow were observed in the unsaturated zone. The STOMP simulator was able to predict the experimentally observed fluid displacement and amendment concentrations reasonably well. Cross flow between layers could be interpreted as the main mechanism to transport STFs into lower permeability layers based on the observed pressure gradient and concentration data in layers of differing hydraulic conductivity.« less

Shallow Water Propagation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

improvements in single-scattering treatments at stair-step risers in approximations for range dependence; non-uniform depth gridding to treat thin layers...turns out for such problems that preserving accuracy requires conceptually splitting a stair- riser interface into two interfaces separated by a very

Measurements With a Split-Fiber Probe in Complex Unsteady Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, Jan

2004-01-01

A split-fiber probe was used to acquire unsteady data in a research compressor. A calibration method was devised for a split-fiber probe, and a new algorithm was developed to decompose split-fiber probe signals into velocity magnitude and direction. The algorithm is based on the minimum value of a merit function that is built over the entire range of flow velocities for which the probe was calibrated. The split-fiber probe performance and signal decomposition was first verified in a free-jet facility by comparing the data from three thermo-anemometric probes, namely a single-wire, a single-fiber, and the split-fiber probe. All three probes performed extremely well as far as the velocity magnitude was concerned. However, there are differences in the peak values of measured velocity unsteadiness in the jet shear layer. The single-wire probe indicates the highest unsteadiness level, followed closely by the split-fiber probe. The single-fiber probe indicates a noticeably lower level of velocity unsteadiness. Experiments in the NASA Low Speed Axial Compressor facility revealed similar results. The mean velocities agreed well, and differences in the velocity unsteadiness are similar to the case of a free jet. A reason for these discrepancies is in the different frequency response characteristics of probes used. It follows that the single-fiber probe has the slowest frequency response. In summary, the split-fiber probe worked reliably during the entire program. The acquired data averaged in time followed closely data acquired by conventional pneumatic probes.

Progress in a-SiOx:H thin film solar cells with patterned MgF2 dielectric for top cell of multi-junction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Dong-Won; Sichanugrist, Porponth; Konagai, Makoto

2016-07-01

We successfully designed and experimentally demonstrated an application of patterned MgF2 dielectric material at rear Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/Ag interface in thin film amorphous silicon oxide ( a-SiOx:H) solar cells. When it was realized in practical device process, MgF2 coverage with patterned morphology was employed to allow for current flow between the AZO and Ag against highly resistive MgF2 material. On the basis of the suggested structure, we found an improvement in quantum efficiency of the solar cells with the patterned MgF2. In addition, an enhancement of open circuit voltage ( V oc ) and fill factor ( FF) was observed. A remarkable increase in shunt resistance of the cells with the MgF2 would possibly indicate that the highly resistive MgF2 layer can partly suppress physical shunting across top and bottom electrodes caused by very thin absorber thickness of only 100 nm. The approach showed that our best-performing device revealed an essential improvement in conversion efficiency from 7.83 to 8.01% with achieving markedly high V oc (1.013 V) and FF (0.729). [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Non-Darcian flow of shear-thinning fluids through packed beads: Experiments and predictions using Forchheimer's law and Ergun's equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez de Castro, Antonio; Radilla, Giovanni

2017-02-01

The flow of shear-thinning fluids through unconsolidated porous media is present in a number of important industrial applications such as soil depollution, Enhanced Oil Recovery or filtration of polymeric liquids. Therefore, predicting the pressure drop-flow rate relationship in model porous media has been the scope of major research efforts during the last decades. Although the flow of Newtonian fluids through packs of spherical particles is well understood in most cases, much less is known regarding the flow of shear-thinning fluids as high molecular weight polymer aqueous solutions. In particular, the experimental data for the non-Darcian flow of shear-thinning fluids are scarce and so are the current approaches for their prediction. Given the relevance of non-Darcian shear-thinning flow, the scope of this work is to perform an experimental study to systematically evaluate the effects of fluid shear rheology on the flow rate-pressure drop relationships for the non-Darcian flow through different packs of glass spheres. To do so, xanthan gum aqueous solutions with different polymer concentrations are injected through four packs of glass spheres with uniform size under Darcian and inertial flow regimes. A total of 1560 experimental data are then compared with predictions coming from different methods based on the extension of widely used Ergun's equation and Forchheimer's law to the case of shear thinning fluids, determining the accuracy of these predictions. The use of a proper definition for Reynolds number and a realistic model to represent the rheology of the injected fluids results in the porous media are shown to be key aspects to successfully predict pressure drop-flow rate relationships for the inertial shear-thinning flow in packed beads.

75 FR 14612 - Buy American Exceptions Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-26

... refrigerant flow (VRF) split system for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) renovations at the... manufactured goods (ductless VRF split system) are not produced in the U.S. in sufficient and reasonably...

Shear thinning effects on blood flow in straight and curved tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherry, Erica M.; Eaton, John K.

2013-07-01

Simulations were performed to determine the magnitude and types of errors one can expect when approximating blood in large arteries as a Newtonian fluid, particularly in the presence of secondary flows. This was accomplished by running steady simulations of blood flow in straight and curved tubes using both Newtonian and shear-thinning viscosity models. In the shear-thinning simulations, the viscosity was modeled as a shear rate-dependent function fit to experimental data. Simulations in straight tubes were modeled after physiologically relevant arterial flows, and flow parameters for the curved tube simulations were chosen to examine a variety of secondary flow strengths. The diameters ranged from 1 mm to 10 mm and the Reynolds numbers from 24 to 1500. Pressure and velocity data are reported for all simulations. In the straight tube simulations, the shear-thinning flows had flattened velocity profiles and higher pressure gradients compared to the Newtonian simulations. In the curved tube flows, the shear-thinning simulations tended to have blunted axial velocity profiles, decreased secondary flow strengths, and decreased axial vorticity compared to the Newtonian simulations. The cross-sectionally averaged pressure drops in the curved tubes were higher in the shear-thinning flows at low Reynolds number but lower at high Reynolds number. The maximum deviation in secondary flow magnitude averaged over the cross sectional area was 19% of the maximum secondary flow and the maximum deviation in axial vorticity was 25% of the maximum vorticity.

Mixed convection in gravity-driven thin film non-Newtonian nanofluids flow with gyrotactic microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Noor Saeed; Gul, Taza; Khan, Muhammad Altaf; Bonyah, Ebenezer; Islam, Saeed

Mixed convection in gravity-driven non-Newtonian nanofluid films (Casson and Williamson) flow containing both nanoparticles and gyrotactic microorganisms along a convectively heated vertical surface is investigated. The actively controlled nanofluid model boundary conditions are used to explore the liquid films flow. The study exhibits an analytical approach for the non-Newtonian thin film nanofluids bioconvection based on physical mechanisms responsible for the nanoparticles and the base fluid, such as Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Both the fluids have almost the same behaviors for the effects of all the pertinent parameters except the effect of Schmidt number on the microorganism density function where the effect is opposite. Ordinary differential equations together with the boundary conditions are obtained through similarity variables from the governing equations of the problem, which are solved by HAM (Homotopy Analysis Method). The solution is expressed through graphs and illustrated which show the influences of all the parameters. The study is relevant to novel microbial fuel cell technologies combining the nanofluid with bioconvection phenomena.

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.

Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve

DOEpatents

Walrath, David E.; Lindberg, William R.; Burgess, Robert K.; LaBelle, James

2000-02-22

The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. An axially aligned outlet may also increase the flow efficiency. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow typically connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner yet be uniquely located outside of the axial flow path to further reduce friction losses. A seal may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane. A seal separator may increase the useful life of the seal between the fixed and rotatable portions.

Structural properties and UV to NIR absorption spectra of metal-free phthalocyanine (H2Pc) thin films P. B. Thakor, P. N. Gajjar and A. R. Jani: Different reference systems in the study of structural properties of some simple liquid metals Shazia Bashir, M. S. Rafique, M. Khaleeq-ur-Rahman, Faizan-ul-Haq and B. R. Alvina: CO2 and Nd:YAG laser radiation induced damage in aluminium Smail Bougouffa: The study of atomic transitions by use of Numerov technique in schematic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nahass, M. M.; Farid, A. M.; Attia, A. A.; Ali, H. A. M.

The structural properties and absorption spectra of H2Pc thin films have been studied. The films used in these studies were thermally evaporated on glass/quartz substrates with thickness ranging from 60 to 460 nm. The XRD studies of H2Pc thin films showed that the as-deposited films have a-form with monoclinic system. The mean crystallite size (L), the dislocation density (d) and the strain (x) were evaluated. The molecular structure of H2Pc thin films is confirmed by analysis of (FTIR) spectra. The surface morphology of H2Pc thin films was examined by scanning electron microscope. The absorption spectra of H2Pc recorded in the UV - VIS - IR region for the as-deposited and the annealed thin films of different thickness have been analyzed. The spectra showed two absorption bands namely the Q-band and the Soret (B)-band. The Q-band shows its characteristic splitting (Davydove splitting) with DQ = 0.21 eV. Values of some important optical parameters, namely optical absorption coefficient (a¢), molar extinction coefficient (emolar), half-band-width (Dl), electronic dipole strength (q2) and oscillator strength (f) were calculated. The fundamental and the onset of the indirect energy gaps were also determined as 2.47 and 1.4 eV, respectively.

Mantle Flow in the Western United States Constrained by Seismic Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niday, W.; Humphreys, E.

2017-12-01

Shear wave splitting, caused by the lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of olivine crystals under shear deformation, provide a useful constraint on numerical models of mantle flow. Although it is sometimes assumed that shear wave splitting fast directions correspond with mantle flow directions, this is only true in simple shear flows that do not vary strongly with space or time. Observed shear wave splitting in the western United States is complex and inconsistent with simple shear driven by North American and Pacific plate motion, suggesting that the effects of time-dependent subduction history and spatial heterogeneity are important. Liu and Stegman (2011) reproduce the pattern of fast seismic anomalies below the western US from Farallon subduction history, and Chaparro and Stegman (2017) reproduce the circular anisotropy field below the Great Basin. We extend this to consider anisotropic structure outside the Great Basin and evaluate the density and viscosity of seismic anomalies such as slabs and Yellowstone. We use the mantle convection code ASPECT to simulate 3D buoyancy-driven flow in the mantle below the western US, and predict LPO using the modeled flow fields. We present results from a suite of models varying the sub-lithospheric structures of the western US and constraints on density and viscosity variations in the upper mantle.

Sharp phase variations from the plasmon mode causing the Rabi-analogue splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yujia; Sun, Chengwei; Gan, Fengyuan; Li, Hongyun; Gong, Qihuang; Chen, Jianjun

2017-06-01

The Rabi-analogue splitting in nanostructures resulting from the strong coupling of different resonant modes is of importance for lasing, sensing, switching, modulating, and quantum information processes. To give a clearer physical picture, the phase analysis instead of the strong coupling is provided to explain the Rabi-analogue splitting in the Fabry-Pérot (FP) cavity, of which one end mirror is a metallic nanohole array and the other is a thin metal film. The phase analysis is based on an analytic model of the FP cavity, in which the reflectance and the reflection phase of the end mirrors are dependent on the wavelength. It is found that the Rabi-analogue splitting originates from the sharp phase variation brought by the plasmon mode in the FP cavity. In the experiment, the Rabi-analogue splitting is realized in the plasmonic-photonic coupling system, and this splitting can be continually tuned by changing the length of the FP cavity. These experimental results agree well with the analytic and simulation data, strongly verifying the phase analysis based on the analytic model. The phase analysis presents a clear picture to understand the working mechanism of the Rabi-analogue splitting; thus, it may facilitate the design of the plasmonic-photonic and plasmonic-plasmonic coupling systems.

A Split Forcing Technique to Reduce Log-layer Mismatch in Wall-modeled Turbulent Channel Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deleon, Rey; Senocak, Inanc

2016-11-01

The conventional approach to sustain a flow field in a periodic channel flow seems to be the culprit behind the log-law mismatch problem that has been reported in many studies hybridizing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) techniques, commonly referred to as hybrid RANS-LES. To address this issue, we propose a split-forcing approach that relies only on the conservation of mass principle. We adopt a basic hybrid RANS-LES technique on a coarse mesh with wall-stress boundary conditions to simulate turbulent channel flows at friction Reynolds numbers of 2000 and 5200 and demonstrate good agreement with benchmark data. We also report a duality in velocity scale that is a specific consequence of the split forcing framework applied to hybrid RANS-LES. The first scale is the friction velocity derived from the wall shear stress. The second scale arises in the core LES region, a value different than at the wall. Second-order turbulence statistics agree well with the benchmark data when normalized by the core friction velocity, whereas the friction velocity at the wall remains the appropriate scale for the mean velocity profile. Based on our findings, we suggest reevaluating more sophisticated hybrid RANS-LES approaches within the split-forcing framework. Work funded by National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1056110 and 1229709. First author acknowledges the University of Idaho President's Doctoral Scholars Award.

InGaN working electrodes with assisted bias generated from GaAs solar cells for efficient water splitting.

PubMed

Liu, Shu-Yen; Sheu, J K; Lin, Yu-Chuan; Chen, Yu-Tong; Tu, S J; Lee, M L; Lai, W C

2013-11-04

Hydrogen generation through water splitting by n-InGaN working electrodes with bias generated from GaAs solar cell was studied. Instead of using an external bias provided by power supply, a GaAs-based solar cell was used as the driving force to increase the rate of hydrogen production. The water-splitting system was tuned using different approaches to set the operating points to the maximum power point of the GaAs solar cell. The approaches included changing the electrolytes, varying the light intensity, and introducing the immersed ITO ohmic contacts on the working electrodes. As a result, the hybrid system comprising both InGaN-based working electrodes and GaAs solar cells operating under concentrated illumination could possibly facilitate efficient water splitting.

The role of the domain size and titanium dopant in nanocrystalline hematite thin films for water photolysis

DOE PAGES

Yan, Danhua; Tao, Jing; Kisslinger, Kim; ...

2015-10-13

Here we develop a novel technique for preparing high quality Ti-doped hematite thin films for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, through sputtering deposition of metallic iron films from an iron target embedded with titanium (dopants) pellets, followed by a thermal oxidation step that turns the metal films into doped hematite. It is found that the hematite domain size can be tuned from ~10 nm to over 100 nm by adjusting the sputtering atmosphere from more oxidative to mostly inert. The better crystallinity at a larger domain size ensures excellent PEC water splitting performance, leading to record high photocurrent from pure planarmore » hematite thin films on FTO substrates. Titanium doping further enhances the PEC performance of hematite photoanodes. The photocurrent is improved by 50%, with a titanium dopant concentration as low as 0.5 atom%. As a result, it is also found that the role of the titanium dopant in improving the PEC performance is not apparently related to the films’ electrical conductivity which had been widely believed, but is more likely due to the passivation of surface defects by the titanium dopants.« less

Spin splitting generated in a Y-shaped semiconductor nanostructure with a quantum point contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wójcik, P.; Adamowski, J.; Wołoszyn, M.; Spisak, B. J.

2015-07-01

We have studied the spin splitting of the current in the Y-shaped semiconductor nanostructure with a quantum point contact (QPC) in a perpendicular magnetic field. Our calculations show that the appropriate tuning of the QPC potential and the external magnetic field leads to an almost perfect separation of the spin-polarized currents: electrons with opposite spins flow out through different output branches. The spin splitting results from the joint effect of the QPC, the spin Zeeman splitting, and the electron transport through the edge states formed in the nanowire at the sufficiently high magnetic field. The Y-shaped nanostructure can be used to split the unpolarized current into two spin currents with opposite spins as well as to detect the flow of the spin current. We have found that the separation of the spin currents is only slightly affected by the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. The spin-splitter device is an analogue of the optical device—the birefractive crystal that splits the unpolarized light into two beams with perpendicular polarizations. In the magnetic-field range, in which the current is carried through the edges states, the spin splitting is robust against the spin-independent scattering. This feature opens up a possibility of the application of the Y-shaped nanostructure as a non-ballistic spin-splitter device in spintronics.

Spin splitting generated in a Y-shaped semiconductor nanostructure with a quantum point contact

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

Wójcik, P., E-mail: pawel.wojcik@fis.agh.edu.pl; Adamowski, J., E-mail: janusz.adamowski@fis.agh.edu.pl; Wołoszyn, M.

2015-07-07

We have studied the spin splitting of the current in the Y-shaped semiconductor nanostructure with a quantum point contact (QPC) in a perpendicular magnetic field. Our calculations show that the appropriate tuning of the QPC potential and the external magnetic field leads to an almost perfect separation of the spin-polarized currents: electrons with opposite spins flow out through different output branches. The spin splitting results from the joint effect of the QPC, the spin Zeeman splitting, and the electron transport through the edge states formed in the nanowire at the sufficiently high magnetic field. The Y-shaped nanostructure can be usedmore » to split the unpolarized current into two spin currents with opposite spins as well as to detect the flow of the spin current. We have found that the separation of the spin currents is only slightly affected by the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. The spin-splitter device is an analogue of the optical device—the birefractive crystal that splits the unpolarized light into two beams with perpendicular polarizations. In the magnetic-field range, in which the current is carried through the edges states, the spin splitting is robust against the spin-independent scattering. This feature opens up a possibility of the application of the Y-shaped nanostructure as a non-ballistic spin-splitter device in spintronics.« less

Physics of the infrared spectrum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deming, Drake; Jennings, Donald E.; Jefferies, John; Lindsey, Charles

1991-01-01

The IR bandpass is attractive for solar magnetic field studies in virtue of the proportionality to wavelength of the ratio of Zeeman splitting to line width. The large Zeeman splitting and optical thinness of the 12-micron observations render them especially useful for vector magnetic field derivations. The IR continuum, and many IR spectral lines, are formed in LTE and are useful in studies of the temperature structure of the solar atmosphere from the deepest observable photospheric layers to chromospheric altitudes. The far-IR continuum is an excellent thermometer for the upper photosphere and chromosphere.

Split and Splice Approach for Highly Selective Targeting of Human NSCLC Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

development and implementation of the “split-and- spice ” approach required optimization of many independent parameters, which were addressed in parallel...verify the feasibility of the “split and splice” approach for targeting human NSCLC tumor cell lines in culture and prepare the optimized toxins for...for cultured cells (months 2- 8). 2B. To test the efficiency of cell targeting by the toxin variants reconstituted in vitro (months 3-6). 2C. To

Streptavidin-functionalized capillary immune microreactor for highly efficient chemiluminescent immunoassay.

PubMed

Yang, Zhanjun; Zong, Chen; Ju, Huangxian; Yan, Feng

2011-11-07

A streptavidin functionalized capillary immune microreactor was designed for highly efficient flow-through chemiluminescent (CL) immunoassay. The functionalized capillary could be used as both a support for highly efficient immobilization of antibody and a flow cell for flow-through immunoassay. The functionalized inner wall and the capture process were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Compared to conventional packed tube or thin-layer cell immunoreactor, the proposed microreactor showed remarkable properties such as lower cost, simpler fabrication, better practicality and wider dynamic range for fast CL immunoassay with good reproducibility and stability. Using α-fetoprotein as model analyte, the highly efficient CL flow-through immunoassay system showed a linear range of 3 orders of magnitude from 0.5 to 200 ng mL(-1) and a low detection limit of 0.1 ng mL(-1). The capillary immune microreactor could make up the shortcoming of conventional CL immunoreactors and provided a promising alternative for highly efficient flow-injection immunoassay. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Band alignment at the CdS/FeS2 interface based on the first-principles calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichimura, Masaya; Kawai, Shoichi

2015-03-01

FeS2 is potentially well-suited for the absorber layer of a thin-film solar cell. Since it usually has p-type conductivity, a pn heterojunction cell can be fabricated by combining it with an n-type material. In this work, the band alignment in the heterostructure based on FeS2 is investigated on the basis of the first-principles calculation. CdS, the most popular buffer-layer material for thin-film solar cells, is selected as the partner in the heterostructure. The results indicate that there is a large conduction band offset (0.65 eV) at the interface, which will hinder the flow of photogenerated electrons from FeS2 to CdS. Thus an n-type material with the conduction band minimum positioned lower than that of CdS will be preferable as the partner in the heterostructure.

Two-step electrodeposition to fabricate the p-n heterojunction of a Cu2O/BiVO4 photoanode for the enhancement of photoelectrochemical water splitting.

PubMed

Bai, Shouli; Liu, Jingchao; Cui, Meng; Luo, Ruixian; He, Jing; Chen, Aifan

2018-05-15

A Cu2O/BiVO4 p-n heterojunction based photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is fabricated by a two-step electrodeposition method on an FTO substrate followed by annealing treatment. The structures and properties of the samples are characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, XPS and UV-visible spectra. The photoelectrochemical activity of the photoanode in water oxidation has been investigated and measured in a three electrode quartz cell system; the obtained maximum photocurrent density of 1.72 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE is 4.5 times higher than that of pristine BiVO4 thin films (∼0.38 mA cm-2). The heterojunction based photoanode also exhibits a tremendous cathodic shift of the onset potential (∼420 mV) and enhancement in the IPCE value by more than 4-fold. The enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of the Cu2O/BiVO4 photoelectrode are attributed to the efficient separation of the photoexcited electron-hole pairs caused by the inner electronic field (IEF) of the p-n heterojunction.

An efficient unstructured WENO method for supersonic reactive flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Wen-Geng; Zheng, Hong-Wei; Liu, Feng-Jun; Shi, Xiao-Tian; Gao, Jun; Hu, Ning; Lv, Meng; Chen, Si-Cong; Zhao, Hong-Da

2018-03-01

An efficient high-order numerical method for supersonic reactive flows is proposed in this article. The reactive source term and convection term are solved separately by splitting scheme. In the reaction step, an adaptive time-step method is presented, which can improve the efficiency greatly. In the convection step, a third-order accurate weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) method is adopted to reconstruct the solution in the unstructured grids. Numerical results show that our new method can capture the correct propagation speed of the detonation wave exactly even in coarse grids, while high order accuracy can be achieved in the smooth region. In addition, the proposed adaptive splitting method can reduce the computational cost greatly compared with the traditional splitting method.

Evaluation of Proposed Rocket Engines for Earth-to-Orbit Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, James A.; Kramer, Richard D.

1990-01-01

The objective is to evaluate recently analyzed rocket engines for advanced Earth-to-orbit vehicles. The engines evaluated are full-flow staged combustion engines and split expander engines, both at mixture ratios at 6 and above with oxygen and hydrogen propellants. The vehicles considered are single-stage and two-stage fully reusable vehicles and the Space Shuttle with liquid rocket boosters. The results indicate that the split expander engine at a mixture ratio of about 7 is competitive with the full-flow staged combustion engine for all three vehicle concepts. A key factor in this result is the capability to increase the chamber pressure for the split expander as the mixture ratio is increased from 6 to 7.

Respiratory Fluid Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grotberg, James

2005-11-01

This brief overview of our groups activities includes liquid plug propagation in single and bifurcating tubes, a subject which pertains to surfactant delivery, liquid ventilation, pulmonary edema, and drowning. As the plug propagates, a variety of flow patterns may emerge depending on the parameters. It splits unevenly at airway bifurcations and can rupture, which reopens the airway to gas flow. Both propagation and rupture may damage the underlying airway wall cells. Another topic is surfactant dynamics and flow in a model of an oscillating alveolus. The analysis shows a nontrivial cycle-averaged surfactant concentration gradient along the interface that generates steady streaming. The steady streaming patterns particularly depend on the ratio of inspiration to expiration time periods and the sorption parameter. Vortices, single and multiple, may be achieved, as well as a saddle point configuration. Potential applications are pulmonary drug administration, cell-cell signaling pathways, and gene therapy. Finally, capillary instabilities which cause airway closure, and strategies for stabilization, will be presented. This involves the core-annular flow of a liquid-lined tube, where the core (air) is forced to oscillate axially. The stabilization mechanism is similar to that of a reversing butter knife, where the core shear wipes the growing liquid bulge, from the Rayleigh instability, back on to the tube wall during the main tidal volume stroke, but allows it to grow back as the stroke and shear turn around.

Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Bioprocess Analytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rauh, R. David

2010-01-01

An apparatus that includes highly miniaturized thin-film electrochemical sensor array has been demonstrated as a prototype of instruments for simultaneous detection of multiple substances of interest (analytes) and measurement of acidity or alkalinity in bioprocess streams. Measurements of pH and of concentrations of nutrients and wastes in cell-culture media, made by use of these instruments, are to be used as feedback for optimizing the growth of cells or the production of desired substances by the cultured cells. The apparatus is designed to utilize samples of minimal volume so as to minimize any perturbation of monitored processes. The apparatus can function in a potentiometric mode (for measuring pH), an amperometric mode (detecting analytes via oxidation/reduction reactions), or both. The sensor array is planar and includes multiple thin-film microelectrodes covered with hydrous iridium oxide. The oxide layer on each electrode serves as both a protective and electrochemical transducing layer. In its transducing role, the oxide provides electrical conductivity for amperometric measurement or pH response for potentiometric measurement. The oxide on an electrode can also serve as a matrix for one or more enzymes that render the electrode sensitive to a specific analyte. In addition to transducing electrodes, the array includes electrodes for potential control. The array can be fabricated by techniques familiar to the microelectronics industry. The sensor array is housed in a thin-film liquid-flow cell that has a total volume of about 100 mL. The flow cell is connected to a computer-controlled subsystem that periodically draws samples from the bioprocess stream to be monitored. Before entering the cell, each 100-mL sample is subjected to tangential-flow filtration to remove particles. In the present version of the apparatus, the electrodes are operated under control by a potentiostat and are used to simultaneously measure the pH and the concentration of glucose. It is anticipated that development of procedures for trapping more enzymes into hydrous iridium oxide (and possibly into other electroactive metal oxides) and of means for imparting long-term stability to the transducer layers should make it possible to monitor concentrations of products of many enzyme reactions for example, such key bioprocess analytes as amino acids, vitamins, lactose, and acetate.

Mössbauer effect studies of Fe-C combinatorially sputtered thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Maghrabi, M. A.; Sanderson, R. J.; Dunlap, R. A.

2013-08-01

Alloys of Fe1- x C x were produced using combinatorial sputtering methods. The composition of the films as a function of position was determined using electron microprobe techniques and the results have shown that a composition range of about 0.35 < x < 0.75 was obtained. X-ray diffraction methods were employed to study the structure of the thin films and showed that all portions of the films were amorphous or nanostructured. Room temperature 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was utilized to study the atomic environment around the Fe atoms. Hyperfine field distributions of ferromagnetic alloys, as extracted from the Mössbauer analysis, suggested the existence of two classes of Fe sites: (1) classes of Fe sites that have primarily Fe neighbours corresponding to a high-field component in the distribution and (2) classes of Fe sites that have a greater number of C neighbours, corresponding to a low-field component. The magnetic splitting decreased as a function of increasing carbon concentration and alloys with x greater than about 0.68 were primarily paramagnetic in nature. These spectra exhibited distributions of quadrupole splitting with mean splitting in excess of 1.0 mm/s. This indicates a higher degree of local asymmetry around the Fe sites than typically seen in other Fe-metalloid systems.

Revealing topological Dirac fermions at the surface of strained HgTe thin films via quantum Hall transport spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, C.; Crauste, O.; Haas, B.; Jouneau, P.-H.; Bäuerle, C.; Lévy, L. P.; Orignac, E.; Carpentier, D.; Ballet, P.; Meunier, T.

2017-12-01

We demonstrate evidences of electronic transport via topological Dirac surface states in a thin film of strained HgTe. At high perpendicular magnetic fields, we show that the electron transport reaches the quantum Hall regime with vanishing resistance. Furthermore, quantum Hall transport spectroscopy reveals energy splittings of relativistic Landau levels specific to coupled Dirac surface states. This study provides insights in the quantum Hall effect of topological insulator (TI) slabs, in the crossover regime between two- and three-dimensional TIs, and in the relevance of thin TI films to explore circuit functionalities in spintronics and quantum nanoelectronics.

Nonlinear Rheology in a Model Biological Tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matoz-Fernandez, D. A.; Agoritsas, Elisabeth; Barrat, Jean-Louis; Bertin, Eric; Martens, Kirsten

2017-04-01

The rheological response of dense active matter is a topic of fundamental importance for many processes in nature such as the mechanics of biological tissues. One prominent way to probe mechanical properties of tissues is to study their response to externally applied forces. Using a particle-based model featuring random apoptosis and environment-dependent division rates, we evidence a crossover from linear flow to a shear-thinning regime with an increasing shear rate. To rationalize this nonlinear flow we derive a theoretical mean-field scenario that accounts for the interplay of mechanical and active noise in local stresses. These noises are, respectively, generated by the elastic response of the cell matrix to cell rearrangements and by the internal activity.

Inviscid flux-splitting algorithms for real gases with non-equilibrium chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuen, Jian-Shun; Liou, Meng-Sing; Van Leer, Bram

1990-01-01

Formulations of inviscid flux splitting algorithms for chemical nonequilibrium gases are presented. A chemical system for air dissociation and recombination is described. Numerical results for one-dimensional shock tube and nozzle flows of air in chemical nonequilibrium are examined.

Mechanical characterization of capsule properties using abrupt-step channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salsac, Anne-Virginie; Le Goff, Anne; Kaoui, Badr; Barthè-Biesel, Dominique; Biomechanics; Bioengineering Lab Team

2017-11-01

Capsules consisting of a liquid droplet enclosed by a thin polymerized membrane are commonly encountered in nature (cells) or in industrial process (pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food products). The mechanical properties of the capsule wall are essential to guarantee the particle integrity and release of the internal contents when and where necessary. The difficulty is to assess the mechanical properties of the thin membrane. We will show how abrupt-step channels can be used to identify the membrane viscoelastic properties and point of rupture. This can be achieved by using a channel presenting a step change in cross-section and inverting the direction of the flow of the capsule suspension within the tube. To deduce information on the viscoelasticity, we will exploit the relaxation of the capsules as they flow through the expansion. To study membrane rupture, we will instead invert the channel, block the capsules at the neck of the constriction and determine the pressure difference needed for breakup. All the experiments will be conducted on initially spherical capsules with a thin cross-linked protein membrane for a proof of concept.

Volume 2: Explicit, multistage upwind schemes for Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmiligui, Alaa; Ash, Robert L.

1992-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop a high-resolution-explicit-multi-block numerical algorithm, suitable for efficient computation of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The resulting algorithm has employed a finite volume approach, using monotonic upstream schemes for conservation laws (MUSCL)-type differencing to obtain state variables at cell interface. Variable interpolations were written in the k-scheme formulation. Inviscid fluxes were calculated via Roe's flux-difference splitting, and van Leer's flux-vector splitting techniques, which are considered state of the art. The viscous terms were discretized using a second-order, central-difference operator. Two classes of explicit time integration has been investigated for solving the compressible inviscid/viscous flow problems--two-state predictor-corrector schemes, and multistage time-stepping schemes. The coefficients of the multistage time-stepping schemes have been modified successfully to achieve better performance with upwind differencing. A technique was developed to optimize the coefficients for good high-frequency damping at relatively high CFL numbers. Local time-stepping, implicit residual smoothing, and multigrid procedure were added to the explicit time stepping scheme to accelerate convergence to steady-state. The developed algorithm was implemented successfully in a multi-block code, which provides complete topological and geometric flexibility. The only requirement is C degree continuity of the grid across the block interface. The algorithm has been validated on a diverse set of three-dimensional test cases of increasing complexity. The cases studied were: (1) supersonic corner flow; (2) supersonic plume flow; (3) laminar and turbulent flow over a flat plate; (4) transonic flow over an ONERA M6 wing; and (5) unsteady flow of a compressible jet impinging on a ground plane (with and without cross flow). The emphasis of the test cases was validation of code, and assessment of performance, as well as demonstration of flexibility.

Optical pumping and xenon NMR

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

Raftery, M. Daniel

1991-11-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of xenon has become an important tool for investigating a wide variety of materials, especially those with high surface area. The sensitivity of its chemical shift to environment, and its chemical inertness and adsorption properties make xenon a particularly useful NMR probe. This work discusses the application of optical pumping to enhance the sensitivity of xenon NMR experiments, thereby allowing them to be used in the study of systems with lower surface area. A novel method of optically-pumping 129Xe in low magnetic field below an NMR spectrometer and subsequent transfer of the gas to highmore » magnetic field is described. NMR studies of the highly polarized gas adsorbed onto powdered samples with low to moderate surface areas are now possible. For instance, NMR studies of optically-pumped xenon adsorbed onto polyacrylic acid show that xenon has a large interaction with the surface. By modeling the low temperature data in terms of a sticking probability and the gas phase xenon-xenon interaction, the diffusion coefficient for xenon at the surface of the polymer is determined. The sensitivity enhancement afforded by optical pumping also allows the NMR observation of xenon thin films frozen onto the inner surfaces of different sample cells. The geometry of the thin films results in interesting line shapes that are due to the bulk magnetic susceptibility of xenon. Experiments are also described that combine optical pumping with optical detection for high sensitivity in low magnetic field to observe the quadrupoler evolution of 131 Xe spins at the surface of the pumping cells. In cells with macroscopic asymmetry, a residual quadrupolar interaction causes a splitting in the 131Xe NMR frequencies in bare Pyrex glass cells and cells with added hydrogen.« less

Optical pumping and xenon NMR

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

Raftery, M.D.

1991-11-01

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of xenon has become an important tool for investigating a wide variety of materials, especially those with high surface area. The sensitivity of its chemical shift to environment, and its chemical inertness and adsorption properties make xenon a particularly useful NMR probe. This work discusses the application of optical pumping to enhance the sensitivity of xenon NMR experiments, thereby allowing them to be used in the study of systems with lower surface area. A novel method of optically-pumping [sup 129]Xe in low magnetic field below an NMR spectrometer and subsequent transfer of the gas tomore » high magnetic field is described. NMR studies of the highly polarized gas adsorbed onto powdered samples with low to moderate surface areas are now possible. For instance, NMR studies of optically-pumped xenon adsorbed onto polyacrylic acid show that xenon has a large interaction with the surface. By modeling the low temperature data in terms of a sticking probability and the gas phase xenon-xenon interaction, the diffusion coefficient for xenon at the surface of the polymer is determined. The sensitivity enhancement afforded by optical pumping also allows the NMR observation of xenon thin films frozen onto the inner surfaces of different sample cells. The geometry of the thin films results in interesting line shapes that are due to the bulk magnetic susceptibility of xenon. Experiments are also described that combine optical pumping with optical detection for high sensitivity in low magnetic field to observe the quadrupoler evolution of 131 Xe spins at the surface of the pumping cells. In cells with macroscopic asymmetry, a residual quadrupolar interaction causes a splitting in the [sup 131]Xe NMR frequencies in bare Pyrex glass cells and cells with added hydrogen.« less

Shear Stress Regulates Adhesion and Rolling of CD44+ Leukemic and Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells on Hyaluronan

PubMed Central

Christophis, Christof; Taubert, Isabel; Meseck, Georg R.; Schubert, Mario; Grunze, Michael; Ho, Anthony D.; Rosenhahn, Axel

2011-01-01

Leukemic cells and human hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing CD44 receptors have the ability to attach and roll on hyaluronan. We investigated quantitatively the adhesion behavior of leukemic cell lines and hematopoietic progenitor cells on thin films of the polysaccharides hyaluronan and alginate in a microfluidic system. An applied flow enhances the interaction between CD44-positive cells and hyaluronan if a threshold shear stress of 0.2 dyn/cm2 is exceeded. At shear stress ∼1 dyn/cm2, the cell rolling speed reaches a maximum of 15 μm/s. Leukemic Jurkat and Kasumi-1 cells lacking CD44-expression showed no adhesion or rolling on the polysaccharides whereas the CD44-expressing leukemic cells KG-1a, HL-60, K-562, and hematopoietic progenitor cells attached and rolled on hyaluronan. Interestingly, the observations of flow-induced cell rolling are related to those found in the recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites and the mechanisms of stem-cell homing into the bone marrow. PMID:21806926

High-Obliquity Impact of a Compact Penetrator on a Thin Plate: Penetrator Splitting and Adiabatic Shear

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

nonideal penetrator on a thin plate at high obliquities. These computations simulated two series of experiments at velocities of 1.5 km/ s and 4.1 km/ s ...3 2. Combined Effects of Obliquity, 0, and Rotation, 4, on Debris Cloud Evolution at 4.1 km/ s and 26 p s ; Impact Velocity Vector Lies in x-z Plane...7 3. Time History of the Penetrator Mass Fraction Exiting the Bottom of the Target at 4.1 km / s

Pattern Formation in Complex Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shelley, Michael

2000-03-01

Classical fluid instabilities -- such as the Saffman-Taylor instability in a Hele-Shaw cell -- are dramatically modified by using complex fluids. For example, polymeric liquids driven in a Hele-Shaw cell yield "dendritic" patterns with an apparent directional anisotropy. The dynamics of complex liquids can also lead to new instabilities and patterns, such as space-filling patterns formed by successive bucklings of growing "elastica" seen in the phase transition of a liquid crystalline material. Understanding such problems requires an interplay between physical modeling, mathematical analysis, and sophisticated nonlinear simulation. For the first problem, I will discuss a non-Newtonian version of Darcy's law for Hele-Shaw flow. This yields a free-boundary problem for the pattern formation, and requires the solution of a nonlinear elliptic equation in a time-dependent domain. This is pushing the development of adaptive grid methods that represent the geometry accurately and efficiently. Our simulations yield insight into how shear-thinning, as is evinced by polymeric liquids, can produce patterns reminiscent of experiment, with "dendritic fingers", side-branching, and reduced tip-splitting. In the second problem, a long filament in a smectic-A phase grows within an isotropic fluid. The splay deformation of the material gives this filament an elastic response. The macroscopic model describes the dynamics of a growing, elastic filament immersed in a Stokesian fluid. The model marries filament elasticity and tensile forces with a numerically tractable nonlocal slender-body theory. Analysis shows that growth of the filament, despite fluid drag, produces a buckling instability. When coupled to a nonlocal hydrodynamic self-interaction, our fully nonlinear simulations show that such instabilities iterate along the filament, and give "space-filling" patterns.

Respiratory fluid mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grotberg, James B.

2011-02-01

This article covers several aspects of respiratory fluid mechanics that have been actively investigated by our group over the years. For the most part, the topics involve two-phase flows in the respiratory system with applications to normal and diseased lungs, as well as therapeutic interventions. Specifically, the topics include liquid plug flow in airways and at airway bifurcations as it relates to surfactant, drug, gene, or stem cell delivery into the lung; liquid plug rupture and its damaging effects on underlying airway epithelial cells as well as a source of crackling sounds in the lung; airway closure from "capillary-elastic instabilities," as well as nonlinear stabilization from oscillatory core flow which we call the "oscillating butter knife;" liquid film, and surfactant dynamics in an oscillating alveolus and the steady streaming, and surfactant spreading on thin viscous films including our discovery of the Grotberg-Borgas-Gaver shock.

Modeling the hydrodynamics of Phloem sieve plates.

PubMed

Jensen, Kaare Hartvig; Mullendore, Daniel Leroy; Holbrook, Noel Michele; Bohr, Tomas; Knoblauch, Michael; Bruus, Henrik

2012-01-01

Sieve plates have an enormous impact on the efficiency of the phloem vascular system of plants, responsible for the distribution of photosynthetic products. These thin plates, which separate neighboring phloem cells, are perforated by a large number of tiny sieve pores and are believed to play a crucial role in protecting the phloem sap from intruding animals by blocking flow when the phloem cell is damaged. The resistance to the flow of viscous sap in the phloem vascular system is strongly affected by the presence of the sieve plates, but the hydrodynamics of the flow through them remains poorly understood. We propose a theoretical model for quantifying the effect of sieve plates on the phloem in the plant, thus unifying and improving previous work in the field. Numerical simulations of the flow in real and idealized phloem channels verify our model, and anatomical data from 19 plant species are investigated. We find that the sieve plate resistance is correlated to the cell lumen resistance, and that the sieve plate and the lumen contribute almost equally to the total hydraulic resistance of the phloem translocation pathway.

Modeling the Hydrodynamics of Phloem Sieve Plates

PubMed Central

Jensen, Kaare Hartvig; Mullendore, Daniel Leroy; Holbrook, Noel Michele; Bohr, Tomas; Knoblauch, Michael; Bruus, Henrik

2012-01-01

Sieve plates have an enormous impact on the efficiency of the phloem vascular system of plants, responsible for the distribution of photosynthetic products. These thin plates, which separate neighboring phloem cells, are perforated by a large number of tiny sieve pores and are believed to play a crucial role in protecting the phloem sap from intruding animals by blocking flow when the phloem cell is damaged. The resistance to the flow of viscous sap in the phloem vascular system is strongly affected by the presence of the sieve plates, but the hydrodynamics of the flow through them remains poorly understood. We propose a theoretical model for quantifying the effect of sieve plates on the phloem in the plant, thus unifying and improving previous work in the field. Numerical simulations of the flow in real and idealized phloem channels verify our model, and anatomical data from 19 plant species are investigated. We find that the sieve plate resistance is correlated to the cell lumen resistance, and that the sieve plate and the lumen contribute almost equally to the total hydraulic resistance of the phloem translocation pathway. PMID:22811681

Tetrahedral Finite-Volume Solutions to the Navier-Stokes Equations on Complex Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frink, Neal T.; Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.

1998-01-01

A review of the algorithmic features and capabilities of the unstructured-grid flow solver USM3Dns is presented. This code, along with the tetrahedral grid generator, VGRIDns, is being extensively used throughout the U.S. for solving the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations on complex aerodynamic problems. Spatial discretization is accomplished by a tetrahedral cell-centered finite-volume formulation using Roe's upwind flux difference splitting. The fluxes are limited by either a Superbee or MinMod limiter. Solution reconstruction within the tetrahedral cells is accomplished with a simple, but novel, multidimensional analytical formula. Time is advanced by an implicit backward-Euler time-stepping scheme. Flow turbulence effects are modeled by the Spalart-Allmaras one-equation model, which is coupled with a wall function to reduce the number of cells in the near-wall region of the boundary layer. The issues of accuracy and robustness of USM3Dns Navier-Stokes capabilities are addressed for a flat-plate boundary layer, and a full F-16 aircraft with external stores at transonic speed.

Noncontact viscoelastic measurement of polymer thin films in a liquid medium using a long-needle AFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Dongshi; Barraud, Chloe; Charlaix, Elisabeth; Tong, Penger

We report noncontact measurement of the viscoelastic property of polymer thin films in a liquid medium using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) with a newly developed long-needle probe. The probe contains a long vertical glass fiber with one end adhered to a cantilever beam and the other end with a sharp tip placed near the liquid-film interface. The nanoscale flow generated by the resonant oscillation of the needle tip provides a precise hydrodynamic force acting on the soft surface of the thin film. By accurately measuring the mechanical response of the thin film, we obtain the elastic and loss moduli of the thin film using the linear response theory of elasto-hydrodynamics. The experiment verifies the theory and demonstrates its applications. The technique can be used to accurately measure the viscoelastic property of soft surfaces, such as those made of polymers, nano-bubbles, live cells and tissues. This work was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong SAR.

Application of a flux-split algorithm to chemically relaxing, hypervelocity blunt-body flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balakrishnan, A.

1987-01-01

Viscous, nonequilibrium, hypervelocity flow fields over two axisymmetric configurations are numerically simulated using a factored, implicit, flux-split algorithm. The governing gas-dynamic and species-continuity equations for laminar flow are presented. The gas-dynamics/nonequilibrium-chemistry coupling procedure is developed as part of the solution procedure and is described in detail. Numerical solutions are presented for hypervelocity flows over a hemisphere and over an axisymmetric aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicle using three different chemistry models. The gas models considered are those for an ideal gas, for a frozen gas, and for chemically relaxing air consisting of five species. The calculated results are compared with existing numerical solutions in the literature along the stagnation line of the hemisphere. The effects of free-stream Reynolds number on the nonequilibrium flow field are discussed.

Hybrid bio-photo-electro-chemical cells for solar water splitting

PubMed Central

Pinhassi, Roy I.; Kallmann, Dan; Saper, Gadiel; Dotan, Hen; Linkov, Artyom; Kay, Asaf; Liveanu, Varda; Schuster, Gadi; Adir, Noam; Rothschild, Avner

2016-01-01

Photoelectrochemical water splitting uses solar power to decompose water to hydrogen and oxygen. Here we show how the photocatalytic activity of thylakoid membranes leads to overall water splitting in a bio-photo-electro-chemical (BPEC) cell via a simple process. Thylakoids extracted from spinach are introduced into a BPEC cell containing buffer solution with ferricyanide. Upon solar-simulated illumination, water oxidation takes place and electrons are shuttled by the ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple from the thylakoids to a transparent electrode serving as the anode, yielding a photocurrent density of 0.5 mA cm−2. Hydrogen evolution occurs at the cathode at a bias as low as 0.8 V. A tandem cell comprising the BPEC cell and a Si photovoltaic module achieves overall water splitting with solar to hydrogen efficiency of 0.3%. These results demonstrate the promise of combining natural photosynthetic membranes and man-made photovoltaic cells in order to convert solar power into hydrogen fuel. PMID:27550091

Hybrid bio-photo-electro-chemical cells for solar water splitting.

PubMed

Pinhassi, Roy I; Kallmann, Dan; Saper, Gadiel; Dotan, Hen; Linkov, Artyom; Kay, Asaf; Liveanu, Varda; Schuster, Gadi; Adir, Noam; Rothschild, Avner

2016-08-23

Photoelectrochemical water splitting uses solar power to decompose water to hydrogen and oxygen. Here we show how the photocatalytic activity of thylakoid membranes leads to overall water splitting in a bio-photo-electro-chemical (BPEC) cell via a simple process. Thylakoids extracted from spinach are introduced into a BPEC cell containing buffer solution with ferricyanide. Upon solar-simulated illumination, water oxidation takes place and electrons are shuttled by the ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple from the thylakoids to a transparent electrode serving as the anode, yielding a photocurrent density of 0.5 mA cm(-2). Hydrogen evolution occurs at the cathode at a bias as low as 0.8 V. A tandem cell comprising the BPEC cell and a Si photovoltaic module achieves overall water splitting with solar to hydrogen efficiency of 0.3%. These results demonstrate the promise of combining natural photosynthetic membranes and man-made photovoltaic cells in order to convert solar power into hydrogen fuel.

Droplet breakup driven by shear thinning solutions in a microfluidic T-junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiarello, Enrico; Gupta, Anupam; Mistura, Giampaolo; Sbragaglia, Mauro; Pierno, Matteo

2017-12-01

Droplet-based microfluidics turned out to be an efficient and adjustable platform for digital analysis, encapsulation of cells, drug formulation, and polymerase chain reaction. Typically, for most biomedical applications, the handling of complex, non-Newtonian fluids is involved, e.g., synovial and salivary fluids, collagen, and gel scaffolds. In this study, we investigate the problem of droplet formation occurring in a microfluidic T-shaped junction, when the continuous phase is made of shear thinning liquids. At first, we review in detail the breakup process, providing extensive, side-by-side comparisons between Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids over unexplored ranges of flow conditions and viscous responses. The non-Newtonian liquid carrying the droplets is made of Xanthan solutions, a stiff, rodlike polysaccharide displaying a marked shear thinning rheology. By defining an effective Capillary number, a simple yet effective methodology is used to account for the shear-dependent viscous response occurring at the breakup. The droplet size can be predicted over a wide range of flow conditions simply by knowing the rheology of the bulk continuous phase. Experimental results are complemented with numerical simulations of purely shear thinning fluids using lattice Boltzmann models. The good agreement between the experimental and numerical data confirm the validity of the proposed rescaling with the effective Capillary number.

A High-Order Immersed Boundary Method for Acoustic Wave Scattering and Low-Mach Number Flow-Induced Sound in Complex Geometries

PubMed Central

Seo, Jung Hee; Mittal, Rajat

2010-01-01

A new sharp-interface immersed boundary method based approach for the computation of low-Mach number flow-induced sound around complex geometries is described. The underlying approach is based on a hydrodynamic/acoustic splitting technique where the incompressible flow is first computed using a second-order accurate immersed boundary solver. This is followed by the computation of sound using the linearized perturbed compressible equations (LPCE). The primary contribution of the current work is the development of a versatile, high-order accurate immersed boundary method for solving the LPCE in complex domains. This new method applies the boundary condition on the immersed boundary to a high-order by combining the ghost-cell approach with a weighted least-squares error method based on a high-order approximating polynomial. The method is validated for canonical acoustic wave scattering and flow-induced noise problems. Applications of this technique to relatively complex cases of practical interest are also presented. PMID:21318129

Water Splitting with Series-Connected Polymer Solar Cells.

PubMed

Esiner, Serkan; van Eersel, Harm; van Pruissen, Gijs W P; Turbiez, Mathieu; Wienk, Martijn M; Janssen, René A J

2016-10-12

We investigate light-driven electrochemical water splitting with series-connected polymer solar cells using a combined experimental and modeling approach. The expected maximum solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (η STH ) for light-driven water splitting is modeled for two, three, and four series-connected polymer solar cells. In the modeling, we assume an electrochemical water splitting potential of 1.50 V and a polymer solar cell for which the external quantum efficiency and fill factor are both 0.65. The minimum photon energy loss (E loss ), defined as the energy difference between the optical band gap (E g ) and the open-circuit voltage (V oc ), is set to 0.8 eV, which we consider a realistic value for polymer solar cells. Within these approximations, two series-connected single junction cells with E g = 1.73 eV or three series-connected cells with E g = 1.44 eV are both expected to give an η STH of 6.9%. For four series-connected cells, the maximum η STH is slightly less at 6.2% at an optimal E g = 1.33 eV. Water splitting was performed with series-connected polymer solar cells using polymers with different band gaps. PTPTIBDT-OD (E g = 1.89 eV), PTB7-Th (E g = 1.56 eV), and PDPP5T-2 (E g = 1.44 eV) were blended with [70]PCBM as absorber layer for two, three, and four series-connected configurations, respectively, and provide η STH values of 4.1, 6.1, and 4.9% when using a retroreflective foil on top of the cell to enhance light absorption. The reasons for deviations with experiments are analyzed and found to be due to differences in E g and E loss . Light-driven electrochemical water splitting was also modeled for multijunction polymer solar cells with vertically stacked photoactive layers. Under identical assumptions, an η STH of 10.0% is predicted for multijunction cells.

Grafting of burns with widely meshed autograft split skin and Langerhans cell-depressed allograft split skin overlay

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

Alsbjoern, B.F.S.; Sorensen, B.

1986-12-01

Extensively burned patients suffer from lack of sufficient autologous donor skin. Meshing and wide expansion of the obtained split skin has met the requirement to a large degree. However, the wider the expansion, the less chance of a proper take. By covering widely expanded autografts with viable cadaver split skin, the take has been improved. If the epidermal Langerhans cells in the cadaver split skin are depressed by ultraviolet B light and glucocorticosteroids before grafting, a prolonged allograft take can be achieved and the healing of the underlying autografts is ensured for an extended period. Grafting results in 6 patientsmore » with extensive burns are reported.« less

Acute hydrodynamic damage induced by SPLITT fractionation and centrifugation in red blood cells.

PubMed

Urbina, Adriana; Godoy-Silva, Ruben; Hoyos, Mauricio; Camacho, Marcela

2016-05-01

Though blood bank processing traditionally employs centrifugation, new separation techniques may be appealing for large scale processes. Split-flow fractionation (SPLITT) is a family of techniques that separates in absence of labelling and uses very low flow rates and force fields, and is therefore expected to minimize cell damage. However, the hydrodynamic stress and possible consequent damaging effects of SPLITT fractionation have not been yet examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the hydrodynamic damage of SPLITT fractionation to human red blood cells, and to compare these effects with those induced by centrifugation. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers. Samples were diluted in a buffered saline solution, and were exposed to SPLITT fractionation (flow rates 1-10 ml/min) or centrifugation (100-1500 g) for 10 min. Cell viability, shape, diameter, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and membrane potential were measured. Under the operating conditions employed, both SPLITT and centrifugation maintained cell viability above 98%, but resulted in significant sublethal damage, including echinocyte formation, decreased cell diameter, decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and membrane hyperpolarization which was inhibited by EGTA. Wall shear stress and maximum energy dissipation rate showed significant correlation with lethal and sublethal damage. Our data do not support the assumption that SPLITT fractionation induces very low shear stress and is innocuous to cell function. Some changes in SPLITT channel design are suggested to minimize cell damage. Measurement of membrane potential and cell diameter could provide a new, reliable and convenient basis for evaluation of hydrodynamic effects on different cell models, allowing identification of optimal operating conditions on different scales. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composite Thermal Switch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDonald, Robert; Brawn, Shelly; Harrison, Katherine; O'Toole, Shannon; Moeller, Michael

2011-01-01

Lithium primary and lithium ion secondary batteries provide high specific energy and energy density. The use of these batteries also helps to reduce launch weight. Both primary and secondary cells can be packaged as high-rate cells, which can present a threat to crew and equipment in the event of external or internal short circuits. Overheating of the cell interior from high current flows induced by short circuits can result in exothermic reactions in lithium primary cells and fully charged lithium ion secondary cells. Venting of the cell case, ejection of cell components, and fire have been reported in both types of cells, resulting from abuse, cell imperfections, or faulty electronic control design. A switch has been developed that consists of a thin layer of composite material made from nanoscale particles of nickel and Teflon that conducts electrons at room temperature and switches to an insulator at an elevated temperature, thus interrupting current flow to prevent thermal runaway caused by internal short circuits. The material is placed within the cell, as a thin layer incorporated within the anode and/or the cathode, to control excess currents from metal-to-metal or metal-to-carbon shorts that might result from cell crush or a manufacturing defect. The safety of high-rate cells is thus improved, preventing serious injury to personnel and sensitive equipment located near the battery. The use of recently available nanoscale particles of nickel and Teflon permits an improved, homogeneous material with the potential to be fine-tuned to a unique switch temperature, sufficiently below the onset of a catastrophic chemical reaction. The smaller particles also permit the formation of a thinner control film layer (<50 m), which can be incorporated into commercial high-rate lithium primary and secondary cells. The innovation permits incorporation in current lithium and lithium-ion cell designs with a minimal impact on cell weight and volume. The composite thermal switch (CTS(TradeMark)) coating can be incorporated in either the anode or cathode or both. The coating can be applied in a variety of different processes that permits incorporation in the cell and electrode manufacturing processes. The CTS responds quickly and halts current flow in the hottest parts of the cell first. The coating can be applied to metal foil and supplied as a cell component onto which the active electrode materials are coated.

Comparing Split and Unsplit Numerical Methods for Simulating Low and High Mach Number Turbulent Flows in Xrage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saenz, Juan; Grinstein, Fernando; Dolence, Joshua; Rauenzahn, Rick; Masser, Thomas; Francois, Marianne; LANL Team

2017-11-01

We report progress in evaluating an unsplit hydrodynamic solver being implemented in the radiation adaptive grid Eulerian (xRAGE) code, and compare to a split scheme. xRage is a Eulerian hydrodynamics code used for implicit large eddy simulations (ILES) of multi-material, multi-physics flows where low and high Mach number (Ma) processes and instabilities interact and co-exist. The hydrodynamic solver in xRAGE uses a directionally split, second order Godunov, finite volume (FV) scheme. However, a standard, unsplit, Godunov-type FV scheme with 2nd and 3rd order reconstruction options, low Ma correction and a variety of Riemann solvers has recently become available. To evaluate the hydrodynamic solvers for turbulent low Ma flows, we use simulations of the Taylor Green Vortex (TGV), where there is a transition to turbulence via vortex stretching and production of small-scale eddies. We also simulate a high-low Ma shock-tube flow, where a shock passing over a perturbed surface generates a baroclinic Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI); after the shock has passed, the turbulence in the accelerated interface region resembles Rayleigh Taylor (RT) instability. We compare turbulence spectra and decay in simulated TGV flows, and we present progress in simulating the high-low Ma RMI-RT flow. LANL is operated by LANS LLC for the U.S. DOE NNSA under Contract No. DE-AC52-06NA25396.

Phased charging and discharging in capacitive desalinatio

DOEpatents

Stadermann, Michael; Qu, Yatian; Santiago, Juan G.; Hemmatifar, Ali

2017-09-12

A system combines complete, ultra-thin cells into a monolithic and robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yields orders of magnitude faster desalination. The electrode pairs are located so that a flow of feed water flows through or around the electrode pairs with the flow perpendicular to sequentially applied electric potentials. The system is controlled to charge the series of electrode pairs sequentially or phased. That means the charging of the second electrode pair is delayed with regard to the charging of the first electrode pair and the charging of a third electrode pair is delayed with respect to the charging of the second electrode pair.

The embryologic development of the human external auditory meatus. Preliminary report.

PubMed

Nishimura, Y; Kumoi, T

1992-01-01

During the final period of embryogenesis, a funnel-shaped tube continues medially into the mesenchymal tissue forming a curved path. Although this may sound simple, the development occurring during early fetal life is in fact very complex. At first, ectodermal cells proliferate to fill the lumen of the meatus, forming the meatal plug, and then at 10 weeks the bottom of the plug extends in a disc-like fashion, so that in the horizontal plane the meatus is boot-shaped with a narrow neck and the sole of the meatal plug spreading widely to form the future tympanic membrane medially. At the same time, the plug in the proximal portion of the neck starts to be resorbed. In the 13-week fetus, the disc-like plug begins to show signs of its final destiny; the innermost surface of the plug in contact with the anlage of the malleus is ready to contribute to the formation of the tympanic membrane. In the 15-week fetus, the innermost portion of the disc-like plug splits, leaving a thin ectodermal cell layer of immature tympanic membrane. The neck of the boot forms the border between the primary and secondary meatus, and is the last part to split. In the 16.5-week fetus, the meatus is fully patent throughout its entire length, although the lumen is still narrow and curved. In the 18-week fetus, the meatus is already fully expanded to its complete form.

Spray Chemical Vapor Deposition of Single-Source Precursors for Chalcopyrite I-III-VI2 Thin-Film Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; Banger, Kulbinder K.; Jin, Michael H.-C.; Harris, Jerry D.; McNatt, Jeremiah S.; Dickman, John E.

2008-01-01

Thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified substrates provide an attractive approach to fabricating solar arrays with high mass-specific power. A polycrystalline chalcopyrite absorber layer is among the new generation of photovoltaic device technologies for thin film solar cells. At NASA Glenn Research Center we have focused on the development of new single-source precursors (SSPs) for deposition of semiconducting chalcopyrite materials onto lightweight, flexible substrates. We describe the syntheses and thermal modulation of SSPs via molecular engineering. Copper indium disulfide and related thin-film materials were deposited via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition using SSPs. Processing and post-processing parameters were varied in order to modify morphology, stoichiometry, crystallography, electrical properties, and optical properties to optimize device quality. Growth at atmospheric pressure in a horizontal hotwall reactor at 395 C yielded the best device films. Placing the susceptor closer to the evaporation zone and flowing a more precursor-rich carrier gas through the reactor yielded shinier-, smoother-, and denser-looking films. Growth of (112)-oriented films yielded more Cu-rich films with fewer secondary phases than growth of (204)/(220)-oriented films. Post-deposition sulfur-vapor annealing enhanced stoichiometry and crystallinity of the films. Photoluminescence studies revealed four major emission bands and a broad band associated with deep defects. The highest device efficiency for an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposited cell was one percent.

Analysis of progressive damage in thin circular laminates due to static-equivalent impact loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivakumar, K. N.; Elber, W.; Illg, W.

1983-01-01

Clamped circular graphite/epoxy plates (25.4, 38.1, and 50.8 mm radii) with an 8-ply quasi-isotropic layup were analyzed for static-equivalent impact loads using the minimum-total-potential-energy method and the von Karman strain-displacement equations. A step-by-step incremental transverse displacement procedure was used to calculate plate load and ply stresses. The ply failure region was calculated using the Tsai-Wu criterion. The corresponding failure modes (splitting and fiber failure) were determined using the maximum stress criteria. The first-failure mode was splitting and initiated first in the bottom ply. The splitting-failure thresholds were relatively low and tended to be lower for larger plates than for small plates. The splitting-damage region in each ply was elongated in its fiber direction; the bottom ply had the largest damage region. The calculated damage region for the 25.4-mm-radius plate agreed with limited static test results from the literature.

An acoustic-convective splitting-based approach for the Kapila two-phase flow model

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

Eikelder, M.F.P. ten, E-mail: m.f.p.teneikelder@tudelft.nl; Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven; Daude, F.

In this paper we propose a new acoustic-convective splitting-based numerical scheme for the Kapila five-equation two-phase flow model. The splitting operator decouples the acoustic waves and convective waves. The resulting two submodels are alternately numerically solved to approximate the solution of the entire model. The Lagrangian form of the acoustic submodel is numerically solved using an HLLC-type Riemann solver whereas the convective part is approximated with an upwind scheme. The result is a simple method which allows for a general equation of state. Numerical computations are performed for standard two-phase shock tube problems. A comparison is made with a non-splittingmore » approach. The results are in good agreement with reference results and exact solutions.« less

High-Order Polynomial Expansions (HOPE) for flux-vector splitting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Chris J., Jr.

1991-01-01

The Van Leer flux splitting is known to produce excessive numerical dissipation for Navier-Stokes calculations. Researchers attempt to remedy this deficiency by introducing a higher order polynomial expansion (HOPE) for the mass flux. In addition to Van Leer's splitting, a term is introduced so that the mass diffusion error vanishes at M equals 0. Several splittings for pressure are proposed and examined. The effectiveness of the HOPE scheme is illustrated for 1-D hypersonic conical viscous flow and 2-D supersonic shock-wave boundary layer interactions. Also, the authors give the weakness of the scheme and suggest areas for further investigation.

Measurement of fracture toughness by nanoindentation methods: Recent advances and future challenges

DOE PAGES

Sebastiani, Marco; Johanns, K. E.; Herbert, Erik G.; ...

2015-04-30

In this study, we describe recent advances and developments for the measurement of fracture toughness at small scales by the use of nanoindentation-based methods including techniques based on micro-cantilever beam bending and micro-pillar splitting. A critical comparison of the techniques is made by testing a selected group of bulk and thin film materials. For pillar splitting, cohesive zone finite element simulations are used to validate a simple relationship between the critical load at failure, the pillar radius, and the fracture toughness for a range of material properties and coating/substrate combinations. The minimum pillar diameter required for nucleation and growth ofmore » a crack during indentation is also estimated. An analysis of pillar splitting for a film on a dissimilar substrate material shows that the critical load for splitting is relatively insensitive to the substrate compliance for a large range of material properties. Experimental results from a selected group of materials show good agreement between single cantilever and pillar splitting methods, while a discrepancy of ~25% is found between the pillar splitting technique and double-cantilever testing. It is concluded that both the micro-cantilever and pillar splitting techniques are valuable methods for micro-scale assessment of fracture toughness of brittle ceramics, provided the underlying assumptions can be validated. Although the pillar splitting method has some advantages because of the simplicity of sample preparation and testing, it is not applicable to most metals because their higher toughness prevents splitting, and in this case, micro-cantilever bend testing is preferred.« less

Overall Water Splitting with Room-Temperature Synthesized NiFe Oxyfluoride Nanoporous Films

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

Liang, Kun; Guo, Limin; Marcus, Kyle

Freestanding and lightweight thin-films were rationally designed to serve as robust electrodes for renewable energy applications. A facile and scalable nanomanufacturing process was developed to fabricate these transformative thin-film electrodes (iron group mixed oxides) that exhibit a nanoporous structure and controllable composition. More specifically, electrodeposition and anodic treatments were employed to produce freestanding and lightweight metal oxides nanoporous layers (NPL). These NPL can be directly used as flexible and additive-free electrodes for renewable energy generation (water splitting) and storage (supercapacitor) applications without requiring binders and current collector and other additives. Significantly enhanced electrochemical performance was achieved due to the uniquemore » merits of the NPL: i) highly porous structure considerably increases the electrode/electrolyte interface, which facilitate electrochemical reactions; ii) NPL substantially increase the number of active sites that are favorable in electrochemical reactions; iii) residual metal network within the NPL forms a conductive framework, drastically improving electrode strength, flexibility and conductivity.« less

Lubricated immersed boundary method in two dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fai, Thomas G.; Rycroft, Chris H.

2018-03-01

Many biological examples of fluid-structure interaction, including the transit of red blood cells through the narrow slits in the spleen and the intracellular trafficking of vesicles into dendritic spines, involve the near-contact of elastic structures separated by thin layers of fluid. Motivated by such problems, we introduce an immersed boundary method that uses elements of lubrication theory to resolve thin fluid layers between immersed boundaries. We demonstrate 2nd-order accurate convergence for simple two-dimensional flows with known exact solutions to showcase the increased accuracy of this method compared to the standard immersed boundary method. Motivated by the phenomenon of wall-induced migration, we apply the lubricated immersed boundary method to simulate an elastic vesicle near a wall in shear flow. We also simulate the dynamics of a vesicle traveling through a narrow channel and observe the ability of the lubricated method to capture the vesicle motion on relatively coarse fluid grids.

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

Stuckelberger, Michael; Nietzold, Tara; Hall, Genevieve N.

Unveiling the correlation between elemental composition, Fermi-level splitting, and charge collection in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) when exposed to different environments is crucial to understanding the origin of defects. This will enable defect engineering to achieve high-performance and long-lasting PSCs. Here, in this paper, we measured, for the first time, the spatial distribution and charge-collection efficiency at the nanoscale by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray beam-induced current (XBIC) with subgrain resolution, and we observe a correlation between Pb/I ratio and charge-collection efficiency. In contrast with other thin-film solar cells, PSCs are highly sensitive to ambient conditions (atmosphere and illumination).more » As the XRF and XBIC measurements were conducted in vacuum under an X-ray source illumination, the impact of measurement conditions on the cells needs to be taken into account. Furthermore, necessary conditions for quantification of XRF/XBIC measurements, such as film homogeneity, are not fulfilled in the case of PSCs. Finally, we will discuss fundamentals of XRF/XBIC measurements of PSCs that will enable reliable, quantitative, high-resolution measurements of elemental distribution and charge collection.« less

Strain-induced nanostructure of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 on SrTiO3 epitaxial thin films with low PbTiO3 concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiguchi, Takanori; Fan, Cangyu; Shiraishi, Takahisa; Konno, Toyohiko J.

2017-10-01

The singularity of the structure in (1 - x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-xPT) (x = 0-50 mol %) epitaxial thin films of 100 nm thickness was investigated from the viewpoint of the localized residual strain in the nanoscale. The films were deposited on SrTiO3 (STO) (001) single-crystal substrates by chemical solution deposition (CSD) using metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) solutions. X-ray and electron diffraction patterns revealed that PMN-xPT thin films included a single phase of the perovskite-type structure with the cube-on-cube orientation relationship between PMN-xPT and STO: (001)Film ∥ (001)Sub, [100]Film ∥ [100]Sub. X-ray reciprocal space maps showed an in-plane tensile strain in all the compositional ranges considered. Unit cells in the films were strained from the rhombohedral (pseudocubic) (R) phase to a lower symmetry crystal system, the monoclinic (MB) phase. The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) that split the R and tetragonal (T) phases was observed at x = 30-35 for bulk crystals of PMN-xPT, whereas the strain suppressed the transformation from the R phase to the T phase in the films up to x = 50. High-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) analysis and its related local strain analysis revealed that all of the films have a bilayer morphology. The nanoscale strained layer formed only above the film/substrate semi-coherent interface. The misfit dislocations generated the localized and periodic strain fields deformed the unit cells between the dislocation cores from the R to an another type of the monoclinic (MA) phase. Thus, the singular and localized residual strains in the PMN-xPT/STO (001) epitaxial thin films affect the phase stability around the MPB composition and result in the MPB shift phenomena.

Nanostructured tungsten trioxide thin films synthesized for photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation: a review.

PubMed

Zhu, Tao; Chong, Meng Nan; Chan, Eng Seng

2014-11-01

The recent developments of nanostructured WO3 thin films synthesized through the electrochemical route of electrochemical anodization and cathodic electrodeposition for the application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting are reviewed. The key fundamental reaction mechanisms of electrochemical anodization and cathodic electrodeposition methods for synthesizing nanostructured WO3 thin films are explained. In addition, the effects of metal oxide precursors, electrode substrates, applied potentials and current densities, and annealing temperatures on size, composition, and thickness of the electrochemically synthesized nanostructured WO3 thin films are elucidated in detail. Finally, a summary is given for the general evaluation practices used to calculate the energy conversion efficiency of nanostructured WO3 thin films and a recommendation is provided to standardize the presentation of research results in the field to allow for easy comparison of reported PEC efficiencies in the near future. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Euler flow predictions for an oscillating cascade using a high resolution wave-split scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Dennis L.; Swafford, Timothy W.; Reddy, T. S. R.

1991-01-01

A compressible flow code that can predict the nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics associated with transonic flows over oscillating cascades is developed and validated. The code solves the two dimensional, unsteady Euler equations using a time-marching, flux-difference splitting scheme. The unsteady pressures and forces can be determined for arbitrary input motions, although only harmonic pitching and plunging motions are addressed. The code solves the flow equations on a H-grid which is allowed to deform with the airfoil motion. Predictions are presented for both flat plate cascades and loaded airfoil cascades. Results are compared to flat plate theory and experimental data. Predictions are also presented for several oscillating cascades with strong normal shocks where the pitching amplitudes, cascade geometry and interblade phase angles are varied to investigate nonlinear behavior.

Validation of 31 of the most commonly used immunohistochemical antibodies in cytology prepared using the Cellient(®) automated cell block system.

PubMed

Montgomery, Eric; Gao, Chen; de Luca, Julie; Bower, Jessie; Attwood, Kristropher; Ylagan, Lourdes

2014-12-01

The Cellient(®) cell block system has become available as an alternative, partially automated method to create cell blocks in cytology. We sought to show a validation method for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on the Cellient cell block system (CCB) in comparison with the formalin fixed paraffin embedded traditional cell block (TCB). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using 31 antibodies on 38 patient samples for a total of 326 slides. Split samples were processed using both methods by following the Cellient(®) manufacturer's recommendations for the Cellient cell block (CCB) and the Histogel method for preparing the traditional cell block (TCB). Interpretation was performed by three pathologists and two cytotechnologists. Immunohistochemical stains were scored as: 0/1+ (negative) and 2/3+ (positive). Inter-rater agreement for each antibody was evaluated for CCB and TCB, as well as the intra-rater agreement between TCB and CCB between observers. Interobserver staining concordance for the TCB was obtained with statistical significance (P < 0.05) in 24 of 31 antibodies. Interobserver staining concordance for the CCB was obtained with statistical significance in 27 of 31 antibodies. Intra-observer staining concordance between TCB and CCB was obtained with statistical significance in 24 of 31 antibodies tested. In conclusions, immunohistochemical stains on cytologic specimens processed by the Cellient system are reliable and concordant with stains performed on the same split samples processed via a formalin fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) block. The Cellient system is a welcome adjunct to cytology work-flow by producing cell block material of sufficient quality to allow the use of routine IHC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Investigation in the Langley 19-foot Pressure Tunnel of Two Wings of NACA 65-210 and 64-210 Airfoil Sections with Various Type Flaps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sivells, James C; Spooner, Stanley H

1949-01-01

Report presents the results of an investigation conducted in the Langley 19-foot pressure tunnel to determine the maximum lift and stalling characteristics of two thin wings equipped with several types of flaps. Split, single slotted, and double slotted flaps were tested on one wing which had NACA 65-210 airfoil sections and split and double slotted flaps were tested on the other, which had NACA 64-210 airfoil sections. Both wings were zero sweep, an aspect ratio of 9, and a taper ratio of 0.4.

Crystalline sulfur dioxide: Crystal field splittings, absolute band intensities and complex refractive indices derived from infrared spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khanna, R. K.; Zhao, Guizhi

1986-01-01

The infrared absorption spectra of thin crystalline films of sulfur dioxide at 90 K are reported in the 2700 to 450/cm region. The observed multiplicity of the spectral features in the regions of fundamentals is attributed to factor group splittings of the modes in a biaxial crystal lattice and the naturally present minor S-34, S-36, and O-18 isotopic species. Complex refractive indices determined by an iterative Kramers-Kronig analysis of the extinction data, and absolute band strengths derived from them, are also reported in this region.

Electrochemical Atomic Layer Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-25

small parastaltic pumps were used. The solution reservoirs were made with Pyrex glass bottles and Teflon valves. The design of the flow-cell (FIG. 1...cells were used, as well (6). These electrodes consist of an Au rod set in a fitted glass cavity. The glass walls were designed to be on the order of...0.001" from the Au rod. Two pin holes were ground into the bottom of the glass in order for the solution to be flushed in and out of the thin-layer

Thermal management of liquid direct cooled split disk laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Huomu; Feng, Guoying; Zhou, Shouhuan

2015-02-01

The thermal effects of a liquid direct cooled split disk laser are modeled and analytically solved. The analytical solutions with the consideration of longitudinal cooling liquid temperature rise have been given to describe the temperature distribution in the split disk and cooling liquid based on the hydrodynamics and heat transfer. The influence of cooling liquid, liquid flowing velocity, thickness of cooling channel and of disk gain medium can also be got from the analytical solutions.

A detailed analysis of inviscid flux splitting algorithms for real gases with equilibrium or finite-rate chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuen, Jian-Shun; Liou, Meng-Sing; Van Leer, Bram

1989-01-01

The extension of the known flux-vector and flux-difference splittings to real gases via rigorous mathematical procedures is demonstrated. Formulations of both equilibrium and finite-rate chemistry for real-gas flows are described, with emphasis on derivations of finite-rate chemistry. Split-flux formulas from other authors are examined. A second-order upwind-based TVD scheme is adopted to eliminate oscillations and to obtain a sharp representation of discontinuities.

The fluid dynamics of the chocolate fountain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Adam K.; Wilson, Helen J.

2016-01-01

We consider the fluid dynamics of the chocolate fountain. Molten chocolate is a mildly shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluid. Dividing the flow into three main domains—the pumped flow up the centre, the film flow over each dome, and the freely falling curtain flow between the domes—we generate a wide-ranging study of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. The central pumped flow is a benchmark to elucidate the effects of shear-thinning. The dome flow can be modelled as a thin-film flow with the leading-order effects being a simple balance of gravity and viscosity. Finally, the curtain flow is analytically intractable but is related to the existing theory of water bells (both inviscid and viscous). In pipe flow, Newtonian fluids exhibit a parabolic velocity profile; shear-thinning makes the profile more blunted. In thin-film flow over the dome, gravitational and viscous effects balance and the dome shape is not important beyond the local slope. We find that the chocolate thins and slows down as it travels down the dome. Finally, in the curtain flow, we predict the shape of the falling sheet for an inviscid fluid, and compare this with the literature to predict the shape for a viscous fluid, having shown that viscous forces are too great to ignore. We also find that the primary effect driving the shape of the curtain (which falls inwards towards the axis of the fountain) is surface tension. We find that the three domains provide excellent introductions to non-Newtonian mechanics, the important mathematical technique of scaling, and how to manipulate existing data to make our own predictions. We also find that the topic generates interest among the public in our engagement work.

An improved flux-split algorithm applied to hypersonic flows in chemical equilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Grant

1988-01-01

An explicit, finite-difference, shock-capturing numerical algorithm is presented and applied to hypersonic flows assumed to be in thermochemical equilibrium. Real-gas chemistry is either loosely coupled to the gasdynamics by way of a Gibbs free energy minimization package or fully coupled using species mass conservation equations with finite-rate chemical reactions. A scheme is developed that maintains stability in the explicit, finite-rate formulation while allowing relatively high time steps. The codes use flux vector splitting to difference the inviscid fluxes and employ real-gas corrections to viscosity and thermal conductivity. Numerical results are compared against existing ballistic range and flight data. Flows about complex geometries are also computed.

Fully-coupled analysis of jet mixing problems. Part 1. Shock-capturing model, SCIPVIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dash, S. M.; Wolf, D. E.

1984-01-01

A computational model, SCIPVIS, is described which predicts the multiple cell shock structure in imperfectly expanded, turbulent, axisymmetric jets. The model spatially integrates the parabolized Navier-Stokes jet mixing equations using a shock-capturing approach in supersonic flow regions and a pressure-split approximation in subsonic flow regions. The regions are coupled using a viscous-characteristic procedure. Turbulence processes are represented via the solution of compressibility-corrected two-equation turbulence models. The formation of Mach discs in the jet and the interactive analysis of the wake-like mixing process occurring behind Mach discs is handled in a rigorous manner. Calculations are presented exhibiting the fundamental interactive processes occurring in supersonic jets and the model is assessed via comparisons with detailed laboratory data for a variety of under- and overexpanded jets.

A dimensionally split Cartesian cut cell method for hyperbolic conservation laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gokhale, Nandan; Nikiforakis, Nikos; Klein, Rupert

2018-07-01

We present a dimensionally split method for solving hyperbolic conservation laws on Cartesian cut cell meshes. The approach combines local geometric and wave speed information to determine a novel stabilised cut cell flux, and we provide a full description of its three-dimensional implementation in the dimensionally split framework of Klein et al. [1]. The convergence and stability of the method are proved for the one-dimensional linear advection equation, while its multi-dimensional numerical performance is investigated through the computation of solutions to a number of test problems for the linear advection and Euler equations. When compared to the cut cell flux of Klein et al., it was found that the new flux alleviates the problem of oscillatory boundary solutions produced by the former at higher Courant numbers, and also enables the computation of more accurate solutions near stagnation points. Being dimensionally split, the method is simple to implement and extends readily to multiple dimensions.

Stacked thin layers of metaphase chromatin explain the geometry of chromosome rearrangements and banding.

PubMed

Daban, Joan-Ramon

2015-10-08

The three-dimensional organization of tightly condensed chromatin within metaphase chromosomes has been one of the most challenging problems in structural biology since the discovery of the nucleosome. This study shows that chromosome images obtained from typical banded karyotypes and from different multicolour cytogenetic analyses can be used to gain information about the internal structure of chromosomes. Chromatin bands and the connection surfaces in sister chromatid exchanges and in cancer translocations are planar and orthogonal to the chromosome axis. Chromosome stretching produces band splitting and even the thinnest bands are orthogonal and well defined, indicating that short stretches of DNA can occupy completely the chromosome cross-section. These observations impose strong physical constraints on models that attempt to explain chromatin folding in chromosomes. The thin-plate model, which consists of many stacked layers of planar chromatin perpendicular to the chromosome axis, is compatible with the observed orientation of bands, with the existence of thin bands, and with band splitting; it is also compatible with the orthogonal orientation and planar geometry of the connection surfaces in chromosome rearrangements. The results obtained provide a consistent interpretation of the chromosome structural properties that are used in clinical cytogenetics for the diagnosis of hereditary diseases and cancers.

Fabrication and improved photoelectrochemical properties of a transferred GaN-based thin film with InGaN/GaN layers.

PubMed

Cao, Dezhong; Xiao, Hongdi; Gao, Qingxue; Yang, Xiaokun; Luan, Caina; Mao, Hongzhi; Liu, Jianqiang; Liu, Xiangdong

2017-08-17

Herein, a lift-off mesoporous GaN-based thin film, which consisted of a strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer and an n-GaN layer, was fabricated via an electrochemical etching method in a hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution for the first time and then transferred onto quartz or n-Si substrates, acting as photoanodes during photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting in a 1 M NaCl aqueous solution. Compared to the as-grown GaN-based film, the transferred GaN-based thin films possess higher and blue-shifted light emission, presumably resulting from an increase in the surface area and stress relaxation in the InGaN/GaN layer embedded on the mesoporous n-GaN. The properties such as (i) high photoconversion efficiency, (ii) low turn-on voltage (-0.79 V versus Ag/AgCl), and (iii) outstanding stability enable the transferred films to have excellent PEC water splitting ability. Furthermore, as compared to the film transferred onto the quartz substrate, the film transferred onto the n-Si substrate exhibits higher photoconversion efficiency (2.99% at -0.10 V) due to holes (h + ) in the mesoporous n-GaN layer that originate from the n-Si substrate.

On the Origins of Vortex Shedding in Two-dimensional Incompressible Flows

PubMed Central

Boghosian, M. E.; Cassel, K. W.

2016-01-01

An exegesis of a novel mechanism leading to vortex splitting and subsequent shedding that is valid for two-dimensional incompressible, inviscid or viscous, and external or internal or wall-bounded flows, is detailed in this research. The mechanism, termed the Vortex-Shedding Mechanism (VSM), is simple and intuitive, requiring only two coincident conditions in the flow: (1) the existence of a location with zero momentum and (2) the presence of a net force having a positive divergence. Numerical solutions of several model problems illustrate causality of the VSM. Moreover, the VSM criteria is proved to be a necessary and sufficient condition for a vortex splitting event in any two-dimensional, incompressible flow. The VSM is shown to exist in several canonical problems including the external flow past a circular cylinder. Suppression of the von Kármán vortex street is demonstrated for Reynolds numbers of 100 and 400 by mitigating the VSM. PMID:27795617

On the Origins of Vortex Shedding in Two-dimensional Incompressible Flows.

PubMed

Boghosian, M E; Cassel, K W

2016-12-01

An exegesis of a novel mechanism leading to vortex splitting and subsequent shedding that is valid for two-dimensional incompressible, inviscid or viscous, and external or internal or wall-bounded flows, is detailed in this research. The mechanism, termed the Vortex-Shedding Mechanism (VSM), is simple and intuitive, requiring only two coincident conditions in the flow: (1) the existence of a location with zero momentum and (2) the presence of a net force having a positive divergence. Numerical solutions of several model problems illustrate causality of the VSM. Moreover, the VSM criteria is proved to be a necessary and sufficient condition for a vortex splitting event in any two-dimensional, incompressible flow. The VSM is shown to exist in several canonical problems including the external flow past a circular cylinder. Suppression of the von Kármán vortex street is demonstrated for Reynolds numbers of 100 and 400 by mitigating the VSM.

Imaging Canary Island hotspot material beneath the lithosphere of Morocco and southern Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Meghan S.; O'Driscoll, Leland J.; Butcher, Amber J.; Thomas, Christine

2015-12-01

The westernmost Mediterranean has developed into its present day tectonic configuration as a result of complex interactions between late stage subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean, continental collision of Africa and Eurasia, and the Canary Island mantle plume. This study utilizes S receiver functions (SRFs) from over 360 broadband seismic stations to seismically image the lithosphere and uppermost mantle from southern Spain through Morocco and the Canary Islands. The lithospheric thickness ranges from ∼65 km beneath the Atlas Mountains and the active volcanic islands to over ∼210 km beneath the cratonic lithosphere in southern Morocco. The common conversion point (CCP) volume of the SRFs indicates that thinned lithosphere extends from beneath the Canary Islands offshore southwestern Morocco, to beneath the continental lithosphere of the Atlas Mountains, and then thickens abruptly at the West African craton. Beneath thin lithosphere between the Canary hot spot and southern Spain, including below the Atlas Mountains and the Alboran Sea, there are distinct pockets of low velocity material, as inferred from high amplitude positive, sub-lithospheric conversions in the SRFs. These regions of low seismic velocity at the base of the lithosphere extend beneath the areas of Pliocene-Quaternary magmatism, which has been linked to a Canary hotspot source via geochemical signatures. However, we find that this volume of low velocity material is discontinuous along strike and occurs only in areas of recent volcanism and where asthenospheric mantle flow is identified with shear wave splitting analyses. We propose that the low velocity structure beneath the lithosphere is material flowing sub-horizontally northeastwards beneath Morocco from the tilted Canary Island plume, and the small, localized volcanoes are the result of small-scale upwellings from this material.

Optical and microwave dielectric properties of pulsed laser deposited Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3} thin film

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

Joseph, Andrews; Goud, J. Pundareekam; Raju, K. C. James

2016-05-23

Optical properties of pulsed laser deposited (PLD) sodium bismuth titanate thin films (NBT), are investigated at wavelengths of 190-2500 nm. Microwave dielectric properties were investigated using the Split Post Dielectric Resonator (SPDR) technique. At 10 GHz, the NBT films have a dielectric constant of 205 and loss tangent of 0.0373 at room temperature. The optical spectra analysis reveals that NBT thin films have an optical band gap E{sub g}=3.55 eV and it has a dielectric constant of 3.37 at 1000 nm with dielectric loss of 0.299. Hence, NBT is a promising candidate for photonic device applications.

Dual-Input AND Gate From Single-Channel Thin-Film FET

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, F. A.; Pinto, N. J.; Perez, R.; Mueller, C. H.

2008-01-01

A regio-regular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (RRP3HT) thin-film transistor having a split-gate architecture has been fabricated on a doped silicon/silicon nitride substrate and characterized. RRP3HT is a semiconducting polymer that has a carrier mobility and on/off ratio when used in a field effect transistor (FET) configuration. This commercially available polymer is very soluble in common organic solvents and is easily processed to form uniform thin films. The most important polymer-based device fabricated and studied is the FET, since it forms the building block in logic circuits and switches for active matrix (light-emitting-diode) (LED) displays, smart cards, and radio frequency identification (RFID) cards.

Colored ultra-thin hybrid photovoltaics with high quantum efficiency for decorative PV applications (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, L. Jay

2015-10-01

This talk will describe an approach to create architecturally compatible and decorative thin-film-based hybrid photovoltaics [1]. Most current solar panels are fabricated via complex processes using expensive semiconductor materials, and they are rigid and heavy with a dull, black appearance. As a result of their non-aesthetic appearance and weight, they are primarily installed on rooftops to minimize their negative impact on building appearance. Recently we introduced dual-function solar cells based on ultra-thin dopant-free amorphous silicon embedded in an optical cavity that not only efficiently extract the photogenerated carriers but also display distinctive colors with the desired angle-insensitive appearances [1,2]. The angle-insensitive behavior is the result of an interesting phase cancellation effect in the optical cavity with respect to angle of light propagation [3]. In order to produce the desired optical effect, the semiconductor layer should be ultra-thin and the traditional doped layers need to be eliminated. We adopted the approach of employing charge transport/blocking layers used in organic solar cells to meet this demand. We showed that the ultra-thin (6 to 31 nm) undoped amorphous silicon/organic hybrid solar cell can transmit desired wavelength of light and that most of the absorbed photons in the undoped a-Si layer contributed to the extracted electric charges. This is because the a-Si layer thickness is smaller than the charge diffusion length, therefore the electron-hole recombination is strongly suppressed in such ultra-thin layer. Reflective colored PVs can be made in a similar fashion. Light-energy-harvesting colored signage was demonstrated. Furthermore, a cascaded photovoltaics scheme based on tunable spectrum splitting can be employed to increase power efficiency by absorbing a broader band of light energy. Our work provides a guideline for optimizing a photoactive layer thickness in high efficiency hybrid PV design, which can be adopted by other material systems as well. Based on these understandings, we have also developed colored perovskite PV by integrating an optical cavity with the perovskite semiconductors [4]. The principle and experimental results will be presented. 1. J. Y. Lee, K. T. Lee, S.Y. Seo, L. J. Guo, "Decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive colors," Sci. Rep. 4, 4192, 2014. 2. K. T. Lee, J.Y. Lee, S.-Y. Seo, and L. J. Guo, "Colored ultra-thin hybrid photovoltaics with high quantum efficiency," Light: Science and Applications, 3, e215, 2014. 3. K. T. Lee, S.-Y. Seo, J.Y. Lee, and L. J. Guo, "Ultrathin metal-semiconductor-metal resonator for angle invariant visible band transmission filters," Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 231112, (2014); and "Strong resonance effect in a lossy medium-based optical cavity for angle robust spectrum filters," Adv. Mater, 26, 6324-6328, 2014. 4. K. T. Lee, M. Fukuda, L. J. Guo, "Colored, see-through perovskite solar cells employing an optical cavity," Submitted, 2015

Fluid flows created by swimming bacteria drive self-organization in confined suspensions

PubMed Central

Lushi, Enkeleida; Wioland, Hugo; Goldstein, Raymond E.

2014-01-01

Concentrated suspensions of swimming microorganisms and other forms of active matter are known to display complex, self-organized spatiotemporal patterns on scales that are large compared with those of the individual motile units. Despite intensive experimental and theoretical study, it has remained unclear the extent to which the hydrodynamic flows generated by swimming cells, rather than purely steric interactions between them, drive the self-organization. Here we use the recent discovery of a spiral-vortex state in confined suspensions of Bacillus subtilis to study this issue in detail. Those experiments showed that if the radius of confinement in a thin cylindrical chamber is below a critical value, the suspension will spontaneously form a steady single-vortex state encircled by a counter-rotating cell boundary layer, with spiral cell orientation within the vortex. Left unclear, however, was the flagellar orientation, and hence the cell swimming direction, within the spiral vortex. Here, using a fast simulation method that captures oriented cell–cell and cell–fluid interactions in a minimal model of discrete particle systems, we predict the striking, counterintuitive result that in the presence of collectively generated fluid motion, the cells within the spiral vortex actually swim upstream against those flows. This prediction is then confirmed by the experiments reported here, which include measurements of flagella bundle orientation and cell tracking in the self-organized state. These results highlight the complex interplay between cell orientation and hydrodynamic flows in concentrated suspensions of microorganisms. PMID:24958878

Annual Progress Report Fiscal Year 1983.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-30

Phosphatidylglycerol with one- and two-dimensional high performance thin layer chromatography. 38tn SW & 6th Rocky Mountain Combined Regional Meeting, American...infected by an organism that does not nT1ake urease * . (i.e., split urea). Their urine can be chronically sterilized with culture-specific 0 oral

Phytoplankton productivity and microzooplankton grazing within planktonic thin layers in the northern Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyette, A.; Redalje, D.; Krause, J. W.; Graham, W. M.

2016-02-01

Plankton thin layers (PTLs) serve as trophic hot spots and have significant impacts on regional aquatic food webs. While much of the physical and biological dynamics associated with PTL formation, persistence, and dissipation have been examined, less is known about the variability in phytoplankton-productivity and microzooplankton-grazing rates. Thus, our overarching research objectives were to describe the trophic interactions between single-celled autrotrophic and heterotrophic eukaryotes (protists) within PTLs in the Mississippi Bight (MB). Specific objectives were to describe phytoplankton photosynthetic potential using photosynthesis-irradiance (P-E) parameters, quantify protist-grazing rates, and identify microplankton (20-200 µm) species and their particle characteristics (e.g. biovolume) using imaging flow cytometry (FlowCAM®). Although PTLs are ephemeral features, they may account for a considerable fraction of total water column primary production and contain a significant fraction of water-column integrated autotrophic biomass. The research presented here will fill information gaps in PTL dynamics, and will serve to calibrate regional ecological models that are key to our visualization of energy flows within this ecosystem.

Present mantle flow in North China Craton constrained by seismic anisotropy and numerical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, W.; Guo, Z.; Zhang, H.; Chen, Y. J.

2017-12-01

North China Carton (NCC) has undergone complicated geodynamic processes during the Cenozoic, including the westward subduction of the Pacific plate to its east and the collision of the India-Eurasia plates to its southwest. Shear wave splitting measurements in NCC reveal distinct seismic anisotropy patterns at different tectonic blocks, that is, the predominantly NW-SE trending alignment of fast directions in the western NCC and eastern NCC, weak anisotropy within the Ordos block, and N-S fast polarization beneath the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO). To better understand the origin of seismic anisotropy from SKS splitting in NCC, we obtain a high-resolution dynamic model that absorbs multi-geophysical observations and state-of-the-art numerical methods. We calculate the mantle flow using a most updated version of software ASPECT (Kronbichler et al., 2012) with high-resolution temperature and density structures from a recent 3-D thermal-chemical model by Guo et al. (2016). The thermal-chemical model is obtained by multi-observable probabilistic inversion using high-quality surface wave measurements, potential fields, topography, and surface heat flow (Guo et al., 2016). The viscosity is then estimated by combining the dislocation creep, diffusion creep, and plasticity, which is depended on temperature, pressure, and chemical composition. Then we calculate the seismic anisotropy from the shear deformation of mantle flow by DREX, and predict the fast direction and delay time of SKS splitting. We find that when complex boundary conditions are applied, including the far field effects of the deep subduction of Pacific plate and eastward escaping of Tibetan Plateau, our model can successfully predict the observed shear wave splitting patterns. Our model indicates that seismic anisotropy revealed by SKS is primarily resulting from the LPO of olivine due to the shear deformation from asthenospheric flow. We suggest that two branches of mantle flow may contribute to the observed anisotropy, that are, the westward escaping flow origins from NE Tibet Plateau and/or Mongolia, and the mantle upwelling from the bottom of upper mantle. The proposed mantle flow may also feed the intraplate volcanoes in the TNCO and intensify the erosion to the cratonic keel of Ordos.

Respiratory fluid mechanics

PubMed Central

Grotberg, James B.

2011-01-01

This article covers several aspects of respiratory fluid mechanics that have been actively investigated by our group over the years. For the most part, the topics involve two-phase flows in the respiratory system with applications to normal and diseased lungs, as well as therapeutic interventions. Specifically, the topics include liquid plug flow in airways and at airway bifurcations as it relates to surfactant, drug, gene, or stem cell delivery into the lung; liquid plug rupture and its damaging effects on underlying airway epithelial cells as well as a source of crackling sounds in the lung; airway closure from “capillary-elastic instabilities,” as well as nonlinear stabilization from oscillatory core flow which we call the “oscillating butter knife;” liquid film, and surfactant dynamics in an oscillating alveolus and the steady streaming, and surfactant spreading on thin viscous films including our discovery of the Grotberg–Borgas–Gaver shock. PMID:21403768

Water quality monitor for recovered spacecraft water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ejzak, E. M.; Price, D. F.

1985-01-01

A total organic carbon (TOC) analysis system based on ultraviolet absorption is described. The equation for measuring the intensity of the absorbed radiation of the organic substances, which is based on the Lambert-Beer law, is given; the intensity of the absorption is proportional to the concentration of the solution. The operation of the UV-Absorption analyzer, which utilizes a split beam, two wvaelength method, is studied. The influences of the cell path length and specific compounds in the solution flowing through the cell on absorbances is discussed. The performance and response of the analyzer is evaluated; good correlation is observed between the absorption value and TOC. The advantage of the UV-Absorption as compared with the UV-Oxidation are examined.

Composition-graded nanowire solar cells fabricated in a single process for spectrum-splitting photovoltaic systems.

PubMed

Caselli, Derek; Liu, Zhicheng; Shelhammer, David; Ning, Cun-Zheng

2014-10-08

Nanomaterials such as semiconductor nanowires have unique features that could enable novel optoelectronic applications such as novel solar cells. This paper aims to demonstrate one such recently proposed concept: Monolithically Integrated Laterally Arrayed Multiple Band gap (MILAMB) solar cells for spectrum-splitting photovoltaic systems. Two cells with different band gaps were fabricated simultaneously in the same process on a single substrate using spatially composition-graded CdSSe alloy nanowires grown by the Dual-Gradient Method in a chemical vapor deposition system. CdSSe nanowire ensemble devices tested under 1 sun AM1.5G illumination achieved open-circuit voltages up to 307 and 173 mV and short-circuit current densities as high as 0.091 and 0.974 mA/cm(2) for the CdS- and CdSe-rich cells, respectively. The open-circuit voltages were roughly three times those of similar CdSSe film cells fabricated for comparison due to the superior optical quality of the nanowires. I-V measurements were also performed using optical filters to simulate spectrum-splitting. The open-circuit voltages and fill factors of the CdS-rich subcells were uniformly larger than the corresponding CdSe-rich cells for similar photon flux, as expected. This suggests that if all wires can be contacted, the wide-gap cell is expected to have greater output power than the narrow-gap cell, which is the key to achieving high efficiencies with spectrum-splitting. This paper thus provides the first proof-of-concept demonstration of simultaneous fabrication of MILAMB solar cells. This approach to solar cell fabrication using single-crystal nanowires for spectrum-splitting photovoltaics could provide a future low-cost high-efficiency alternative to the conventional high-cost high-efficiency tandem cells.

Charge Collection in Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells: Relation to the Nanoscale Elemental Distribution

DOE PAGES

Stuckelberger, Michael; Nietzold, Tara; Hall, Genevieve N.; ...

2016-12-19

Unveiling the correlation between elemental composition, Fermi-level splitting, and charge collection in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) when exposed to different environments is crucial to understanding the origin of defects. This will enable defect engineering to achieve high-performance and long-lasting PSCs. Here, in this paper, we measured, for the first time, the spatial distribution and charge-collection efficiency at the nanoscale by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray beam-induced current (XBIC) with subgrain resolution, and we observe a correlation between Pb/I ratio and charge-collection efficiency. In contrast with other thin-film solar cells, PSCs are highly sensitive to ambient conditions (atmosphere and illumination).more » As the XRF and XBIC measurements were conducted in vacuum under an X-ray source illumination, the impact of measurement conditions on the cells needs to be taken into account. Furthermore, necessary conditions for quantification of XRF/XBIC measurements, such as film homogeneity, are not fulfilled in the case of PSCs. Finally, we will discuss fundamentals of XRF/XBIC measurements of PSCs that will enable reliable, quantitative, high-resolution measurements of elemental distribution and charge collection.« less

Giant Rashba splitting in 2D organic-inorganic halide perovskites measured by transient spectroscopies

DOE PAGES

Zhai, Yaxin; Baniya, Sangita; Zhang, Chuang; ...

2017-07-28

Two-dimensional (2D) layered hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite semiconductors form natural “multiple quantum wells” that have strong spin-orbit coupling due to the heavy elements in their building blocks. This may lead to “Rashba splitting” close to the extrema in the electron bands. We have used a plethora of ultrafast transient, nonlinear optical spectroscopies and theoretical calculations to study the primary (excitons) and long-lived (free carriers) photoexcitations in thin films of 2D perovskite, namely, (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4. The density functional theory calculation shows the occurrence of Rashba splitting in the plane perpendicular to the 2D barrier. Frommore » the electroabsorption spectrum and photoinduced absorption spectra from excitons and free carriers, we obtain a giant Rashba splitting in this compound, with energy splitting of (40 ± 5) meV and Rashba parameter of (1.6 ± 0.1) eV·Å, which are among the highest Rashba splitting size parameters reported so far. In conclusion, this finding shows that 2D hybrid perovskites have great promise for potential applications in spintronics.« less

Shear-wave splitting and moonquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimech, J. L.; Weber, R. C.; Savage, M. K.

2017-12-01

Shear-wave splitting is a powerful tool for measuring anisotropy in the Earth's crust and mantle, and is sensitive to geological features such as fluid filled cracks, thin alternating layers of rock with different elastic properties, and preferred mineral orientations caused by strain. Since a shear wave splitting measurement requires only a single 3-component seismic station, it has potential applications for future single-station planetary seismic missions, such as the InSight geophysical mission to Mars, as well as possible future missions to Europa and the Moon. Here we present a preliminary shear-wave splitting analysis of moonquakes detected by the Apollo Passive Seismic Experiment. Lunar seismic data suffers from several drawbacks compared to modern terrestrial data, including severe seismic scattering, low intrinsic attenuation, 10-bit data resolution, thermal spikes, and timing errors. Despite these drawbacks, we show that it is in principle possible to make a shear wave splitting measurement using the S-phase arrival of a relatively high-quality moonquake, as determined by several agreeing measurement criteria. Encouraged by this finding, we further extend our analysis to clusters of "deep moonquake" events by stacking multiple events from the same cluster together to further enhance the quality of the S-phase arrivals that the measurement is based on.

Direct detection of RNAs in living cells using peptide-inserted Renilla luciferase.

PubMed

Andou, Takashi; Endoh, Tamaki; Mie, Masayasu; Kobatake, Eiry

2011-06-21

In this study, non-engineered RNAs were detected in living cells using bioluminescence. Two types of probe were utilized: a peptide inserted RLuc (PI-RLuc) probe and a split-RNA probe. Incorporation of the PI-RLuc and split-RNA probes enabled the direct detection of RNA introduced into living cells.

An optimized surface plasmon photovoltaic structure using energy transfer between discrete nano-particles.

PubMed

Lin, Albert; Fu, Sze-Ming; Chung, Yen-Kai; Lai, Shih-Yun; Tseng, Chi-Wei

2013-01-14

Surface plasmon enhancement has been proposed as a way to achieve higher absorption for thin-film photovoltaics, where surface plasmon polariton(SPP) and localized surface plasmon (LSP) are shown to provide dense near field and far field light scattering. Here it is shown that controlled far-field light scattering can be achieved using successive coupling between surface plasmonic (SP) nano-particles. Through genetic algorithm (GA) optimization, energy transfer between discrete nano-particles (ETDNP) is identified, which enhances solar cell efficiency. The optimized energy transfer structure acts like lumped-element transmission line and can properly alter the direction of photon flow. Increased in-plane component of wavevector is thus achieved and photon path length is extended. In addition, Wood-Rayleigh anomaly, at which transmission minimum occurs, is avoided through GA optimization. Optimized energy transfer structure provides 46.95% improvement over baseline planar cell. It achieves larger angular scattering capability compared to conventional surface plasmon polariton back reflector structure and index-guided structure due to SP energy transfer through mode coupling. Via SP mediated energy transfer, an alternative way to control the light flow inside thin-film is proposed, which can be more efficient than conventional index-guided mode using total internal reflection (TIR).

The renal TRPV4 channel is essential for adaptation to increased dietary potassium

PubMed Central

Mamenko, Mykola; Boukelmoune, Nabila; Tomilin, Viktor; Zaika, Oleg; Jensen, V. Behrana; O’Neil, Roger G.; Pochynyuk, Oleh

2016-01-01

To maintain potassium homeostasis, kidneys exert flow-dependent potassium secretion to facilitate kaliuresis in response to elevated dietary potassium intake. This process involves stimulation of calcium-activated large conductance maxi-K (BK) channels in the distal nephron, namely the connecting tubule and the collecting duct. Recent evidence suggests that the TRPV4 channel is a critical determinant of flow-dependent intracellular calcium elevations in these segments of the renal tubule. Here, we demonstrate that elevated dietary potassium intake (five percent potassium) increases renal TRPV4 mRNA and protein levels in an aldosterone-dependent manner and causes redistribution of the channel to the apical plasma membrane in native collecting duct cells. This, in turn, leads to augmented TRPV4-mediated flow-dependent calcium ion responses in freshly isolated split-opened collecting ducts from mice fed the high potassium diet. Genetic TRPV4 ablation greatly diminished BK channel activity in collecting duct cells pointing to a reduced capacity to excrete potassium. Consistently, elevated potassium intake induced hyperkalemia in TRPV4 knockout mice due to deficient renal potassium excretion. Thus, regulation of TRPV4 activity in the distal nephron by dietary potassium is an indispensable component of whole body potassium balance. PMID:28187982

Emittance Measurements for a Thin Liquid Sheet Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Englehart, Amy N.; McConley, Marc W.; Chubb, Donald L.

1996-01-01

The Liquid Sheet Radiator (LSR) is an external flow radiator that uses a triangular-shaped flowing liquid sheet as the radiating surface. It has potentially much lower mass than solid wall radiators such as pumped loop and heat pipe radiators, along with being nearly immune to micrometeoroid penetration. The LSR has an added advantage of simplicity. Surface tension causes a thin (100-300 microns) liquid sheet to coalesce to a point, causing the sheet flow to have a triangular shape. Such a triangular sheet is desirable since it allows for simple collection of the flow at a single point. A major problem for all external flow radiators is the requirement that the working fluid be of very low (approx. 10(sup -8) torr) vapor pressure to keep evaporative losses low. As a result, working fluids are limited to certain oils (such as used in diffusion pumps) for low temperatures (300-400 K) and liquid metals for higher temperatures. Previous research on the LSR has been directed at understanding the fluid mechanics of thin sheet flows and assessing the stability of such flows, especially with regard to the formation of holes in the sheet. Taylor studied extensively the stability of thin liquid sheets both theoretically and experimentally. He showed that thin sheets in a vacuum are stable. The latest research has been directed at determining the emittance of thin sheet flows. The emittance was calculated from spectral transmittance data for the Dow Corning 705 silicone oil. By experimentally setting up a sheet flow, the emittance was also determined as a function of measurable quantities, most importantly, the temperature drop between the top of the sheet and the temperature at the coalescence point of the sheet. Temperature fluctuations upstream of the liquid sheet were a potential problem in the analysis and were investigated.

Design for beam splitting components employing silicon-on-insulator rib waveguide structures.

PubMed

Hsiao, C S; Wang, Likarn

2005-12-01

We present a new design for beam splitting components employing a silicon-on-insulator rib waveguide structures. In the new design, a high-index thin-film layer is deposited in the rib section to reduce the wave field dispersive tails in the slab section and accordingly render the mode field a confined spot. This in turn improves the beam splitting performance of some conventional waveguide components such as y branches and multimode interference couplers (MMICs), in terms of the excess loss, fiber coupling loss, and compactness of these components. For a 1 x 2 y-branch beam splitter, the excess loss can be as small as 0.43 dB in the new design, which is much lower than that for a conventional rib waveguide structure (which is 1.28 dB). For a 1 x 2 MMIC in our example, the new rib waveguide structure presents an excess loss of 0.064 dB for the TE mode and 0.046 dB for the TM mode, with negligible nonuniformity in dimensions of 30 microm x 1040 microm, whereas its counterpart (i.e., the one with the same dimensions but without a thin-film layer) presents an excess loss of approximately 0.86 dB for both modes. A conventional MMIC must have dimensions larger than 70 microm x 5650 microm to maintain almost the same low excess loss.

Redirection and Splitting of Sound Waves by a Periodic Chain of Thin Perforated Cylindrical Shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozhko, Andrey; Sánchez-Dehesa, José; Cervera, Francisco; Krokhin, Arkadii

2017-06-01

The scattering of sound by finite and infinite chains of equally spaced perforated metallic cylindrical shells in an ideal (inviscid) and viscous fluid is theoretically studied using rigorous analytical and numerical approaches. Because of perforations, a chain of thin shells is practically transparent for sound within a wide range of frequencies. It is shown that strong scattering and redirection of sound by 90° may occur only for a discrete set of frequencies (Wood's anomalies) where the leaky eigenmodes are excited. The spectrum of eigenmodes consists of antisymmetric and symmetric branches with normal and anomalous dispersion, respectively. The antisymmetric eigenmode turns out to be a deaf mode, since it cannot be excited at normal incidence. However, at slightly oblique incidence, both modes can be resonantly excited at different but close frequencies. The symmetric mode, due to its anomalous dispersion, scatters sound in the "wrong" direction. This property may find an application for the splitting of the two resonant harmonics of the incoming signal into two beams propagating along the chain in the opposite directions. A chain of perforated cylinders may also be used as a passive antenna that detects the direction to the incoming signal by measuring the frequencies of the waves excited in the chain. Calculations are presented for aluminum shells in viscous air where the effects of anomalous scattering, redirection, and signal splitting are well manifested.

The Investigation and Development of Low Cost Hardware Components for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells - Final Report

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

George A. Marchetti

1999-12-15

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell components, which would have a low-cost structure in mass production, were fabricated and tested. A fuel cell electrode structure, comprising a thin layer of graphite (50 microns) and a front-loaded platinum catalyst layer (600 angstroms), was shown to produce significant power densities. In addition, a PEM bipolar plate, comprising flexible graphite, carbon cloth flow-fields and an integrated polymer gasket, was fabricated. Power densities of a two-cell unit using this inexpensive bipolar plate architecture were shown to be comparable to state-of-the-art bipolar plates.

Length-scales of Slab-induced Asthenospheric Deformation from Geodynamic Modeling, Mantle Deformation Fabric, and Synthetic Shear Wave Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadamec, M. A.; MacDougall, J.; Fischer, K. M.

2017-12-01

The viscosity structure of the Earth's interior is critically important, because it places a first order constraint on plate motion and mantle flow rates. Geodynamic models using a composite viscosity based on experimentally derived flow laws for olivine aggregates show that lateral viscosity variations emerge in the upper mantle due to the subduction dynamics. However, the length-scale of this transition is still not well understood. Two-dimensional numerical models of subduction are presented that investigate the effect of initial slab dip, maximum yield stress (slab strength), and viscosity formulation (Newtonian versus composite) on the emergent lateral viscosity variations in the upper-mantle and magnitude of slab-driven mantle flow velocity. Significant viscosity reductions occur in regions of large flow velocity gradients due to the weakening effect of the dislocation creep deformation mechanism. The dynamic reductions in asthenospheric viscosity (less than 1018 Pa s) occur within approximately 500 km from driving force of the slab, with peak flow velocities occurring in models with a lower yield stress (weaker slab) and higher stress exponent. This leads to a sharper definition of the rheological base of the lithosphere and implies lateral variability in tractions along the base of the lithosphere. As the dislocation creep mechanism also leads to mantle deformation fabric, we then examine the spatial variation in the LPO development in the asthenosphere and calculate synthetic shear wave splitting. The models show that olivine LPO fabric in the asthenosphere generally increases in alignment strength with increased proximity to the slab, but can be transient and spatially variable on small length scales. The vertical flow fields surrounding the slab tip can produce shear-wave splitting variations with back-azimuth that deviate from the predictions of uniform trench-normal anisotropy, a result that bears on the interpretation of complexity in shear-wave splitting observed in real subduction zones.

Moving and adaptive grid methods for compressible flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trepanier, Jean-Yves; Camarero, Ricardo

1995-01-01

This paper describes adaptive grid methods developed specifically for compressible flow computations. The basic flow solver is a finite-volume implementation of Roe's flux difference splitting scheme or arbitrarily moving unstructured triangular meshes. The grid adaptation is performed according to geometric and flow requirements. Some results are included to illustrate the potential of the methodology.

A computer code for multiphase all-speed transient flows in complex geometries. MAST version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. P.; Jiang, Y.; Kim, Y. M.; Shang, H. M.

1991-01-01

The operation of the MAST code, which computes transient solutions to the multiphase flow equations applicable to all-speed flows, is described. Two-phase flows are formulated based on the Eulerian-Lagrange scheme in which the continuous phase is described by the Navier-Stokes equation (or Reynolds equations for turbulent flows). Dispersed phase is formulated by a Lagrangian tracking scheme. The numerical solution algorithms utilized for fluid flows is a newly developed pressure-implicit algorithm based on the operator-splitting technique in generalized nonorthogonal coordinates. This operator split allows separate operation on each of the variable fields to handle pressure-velocity coupling. The obtained pressure correction equation has the hyperbolic nature and is effective for Mach numbers ranging from the incompressible limit to supersonic flow regimes. The present code adopts a nonstaggered grid arrangement; thus, the velocity components and other dependent variables are collocated at the same grid. A sequence of benchmark-quality problems, including incompressible, subsonic, transonic, supersonic, gas-droplet two-phase flows, as well as spray-combustion problems, were performed to demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the present code.

Seismic receiver function interpretation: Ps splitting or anisotropic underplating?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z.; Park, J. J.

2016-12-01

Crustal anisotropy is crucial to understanding the evolutionary history of Earth's lithosphere. Shear-wave splitting of Moho P-to-s converted phases in receiver functions has often been used to infer crustal anisotropy. In addition to estimating birefringence directly, the harmonic variations of Moho Ps phases in delay times can be used to infer splitting parameters of averaged anisotropy in the crust. However, crustal anisotropy may localize at various levels within the crust due to complex deformational processes. Layered anisotropy requires careful investigation of the distribution of anisotropy before interpreting Moho Ps splitting. In this study, we show results from stations ARU in Russia, KIP in Hawaiian Islands and LSA in Tibetan Plateau, where layered anisotropy is well constrained by intra-crust Ps conversions at high frequencies using harmonic decomposition of multiple-taper correlation receiver functions. Anisotropic velocity models are inferred by forward-modeling decomposed RF waveforms. Our results of ARU and KIP show that the harmonic behavior of Moho Ps phases can be explained by a uniformly anisotropic crust model at lower cut-off frequencies, but higher-resolution RF-signals reveal a thin, highly anisotropic layer at the base of the crust. Station LSA tells a similar story with a twist: a modest Ps birefringence is revealed at high frequencies to stem from multiple thin (5-10-km) layers of localized anisotropy within the middle crust, but no strongly-sheared basal layer is inferred. We suggest that the harmonic variation of Moho Ps phases should always be investigated as a result of anisotropic layering using RFs with frequency content above 1Hz, rather than simply reporting averaged anisotropy of the whole crust.

Multimodal Imaging of Photoreceptor Structure in Choroideremia

PubMed Central

Johnson, Ryan D.; Williams, Vesper; Summerfelt, Phyllis; Dubra, Alfredo; Weinberg, David V.; Stepien, Kimberly E.; Fishman, Gerald A.; Carroll, Joseph

2016-01-01

Purpose Choroideremia is a progressive X-linked recessive dystrophy, characterized by degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid, choriocapillaris, and photoreceptors. We examined photoreceptor structure in a series of subjects with choroideremia with particular attention to areas bordering atrophic lesions. Methods Twelve males with clinically-diagnosed choroideremia and confirmed hemizygous mutations in the CHM gene were examined. High-resolution images of the retina were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and both confocal and non-confocal split-detector adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) techniques. Results Eleven CHM gene mutations (3 novel) were identified; three subjects had the same mutation and one subject had two mutations. SD-OCT findings included interdigitation zone (IZ) attenuation or loss in 10/12 subjects, often in areas with intact ellipsoid zones; RPE thinning in all subjects; interlaminar bridges in the imaged areas of 10/12 subjects; and outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in 10/12 subjects. Only split-detector AOSLO could reliably resolve cones near lesion borders, and such cones were abnormally heterogeneous in morphology, diameter and density. On split-detector imaging, the cone mosaic terminated sharply at lesion borders in 5/5 cases examined. Split-detector imaging detected remnant cone inner segments within ORTs, which were generally contiguous with a central patch of preserved retina. Conclusions Early IZ dropout and RPE thinning on SD-OCT are consistent with previously published results. Evidence of remnant cone inner segments within ORTs and the continuity of the ORTs with preserved retina suggests that these may represent an intermediate state of retinal degeneration prior to complete atrophy. Taken together, these results supports a model of choroideremia in which the RPE degenerates before photoreceptors. PMID:27936069

Multimodal Imaging of Photoreceptor Structure in Choroideremia.

PubMed

Sun, Lynn W; Johnson, Ryan D; Williams, Vesper; Summerfelt, Phyllis; Dubra, Alfredo; Weinberg, David V; Stepien, Kimberly E; Fishman, Gerald A; Carroll, Joseph

2016-01-01

Choroideremia is a progressive X-linked recessive dystrophy, characterized by degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid, choriocapillaris, and photoreceptors. We examined photoreceptor structure in a series of subjects with choroideremia with particular attention to areas bordering atrophic lesions. Twelve males with clinically-diagnosed choroideremia and confirmed hemizygous mutations in the CHM gene were examined. High-resolution images of the retina were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and both confocal and non-confocal split-detector adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) techniques. Eleven CHM gene mutations (3 novel) were identified; three subjects had the same mutation and one subject had two mutations. SD-OCT findings included interdigitation zone (IZ) attenuation or loss in 10/12 subjects, often in areas with intact ellipsoid zones; RPE thinning in all subjects; interlaminar bridges in the imaged areas of 10/12 subjects; and outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) in 10/12 subjects. Only split-detector AOSLO could reliably resolve cones near lesion borders, and such cones were abnormally heterogeneous in morphology, diameter and density. On split-detector imaging, the cone mosaic terminated sharply at lesion borders in 5/5 cases examined. Split-detector imaging detected remnant cone inner segments within ORTs, which were generally contiguous with a central patch of preserved retina. Early IZ dropout and RPE thinning on SD-OCT are consistent with previously published results. Evidence of remnant cone inner segments within ORTs and the continuity of the ORTs with preserved retina suggests that these may represent an intermediate state of retinal degeneration prior to complete atrophy. Taken together, these results supports a model of choroideremia in which the RPE degenerates before photoreceptors.

Operating characteristics of 120-millimeter-bore ball bearings at 3 million DN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaretsky, E. V.; Bamberger, E. N.; Signer, H.

1974-01-01

A parametric study was performed with split inner-race 120-mm-bore angular-contact ball bearings at a speed of 25,000 rpm (3 million DN) at initial contact angles of 20 deg and 24 deg. Provisions were made for outer- and inner-race cooling and for injection of lubricant into the bearing through a number of radial holes in the split inner-race of the bearing. Oil flow and coolant rate to the bearing was controlled and varied for a total up to approximately 3.2 gal/min. Bearing temperature was found to decrease as the total lubricant flow to the bearing increased. However, at intermediate flow rates temperature began to increase with increasing flow. Power consumption increased with increasing flow rate. Bearing operating temperature, differences in temperatures between the inner and outer races, and bearing power consumption can be tuned to any desirable operating requirement. Cage speed increased by not more than 2 percent with increasing oil flow to the inner race.

Flux vector splitting of the inviscid equations with application to finite difference methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steger, J. L.; Warming, R. F.

1979-01-01

The conservation-law form of the inviscid gasdynamic equations has the remarkable property that the nonlinear flux vectors are homogeneous functions of degree one. This property readily permits the splitting of flux vectors into subvectors by similarity transformations so that each subvector has associated with it a specified eigenvalue spectrum. As a consequence of flux vector splitting, new explicit and implicit dissipative finite-difference schemes are developed for first-order hyperbolic systems of equations. Appropriate one-sided spatial differences for each split flux vector are used throughout the computational field even if the flow is locally subsonic. The results of some preliminary numerical computations are included.

Using a split luciferase assay (SLA) to measure the kinetics of cell-cell fusion mediated by herpes simplex virus glycoproteins.

PubMed

Saw, Wan Ting; Matsuda, Zene; Eisenberg, Roselyn J; Cohen, Gary H; Atanasiu, Doina

2015-11-15

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry and cell-cell fusion require the envelope proteins gD, gH/gL and gB. We propose that receptor-activated conformational changes to gD activate gH/gL, which then triggers gB (the fusogen) into an active form. To study this dynamic process, we have adapted a dual split protein assay originally developed to study the kinetics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mediated fusion. This assay uses a chimera of split forms of renilla luciferase (RL) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Effector cells are co-transfected with the glycoproteins and one of the split reporters. Receptor-bearing target cells are transfected with the second reporter. Co-culture results in fusion and restoration of RL, which can convert a membrane permeable substrate into a luminescent product, thereby enabling one to monitor initiation and extent of fusion in live cells in real time. Restoration of GFP can also be studied by fluorescence microscopy. Two sets of split reporters have been developed: the original one allows one to measure fusion kinetics over hours whereas the more recent version was designed to enhance the sensitivity of RL activity allowing one to monitor both initiation and rates of fusion in minutes. Here, we provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol for the optimization of the assay (which we call the SLA for split luciferase assay) using the HSV system. We also show several examples of the power of this assay to examine both the initiation and kinetics of cell-cell fusion by wild type forms of gD, gB, gH/gL of both serotypes of HSV as well as the effect of mutations and antibodies that alter the kinetics of fusion. The SLA can be applied to other viral systems that carry out membrane fusion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using a Split Luciferase Assay (SLA) to measure the kinetics of cell-cell fusion mediated by herpes simplex virus glycoproteins

PubMed Central

Saw, Wan Ting; Matsuda, Zene; Eisenberg, Roselyn J; Cohen, Gary H; Atanasiu, Doina

2015-01-01

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry and cell-cell fusion require the envelope proteins gD, gH/gL and gB. We propose that receptor-activated conformational changes to gD activate gH/gL, which then triggers gB (the fusogen) into an active form. To study this dynamic process, we have adapted a dual split protein assay originally developed to study the kinetics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mediated fusion. This assay uses a chimera of split forms of renilla luciferase (RL) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Effector cells are co-transfected with the glycoproteins and one of the split reporters. Receptor-bearing target cells are transfected with the second reporter. Co-culture results in fusion and restoration of RL, which can convert a membrane permeable substrate into a luminescent product, thereby enabling one to monitor initiation and extent of fusion in live cells in real time. Restoration of GFP can also be studied by fluorescence microscopy. Two sets of split reporters have been developed: the original one allows one to measure fusion kinetics over hours whereas the more recent version was designed to enhance the sensitivity of RL activity allowing one to monitor both initiation and rates of fusion in minutes. Here, we provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol for the optimization of the assay (which we call the SLA for split luciferase assay) using the HSV system. We also show several examples of the power of this assay to examine both the initiation and kinetics of cell-cell fusion by wild type forms of gD, gB, gH/gL of both serotypes of HSV as well as the effect of mutations and antibodies that alter the kinetics of fusion. The SLA can be applied to other viral systems that carry out membrane fusion. PMID:26022509

Volume holographic lens spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system for high energy yield with direct and diffuse solar illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chrysler, Benjamin D.; Wu, Yuechen; Yu, Zhengshan; Kostuk, Raymond K.

2017-08-01

In this paper a prototype spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system based on volume holographic lenses (VHL) is designed, fabricated and tested. In spectrum-splitting systems, incident sunlight is divided in spectral bands for optimal conversion by a set of single-junction PV cells that are laterally separated. The VHL spectrumsplitting system in this paper has a form factor similar to conventional silicon PV modules but with higher efficiencies (>30%). Unlike many other spectrum-splitting systems that have been proposed in the past, the system in this work converts both direct and diffuse sunlight while using inexpensive 1-axis tracking systems. The VHL system uses holographic lenses that focus light at a transition wavelength to the boundary between two PV cells. Longer wavelength light is dispersed to the narrow bandgap cell and shorter wavelength light to the wide bandgap cell. A prototype system is designed with silicon and GaAs PV cells. The holographic lenses are fabricated in Covestro Bayfol HX photopolymer by `stitching' together lens segments through sequential masked exposures. The PV cells and holographic lenses were characterized and the data was used in a raytrace simulation and predicts an improvement in total power output of 15.2% compared to a non-spectrum-splitting reference. A laboratory measurement yielded an improvement in power output of 8.5%.

Seismic anisotropy beneath the southern Ordos block and the Qinling-Dabie orogen, China: Eastward Tibetan asthenospheric flow around the southern Ordos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yong; Chen, Yongshun John

2016-12-01

SKS wave splitting analysis is performed to estimate the seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle using teleseismic data recorded by a temporary seismic array of 180 stations called SOSArray deployed in the southern Ordos block and the Qinling-Dabie orogen. The most important finding is that large delay times with NW-SE fast polarization directions in the northeastern Tibet are continuous across the boundary into the southwestern part of the Ordos block, where the SKS wave splitting results are significantly different from those in the rest of the Ordos block. Based on our SKS wave splitting results in addition to the results from previous studies, we propose an asthenospheric flow model for the eastward extrusion of the Tibetan upper mantle. The model consists of two corner flows around the southwestern corner and the southeastern corner of the Ordos block and the eastward flow along the Weihe graben and the Qinling-Dabie orogen for the escaping Tibetan upper mantle. Finally, the clockwise turning flow of the asthenosphere around the southwestern corner of Ordos block has currently extended laterally into the interior of the Ordos block, suggesting that the thick cold lithospheric root of the southwestern Ordos block there is currently being replaced with hot Tibetan asthenosphere at depths, that is, we observed an on-going process of thermal erosion of a cratonic lithosphere by lateral hot asthenospheric flow.

Mantle Flow Induced by Subduction Beneath Taurides Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, H.; Sandvol, E. A.; Rey, P. F.; Brocard, G. Y.

2017-12-01

GPS data of Anatolian Plateau shows westward plate motion with respect to the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 20 mm/yr, however, the fast direction of shear-wave splitting data in Anatolian Plateau is dominantly northeast-southwest, with significant variations around the central Taurides Mountains. To address the decoupling between the deformation in the crust and in the mantle, we explore the mantle strain pattern beneath Anatoian Plateau. Numerical models of the African plate subducting beneath the Taurides have been constructed with the open source code Underworld by Louis Moresi and the Lithospheric Modeling Recipe by EarthByte Group. We have constructed a 2-D model with dimension of 400km × 480km with 60km thick plate subducting into the mantle. In our numerical model, we observe a poloidal component of the mantle flow around the edge of the subducting plate, which could be explained by straight-forward corner flow. The horizontal component of mantle flow above the subducting plate may explain the shear-wave splitting pattern that is nearly perpendicular to the trench at Anatolia. We are also working on 3-D models with dimension of 400km×400km×480km with the subducting plate width 100km. The asthenospheric mantle below the subducting plate exhibits a flow parallel to the trench, then rotates around the edge of the plate and becomes perpendicular to the trench. This mantle flow pattern may explain the shear-wave splitting directions in central Anatolia.

Ultrathin Lutetium Oxide Film as an Epitaxial Hole-Blocking Layer for Crystalline Bismuth Vanadate Water Splitting Photoanodes

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Wenrui; Yan, Danhua; Tong, Xiao; ...

2018-01-08

Here a novel ultrathin lutetium oxide (Lu 2O 3) interlayer is integrated with crystalline bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) thin film photoanodes to facilitate carrier transport through atomic-scale interface control. The epitaxial Lu 2O 32O 3

Label free measurement of retinal blood cell flux, velocity, hematocrit and capillary width in the living mouse eye

PubMed Central

Guevara-Torres, A.; Joseph, A.; Schallek, J. B.

2016-01-01

Measuring blood cell dynamics within the capillaries of the living eye provides crucial information regarding the health of the microvascular network. To date, the study of single blood cell movement in this network has been obscured by optical aberrations, hindered by weak optical contrast, and often required injection of exogenous fluorescent dyes to perform measurements. Here we present a new strategy to non-invasively image single blood cells in the living mouse eye without contrast agents. Eye aberrations were corrected with an adaptive optics camera coupled with a fast, 15 kHz scanned beam orthogonal to a capillary of interest. Blood cells were imaged as they flowed past a near infrared imaging beam to which the eye is relatively insensitive. Optical contrast of cells was optimized using differential scatter of blood cells in the split-detector imaging configuration. Combined, these strategies provide label-free, non-invasive imaging of blood cells in the retina as they travel in single file in capillaries, enabling determination of cell flux, morphology, class, velocity, and rheology at the single cell level. PMID:27867728

Label free measurement of retinal blood cell flux, velocity, hematocrit and capillary width in the living mouse eye.

PubMed

Guevara-Torres, A; Joseph, A; Schallek, J B

2016-10-01

Measuring blood cell dynamics within the capillaries of the living eye provides crucial information regarding the health of the microvascular network. To date, the study of single blood cell movement in this network has been obscured by optical aberrations, hindered by weak optical contrast, and often required injection of exogenous fluorescent dyes to perform measurements. Here we present a new strategy to non-invasively image single blood cells in the living mouse eye without contrast agents. Eye aberrations were corrected with an adaptive optics camera coupled with a fast, 15 kHz scanned beam orthogonal to a capillary of interest. Blood cells were imaged as they flowed past a near infrared imaging beam to which the eye is relatively insensitive. Optical contrast of cells was optimized using differential scatter of blood cells in the split-detector imaging configuration. Combined, these strategies provide label-free, non-invasive imaging of blood cells in the retina as they travel in single file in capillaries, enabling determination of cell flux, morphology, class, velocity, and rheology at the single cell level.

LTCC based bioreactors for cell cultivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartsch, H.; Welker, T.; Welker, K.; Witte, H.; Müller, J.

2016-01-01

LTCC multilayers offer a wide range of structural options and flexibility of connections not available in standard thin film technology. Therefore they are considered as material base for cell culture reactors. The integration of microfluidic handling systems and features for optical and electrical capturing of indicators for cell culture growth offers the platform for an open system concept. The present paper assesses different approaches for the creation of microfluidic channels in LTCC multilayers. Basic functions required for the fluid management in bioreactors include temperature and flow control. Both features can be realized with integrated heaters and temperature sensors in LTCC multilayers. Technological conditions for the integration of such elements into bioreactors are analysed. The temperature regulation for the system makes use of NTC thermistor sensors which serve as real value input for the control of the heater. It allows the adjustment of the fluid temperature with an accuracy of 0.2 K. The tempered fluid flows through the cell culture chamber. Inside of this chamber a thick film electrode array monitors the impedance as an indicator for the growth process of 3-dimensional cell cultures. At the system output a flow sensor is arranged to monitor the continual flow. For this purpose a calorimetric sensor is implemented, and its crucial design parameters are discussed. Thus, the work presented gives an overview on the current status of LTCC based fluid management for cell culture reactors, which provides a promising base for the automation of cell culture processes.

Full Hybrid: Low Speed

Science.gov Websites

blue rule Main stage: See through car with battery, engine, generator, power split device, and electric motor visible. The car is moving at a low speed. There are arrows flowing from the battery to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels. Main stage: See through car with battery

Full Hybrid: Passing

Science.gov Websites

additional power is needed, the gasoline engine and electric motor are both used to propel the vehicle. Go to , power split device, and electric motor visible while passing another vehicle. There are purple arrows flowing from the generator to the electric motor to the power split device to the front wheels. There are

TBIEM3D: A Computer Program for Predicting Ducted Fan Engine Noise. Version 1.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunn, M. H.

1997-01-01

This document describes the usage of the ducted fan noise prediction program TBIEM3D (Thin duct - Boundary Integral Equation Method - 3 Dimensional). A scattering approach is adopted in which the acoustic pressure field is split into known incident and unknown scattered parts. The scattering of fan-generated noise by a finite length circular cylinder in a uniform flow field is considered. The fan noise is modeled by a collection of spinning point thrust dipoles. The program, based on a Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM), calculates circumferential modal coefficients of the acoustic pressure at user-specified field locations. The duct interior can be of the hard wall type or lined. The duct liner is axisymmetric, locally reactive, and can be uniform or axially segmented. TBIEM3D is written in the FORTRAN programming language. Input to TBIEM3D is minimal and consists of geometric and kinematic parameters. Discretization and numerical parameters are determined automatically by the code. Several examples are presented to demonstrate TBIEM3D capabilities.

A novel passive micromixer based on unbalanced splits and collisions of fluid streams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, Mubashshir Ahmad; Kim, Kwang-Yong; Anwar, Khalid; Kim, Sun Min

2010-05-01

A new passive micromixer based on the concept of unbalanced splits and cross-collisions of fluid streams is designed and fabricated. Experimental and numerical studies have been carried out on the micromixer at Reynolds numbers ranging from 10 to 80. The three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations have been used to analyze the mixing and flow behavior of the micromixer, which is composed of two sub-channels of unequal widths which repeatedly undergo splitting and recombination. The difference between the mass flow rates in the two sub-channels creates an unbalanced collision of the two fluid streams. Mixing is mainly due to the combined effect of unbalanced collisions of the fluid streams and Dean vortices. The micromixer shows interesting mixing behavior for different ratios of the widths of the two split sub-channels. The sub-channels wherein the major sub-channel is twice as wide as the minor sub-channel exhibit the highest mixing performance at Reynolds numbers larger than 40. The results show the lowest mixing performance for the case of uniform width, where balanced collisions occur.

Non-Evolutionarity of a Reconnecting Current Sheet as a Cause of Its Splitting into MHD Shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markovsky, S. A.; Somov, B. V.

1995-04-01

Numerical simulations of the magnetic reconnection process in a current sheet show that, in some cases, MHD shocks appear to be attached to edges of the sheet. The appearance of the shocks may be considered to be a result of splitting of the sheet. In the present paper we suppose that this splitting takes place in consequence of non-evolutionarity of the reconnecting current sheet as a discontinuity. The problem of time evolution of small perturbations does not have a unique solution for a non-evolutionary discontinuity, and it splits into other (evolutionary) discontinuities. Such an approach allows us to determine conditions under which the splitting of the-sheet occurs. The main difficulty of this approach is that a current sheet is not reduced to a classified 1D discontinuity, because inhomogeneity of flow velocity inside the sheet is two-dimensional. To formulate the non-evolutionarity problem, we solve the linear MHD equations inside and outside the sheet and deduce linearized 1D boundary conditions at its surface. We show that for large enough conductivity, small perturbations exist which interact with the sheet as with a discontinuity. Then we obtain a non-evolutionarity criterion, with respect to these perturbations, in the form of a restriction on the flow velocity across the surface of the sheet.

Optical designs for improved solar cell performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosten, Emily Dell

The solar resource is the most abundant renewable resource on earth, yet it is currently exploited with relatively low efficiencies. To make solar energy more affordable, we can either reduce the cost of the cell or increase the efficiency with a similar cost cell. In this thesis, we consider several different optical approaches to achieve these goals. First, we consider a ray optical model for light trapping in silicon microwires. With this approach, much less material can be used, allowing for a cost savings. We next focus on reducing the escape of radiatively emitted and scattered light from the solar cell. With this angle restriction approach, light can only enter and escape the cell near normal incidence, allowing for thinner cells and higher efficiencies. In Auger-limited GaAs, we find that efficiencies greater than 38% may be achievable, a significant improvement over the current world record. To experimentally validate these results, we use a Bragg stack to restrict the angles of emitted light. Our measurements show an increase in voltage and a decrease in dark current, as less radiatively emitted light escapes. While the results in GaAs are interesting as a proof of concept, GaAs solar cells are not currently made on the production scale for terrestrial photovoltaic applications. We therefore explore the application of angle restriction to silicon solar cells. While our calculations show that Auger-limited cells give efficiency increases of up to 3% absolute, we also find that current amorphous silicion-crystalline silicon heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) cells give significant efficiency gains with angle restriction of up to 1% absolute. Thus, angle restriction has the potential for unprecedented one sun efficiencies in GaAs, but also may be applicable to current silicon solar cell technology. Finally, we consider spectrum splitting, where optics direct light in different wavelength bands to solar cells with band gaps tuned to those wavelengths. This approach has the potential for very high efficiencies, and excellent annual power production. Using a light-trapping filtered concentrator approach, we design filter elements and find an optimal design. Thus, this thesis explores silicon microwires, angle restriction, and spectral splitting as different optical approaches for improving the cost and efficiency of solar cells.

An implementation of a chemical and thermal nonequilibrium flow solver on unstructured meshes and application to blunt bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prabhu, Ramadas K.

1994-01-01

This paper presents a nonequilibrium flow solver, implementation of the algorithm on unstructured meshes, and application to hypersonic flow past blunt bodies. Air is modeled as a mixture of five chemical species, namely O2, N2, O, NO, and N, having two temperatures namely translational and vibrational. The solution algorithm is a cell centered, point implicit upwind scheme that employs Roe's flux difference splitting technique. Implementation of this algorithm on unstructured meshes is described. The computer code is applied to solve Mach 15 flow with and without a Type IV shock interference on a cylindrical body of 2.5mm radius representing a cowl lip. Adaptively generated meshes are employed, and the meshes are refined several times until the solution exhibits detailed flow features and surface pressure and heat flux distributions. Effects of a catalytic wall on surface heat flux distribution are studied. For the Mach 15 Type IV shock interference flow, present results showed a peak heat flux of 544 MW/m2 for a fully catalytic wall and 431 MW/m(exp 2) for a noncatalytic wall. Some of the results are compared with available computational data.

Choice of implicit and explicit operators for the upwind differencing method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Vanleer, Bram

1988-01-01

The flux-vector and flux-difference splittings of Steger-Warming, van Leer and Roe are tested in all possible combinations on the implicit and explicit operators that can be distinguished in implicit relaxation methods for the steady Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The tests include one-dimensional inviscid nozzle flow, and two-dimensional inviscid and viscous shock reflection. Roe's splitting, as anticipated, is found to uniformly yield the most accurate results. On the other hand, an approximate Roe splitting of the implicit operator (the complete Roe splitting is too complicated for practical use) proves to be the least robust with regard to convergence to the steady state. In this respect, the Steger-Warming splitting is the most robust; it leads to convergence when combined with any of the splittings in the explicit operator, although not necessarily in the most efficient way.

DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-DIFFUSION FLUX-SPLITTING METHODS FOR DENSE GAS-SOLID FLOWS

EPA Science Inventory

The development of a class of low-diffusion upwinding methods for computing dense gas-solid flows is presented in this work. An artificial compressibility/low-Mach preconditioning strategy is developed for a hyperbolic two-phase flow equation system consisting of separate solids ...

Layer-by-layer modification of thin-film metal-semiconductor multilayers with ultrashort laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romashevskiy, S. A.; Tsygankov, P. A.; Ashitkov, S. I.; Agranat, M. B.

2018-05-01

The surface modifications in a multilayer thin-film structure (50-nm alternating layers of Si and Al) induced by a single Gaussian-shaped femtosecond laser pulse (350 fs, 1028 nm) in the air are investigated by means of atomic-force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy (OM). Depending on the laser fluence, various modifications of nanometer-scale metal and semiconductor layers, including localized formation of silicon/aluminum nanofoams and layer-by-layer removal, are found. While the nanofoams with cell sizes in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers are produced only in the two top layers, layer-by-layer removal is observed for the four top layers under single pulse irradiation. The 50-nm films of the multilayer structure are found to be separated at their interfaces, resulting in a selective removal of several top layers (up to 4) in the form of step-like (concentric) craters. The observed phenomenon is associated with a thermo-mechanical ablation mechanism that results in splitting off at film-film interface, where the adhesion force is less than the bulk strength of the used materials, revealing linear dependence of threshold fluences on the film thickness.

Water Transport in the Micro Porous Layer and Gas Diffusion Layer of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, C.; Hassanizadeh, S. M.

2015-12-01

In this work, a recently developed dynamic pore-network model is presented [1]. The model explicitly solves for both water pressure and capillary pressure. A semi-implicit scheme is used in updating water saturation in each pore body, which considerably increases the numerical stability at low capillary number values. Furthermore, a multiple-time-step algorithm is introduced to reduce the computational effort. A number of case studies of water transport in the micro porous layer (MPL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) are conducted. We illustrate the role of MPL in reducing water flooding in the GDL. Also, the dynamic water transport through the MPL-GDL interface is explored in detail. This information is essential to the reduced continua model (RCM), which was developed for multiphase flow through thin porous layers [2, 3]. C.Z. Qin, Water transport in the gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell: dynamic pore-network modeling, J Electrochimical. Soci., 162, F1036-F1046, 2015. C.Z. Qin and S.M. Hassanizadeh, Multiphase flow through multilayers of thin porous media: general balance equations and constitutive relationships for a solid-gas-liquid three-phase system, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 70, 693-708, 2014. C.Z. Qin and S.M. Hassanizadeh, A new approach to modeling water flooding in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 40, 3348-3358, 2015.

Metallic Ni3S2 Films Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition as an Efficient and Stable Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting.

PubMed

Ho, Thi Anh; Bae, Changdeuck; Nam, Hochul; Kim, Eunsoo; Lee, Seung Yong; Park, Jong Hyeok; Shin, Hyunjung

2018-04-18

We describe the direct preparation of crystalline Ni 3 S 2 thin films via atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques at temperatures as low as 250 °C without postthermal treatments. A new ALD chemistry is proposed using bis(1-dimethylamino-2-methyl-2-butoxy) nickel(II) [Ni(dmamb) 2 ] and H 2 S as precursors. Homogeneous and conformal depositions of Ni 3 S 2 films were achieved on 4 in. wafers (both metal and oxide substrates, including Au and SiO 2 ). The resulting crystalline Ni 3 S 2 layers exhibited highly efficient and stable performance as electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solutions, with a low overpotential of 300 mV and a high turnover frequency for HER and an overpotential of 400 mV for OER (at a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 ). Using our Ni 3 S 2 films as both the cathode and the anode, two-electrode full-cell electrolyzers were constructed, which showed stable operation for 100 h at a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 . The proposed ALD electrocatalysts on planar surfaces exhibited the best performance among Ni 3 S 2 materials for overall water splitting recorded to date.

Structures, Compositions, and Activities of Live Shewanella Biofilms Formed on Graphite Electrodes in Electrochemical Flow Cells

PubMed Central

Kitayama, Miho; Koga, Ryota; Kasai, Takuya; Kouzuma, Atsushi

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT An electrochemical flow cell equipped with a graphite working electrode (WE) at the bottom was inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 expressing an anaerobic fluorescent protein, and biofilm formation on the WE was observed over time during current generation at WE potentials of +0.4 and 0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrodes), under electrolyte-flow conditions. Electrochemical analyses suggested the presence of unique electron-transfer mechanisms in the +0.4-V biofilm. Microscopic analyses revealed that, in contrast to aerobic biofilms, current-generating biofilm (at +0.4 V) was thin and flat (∼10 μm in thickness), and cells were evenly and densely distributed in the biofilm. In contrast, cells were unevenly distributed in biofilm formed at 0 V. In situ fluorescence staining and biofilm recovery experiments showed that the amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) in the +0.4-V biofilm were much smaller than those in the aerobic and 0-V biofilms, suggesting that Shewanella cells suppress the production of EPSs at +0.4 V under flow conditions. We suggest that Shewanella cells perceive electrode potentials and modulate the structure and composition of biofilms to efficiently transfer electrons to electrodes. IMPORTANCE A promising application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to save energy in wastewater treatment. Since current is generated in these MFCs by biofilm microbes under horizontal flows of wastewater, it is important to understand the mechanisms for biofilm formation and current generation under water-flow conditions. Although massive work has been done to analyze the molecular mechanisms for current generation by model exoelectrogenic bacteria, such as Shewanella oneidensis, limited information is available regarding the formation of current-generating biofilms over time under water-flow conditions. The present study developed electrochemical flow cells and used them to examine the electrochemical and structural features of current-generating biofilms under water-flow conditions. We show unique features of mature biofilms actively generating current, creating opportunities to search for as-yet-undiscovered current-generating mechanisms in Shewanella biofilms. Furthermore, information provided in the present study is useful for researchers attempting to develop anode architectures suitable for wastewater treatment MFCs. PMID:28625998

Structures, Compositions, and Activities of Live Shewanella Biofilms Formed on Graphite Electrodes in Electrochemical Flow Cells.

PubMed

Kitayama, Miho; Koga, Ryota; Kasai, Takuya; Kouzuma, Atsushi; Watanabe, Kazuya

2017-09-01

An electrochemical flow cell equipped with a graphite working electrode (WE) at the bottom was inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 expressing an anaerobic fluorescent protein, and biofilm formation on the WE was observed over time during current generation at WE potentials of +0.4 and 0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrodes), under electrolyte-flow conditions. Electrochemical analyses suggested the presence of unique electron-transfer mechanisms in the +0.4-V biofilm. Microscopic analyses revealed that, in contrast to aerobic biofilms, current-generating biofilm (at +0.4 V) was thin and flat (∼10 μm in thickness), and cells were evenly and densely distributed in the biofilm. In contrast, cells were unevenly distributed in biofilm formed at 0 V. In situ fluorescence staining and biofilm recovery experiments showed that the amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) in the +0.4-V biofilm were much smaller than those in the aerobic and 0-V biofilms, suggesting that Shewanella cells suppress the production of EPSs at +0.4 V under flow conditions. We suggest that Shewanella cells perceive electrode potentials and modulate the structure and composition of biofilms to efficiently transfer electrons to electrodes. IMPORTANCE A promising application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to save energy in wastewater treatment. Since current is generated in these MFCs by biofilm microbes under horizontal flows of wastewater, it is important to understand the mechanisms for biofilm formation and current generation under water-flow conditions. Although massive work has been done to analyze the molecular mechanisms for current generation by model exoelectrogenic bacteria, such as Shewanella oneidensis , limited information is available regarding the formation of current-generating biofilms over time under water-flow conditions. The present study developed electrochemical flow cells and used them to examine the electrochemical and structural features of current-generating biofilms under water-flow conditions. We show unique features of mature biofilms actively generating current, creating opportunities to search for as-yet-undiscovered current-generating mechanisms in Shewanella biofilms. Furthermore, information provided in the present study is useful for researchers attempting to develop anode architectures suitable for wastewater treatment MFCs. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

SKS Splitting and the Scale of Vertical Coherence of the Taiwan Mountain Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Ban-Yuan; Lin, Shu-Chuan; Lin, Yi-Wei

2018-02-01

Many continental orogens feature a pattern of SKS shear wave splitting with fast polarization directions parallel to the mountain fabrics and delay times of 1-2 s, implying that the crust and lithosphere deform consistently. In the Taiwan arc-continent collision zone, similar pattern of SKS splitting exists, and thereby lithospheric scale deformation due to collision has been assumed. However, recent dynamic modeling demonstrated that the SKS splitting in Taiwan can be generated by the toroidal flow in the asthenosphere induced by the subduction of the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate. To further evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed a new data set using a quantitative approach. The results show that models with slab geometries constrained by seismicity explain the observed fast splitting direction to within 25°, whereas the misfit grows to 50-60° if the toroidal flow is disrupted by the presence of a sizable aseismic slab beneath central Taiwan as often suggested by tomographic imaging. However, small sized aseismic slab or detached slab fragment can potentially reconcile the splitting observations. We estimated the scale of vertical coherence to be 10-40 km in the lithosphere and 100-150 km in the asthenosphere, making the former unfavorable for accumulating large delay times. The low coherence is caused by the subduction of the Eurasian plate that creates complex deformation different from what characterizes the compressional tectonics above the plate. This suggests that the mountain building in Taiwan is a shallow process, rather than lithospheric in scale.

Flows around bacterial swarms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dauparas, Justas; Lauga, Eric

2015-11-01

Flagellated bacteria on nutrient-rich substrates can differentiate into a swarming state and move in dense swarms across surfaces. A recent experiment (HC Berg, Harvard University) measured the flow in the fluid around the swarm. A systematic chiral flow was observed in the clockwise direction (when viewed from above) ahead of a E.coli swarm with flow speeds of about 10 μm/s, about 3 times greater than the radial velocity at the edge of the swarm. The working hypothesis is that this flow is due to the flagella of cells stalled at the edge of a colony which extend their flagellar filaments outwards, moving fluid over the virgin agar. In this talk we quantitatively test his hypothesis. We first build an analytical model of the flow induced by a single flagellum in a thin film and then use the model, and its extension to multiple flagella, to compare with experimental measurements.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting in separate oxygen and hydrogen cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landman, Avigail; Dotan, Hen; Shter, Gennady E.; Wullenkord, Michael; Houaijia, Anis; Maljusch, Artjom; Grader, Gideon S.; Rothschild, Avner

2017-06-01

Solar water splitting provides a promising path for sustainable hydrogen production and solar energy storage. One of the greatest challenges towards large-scale utilization of this technology is reducing the hydrogen production cost. The conventional electrolyser architecture, where hydrogen and oxygen are co-produced in the same cell, gives rise to critical challenges in photoelectrochemical water splitting cells that directly convert solar energy and water to hydrogen. Here we overcome these challenges by separating the hydrogen and oxygen cells. The ion exchange in our cells is mediated by auxiliary electrodes, and the cells are connected to each other only by metal wires, enabling centralized hydrogen production. We demonstrate hydrogen generation in separate cells with solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 7.5%, which can readily surpass 10% using standard commercial components. A basic cost comparison shows that our approach is competitive with conventional photoelectrochemical systems, enabling safe and potentially affordable solar hydrogen production.

Numerical simulation of the non-Newtonian blood flow through a mechanical aortic valve. Non-Newtonian blood flow in the aortic root

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Vita, F.; de Tullio, M. D.; Verzicco, R.

2016-04-01

This work focuses on the comparison between Newtonian and non-Newtonian blood flows through a bileaflet mechanical heart valve in the aortic root. The blood, in fact, is a concentrated suspension of cells, mainly red blood cells, in a Newtonian matrix, the plasma, and consequently its overall behavior is that of a non-Newtonian fluid owing to the action of the cells' membrane on the fluid part. The common practice, however, assumes the blood in large vessels as a Newtonian fluid since the shear rate is generally high and the effective viscosity becomes independent of the former. In this paper, we show that this is not always the case even in the aorta, the largest artery of the systemic circulation, owing to the pulsatile and transitional nature of the flow. Unexpectedly, for most of the pulsating cycle and in a large part of the fluid volume, the shear rate is smaller than the threshold level for the blood to display a constant effective viscosity and its shear thinning character might affect the system dynamics. A direct inspection of the various flow features has shown that the valve dynamics, the transvalvular pressure drop and the large-scale features of the flow are very similar for the Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid models. On the other hand, the mechanical damage of the red blood cells (hemolysis), induced by the altered stress values in the flow, is larger for the non-Newtonian fluid model than for the Newtonian one.

Crustal and Mantle Structure beneath the Okavango and Malawi Rifts and Its Geodynamic Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, S. S.; Liu, K. H.; Yu, Y.; Reed, C. A.; Mickus, K. L.; Moidaki, M.

2017-12-01

To investigate crustal and mantle structure beneath the young and incipient sections of the East African Rift System and provide constraints on rifting models, a total of 50 broadband seismic stations were placed along three profiles across the Okavango and Malawi rifts, with a total length of about 2500 km. Results to date suggest minor crustal thinning and nearly normal seismic velocities in the upper mantle beneath both rifts. The thickness of the mantle transition zone is comparable to the global average, suggesting the lack of thermal upwelling from the lower mantle beneath the rifts. In addition, shear-wave splitting analysis found no anomalies in either the fast polarization orientation or the splitting time associated with the rifts, and thus has ruled out the existence of small-scale mantle convection or plume-related mantle flow beneath the rifts. While the Okavango rift has long been recognized to be located in a Precambrian orogenic zone between the Kalahari and Congo cratons, our results suggest that the Malawi Rift is also developing along the western edge of a lithospheric block with relatively greater thickness relative to the surrounding area. Those seismological and gravity modeling results are consistent with a passive rifting model, in which rifts develop along pre-existing zones of lithospheric weakness, where rapid variations of lithospheric thickness is observed. Lateral variations of dragging stress applied to the bottom of the lithosphere are the most likely cause for the initiation and development of both rifts.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spohn, T.; Schubert, G.

1982-01-01

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

In situ rheology of yeast biofilms.

PubMed

Brugnoni, Lorena I; Tarifa, María C; Lozano, Jorge E; Genovese, Diego

2014-01-01

The aim of the present work was to investigate the in situ rheological behavior of yeast biofilms growing on stainless steel under static and turbulent flow. The species used (Rhodototula mucilaginosa, Candida krusei, Candida kefyr and Candida tropicalis) were isolated from a clarified apple juice industry. The flow conditions impacted biofilm composition over time, with a predominance of C. krusei under static and turbulent flow. Likewise, structural variations occurred, with a tighter appearance under dynamic flow. Under turbulent flow there was an increase of 112 μm in biofilm thickness at 11 weeks (p < 0.001) and cell morphology was governed by hyphal structures and rounded cells. Using the in situ growth method introduced here, yeast biofilms were determined to be viscoelastic materials with a predominantly solid-like behavior, and neither this nor the G'0 values were significantly affected by the flow conditions or the growth time, and at large deformations their weak structure collapsed beyond a critical strain of about 1.5-5%. The present work could represent a starting point for developing in situ measurements of yeast rheology and contribute to a thin body of knowledge about fungal biofilm formation.

A thin film nitinol heart valve.

PubMed

Stepan, Lenka L; Levi, Daniel S; Carman, Gregory P

2005-11-01

In order to create a less thrombogenic heart valve with improved longevity, a prosthetic heart valve was developed using thin film nitinol (NiTi). A "butterfly" valve was constructed using a single, elliptical piece of thin film NiTi and a scaffold made from Teflon tubing and NiTi wire. Flow tests and pressure readings across the valve were performed in vitro in a pulsatile flow loop. Bio-corrosion experiments were conducted on untreated and passivated thin film nitinol. To determine the material's in vivo biocompatibility, thin film nitinol was implanted in pigs using stents covered with thin film NiTi. Flow rates and pressure tracings across the valve were comparable to those through a commercially available 19 mm Perimount Edwards tissue valve. No signs of corrosion were present on thin film nitinol samples after immersion in Hank's solution for one month. Finally, organ and tissue samples explanted from four pigs at 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after thin film NiTi implantation appeared without disease, and the thin film nitinol itself was without thrombus formation. Although long term testing is still necessary, thin film NiTi may be very well suited for use in artificial heart valves.

Dynamics of the central entrapped bubble during drop impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Zhen; Channa, Murad Ali; Thoraval, Marie-Jean

2017-11-01

When a drop impacts onto a liquid surface, it entraps a thin central air disk. The air is then brought towards the axis of symmetry by surface tension. This contraction dynamics is very challenging to capture, due to the small length scales (a few micrometers thin air disk) and time scales (contracting in a few hundred microseconds). We use the open source two-phase flow codes Gerris and Basilisk to study this air entrapment phenomenon. The effects of liquid properties such as viscosity and surface tension, and of the impact velocity were investigated. We focus on the morphology of the contracting air disk. The bubble is expected to contract into a single spherical bubble. However, in some cases, the air can be stretched vertically by the liquid inertia and split into two smaller bubbles. The convergence of capillary waves on the air disk towards the axis of symmetry can also make it rupture at the center, thus forming a toroidal bubble. In other cases, vorticity shedding can deform the contracting bubble, leading to more complex structures. A parameter space analysis based on the Reynolds and Weber numbers was then done to classify the different regimes and explain the transitions. Full affiliation:State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Control for Flight Vehicle,International Center for Applied Mechanics,School of Aerospace,Xi'an Jiaotong University.

On-demand acoustic droplet splitting and steering in a disposable microfluidic chip.

PubMed

Park, Jinsoo; Jung, Jin Ho; Park, Kwangseok; Destgeer, Ghulam; Ahmed, Husnain; Ahmad, Raheel; Sung, Hyung Jin

2018-01-30

On-chip droplet splitting is one of the fundamental droplet-based microfluidic unit operations to control droplet volume after production and increase operational capability, flexibility, and throughput. Various droplet splitting methods have been proposed, and among them the acoustic droplet splitting method is promising because of its label-free operation without any physical or thermal damage to droplets. Previous acoustic droplet splitting methods faced several limitations: first, they employed a cross-type acoustofluidic device that precluded multichannel droplet splitting; second, they required irreversible bonding between a piezoelectric substrate and a microfluidic chip, such that the fluidic chip was not replaceable. Here, we present a parallel-type acoustofluidic device with a disposable microfluidic chip to address the limitations of previous acoustic droplet splitting devices. In the proposed device, an acoustic field is applied in the direction opposite to the flow direction to achieve multichannel droplet splitting and steering. A disposable polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic chip is employed in the developed device, thereby removing the need for permanent bonding and improving the flexibility of the droplet microfluidic device. We experimentally demonstrated on-demand acoustic droplet bi-splitting and steering with precise control over the droplet splitting ratio, and we investigated the underlying physical mechanisms of droplet splitting and steering based on Laplace pressure and ray acoustics analyses, respectively. We also demonstrated droplet tri-splitting to prove the feasibility of multichannel droplet splitting. The proposed on-demand acoustic droplet splitting device enables on-chip droplet volume control in various droplet-based microfluidic applications.

Band-offsets at BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction and enhanced photoelectrochemical response: theory and experiment(Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Dipika; Satsangi, Vibha R.; Dass Kaura, Sahab; Shrivastav, Rohit; Waghmare, Umesh V.

2016-10-01

Band-offsets at BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction and enhanced photoelectrochemical response: theory and experiment Dipika Sharmaa, Vibha R. Satsangib, Rohit Shrivastava, Umesh V. Waghmarec, Sahab Dassa aDepartment of Chemistry, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra-282 110 (India) bDepartment of Physics and Computer Sciences, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra-282 110 (India) cTheoretical Sciences Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064 (India) * Phone: +91-9219695960. Fax: +91-562-2801226. E-mail: drsahabdas@gmail.com. Study on photoelectrochemical activity of pristine BaTiO3, Cu2O and BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction has been carried out using DFT based band offsets and charge carriers effective mass calculations and their experimental verification. The results of DFT calculations show that BaTiO3 and Cu2O have staggered type band alignment after the heterojunction formation and high mobility of electrons in Cu2O as compared to the electrons in BaTiO3. Staggered type band edges alignment and high mobility of electrons and holes improved the separation of photo-generated charge carriers in BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction. To validate the theoretical results experiments were carried out on pristine BaTiO3, Cu2O and BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction with varying thickness of Cu2O. All samples were characterized by X- Ray Diffractometer, SEM and UV-Vis spectrometry. Nanostructured thin films of pristine BaTiO3, Cu2O and BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction were used as photoelectrode in the photoelectrochemical cell for water splitting reaction. Maximum photocurrent density of 1.44 mA/cm2 at 0.90 V/SCE was exhibited by 442 nm thick BaTiO3/Cu2O heterojunction photoelectrode Increased photocurrent density and enhanced photoconversion efficiency, exhibited by the heterojunction may be attributed to improved conductivity and enhanced separation of the photogenerated carriers at the BaTiO3/Cu2O interface. The experimental results and first-principles calculations compare well, thus suggesting that such calculations have the potential to be used in screening various metal oxide heterojunction before performing the experiments thereby saving precious chemicals, time and energy. Keywords: Photoelectrochemical, Water splitting, heterojunction, Cu2O, BaTiO3 References: [1] Surbhi Choudhary, et al. Nanostructured bilayered thin films in photoelectrochemical water splitting - A review: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, (2012). [2] Dipika Sharma, Anuradha Verma, V.R. Satsangi, Rohit shrivastav, Sahab Dass Nanostructured SrTiO3 thin films sensitized by Cu2O for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation. International journal of Hydrogen Energy;42:,4230-4241, 2014.

Rapid and controllable flame reduction of TiO2 nanowires for enhanced solar water-splitting.

PubMed

Cho, In Sun; Logar, Manca; Lee, Chi Hwan; Cai, Lili; Prinz, Fritz B; Zheng, Xiaolin

2014-01-08

We report a new flame reduction method to generate controllable amount of oxygen vacancies in TiO2 nanowires that leads to nearly three times improvement in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance. The flame reduction method has unique advantages of a high temperature (>1000 °C), ultrafast heating rate, tunable reduction environment, and open-atmosphere operation, so it enables rapid formation of oxygen vacancies (less than one minute) without damaging the nanowire morphology and crystallinity and is even applicable to various metal oxides. Significantly, we show that flame reduction greatly improves the saturation photocurrent densities of TiO2 nanowires (2.7 times higher), α-Fe2O3 nanowires (9.4 times higher), ZnO nanowires (2.0 times higher), and BiVO4 thin film (4.3 times higher) in comparison to untreated control samples for PEC water-splitting applications.

Optic flow improves adaptability of spatiotemporal characteristics during split-belt locomotor adaptation with tactile stimulation

PubMed Central

Anthony Eikema, Diderik Jan A.; Chien, Jung Hung; Stergiou, Nicholas; Myers, Sara A.; Scott-Pandorf, Melissa M.; Bloomberg, Jacob J.; Mukherjee, Mukul

2015-01-01

Human locomotor adaptation requires feedback and feed-forward control processes to maintain an appropriate walking pattern. Adaptation may require the use of visual and proprioceptive input to decode altered movement dynamics and generate an appropriate response. After a person transfers from an extreme sensory environment and back, as astronauts do when they return from spaceflight, the prolonged period required for re-adaptation can pose a significant burden. In our previous paper, we showed that plantar tactile vibration during a split-belt adaptation task did not interfere with the treadmill adaptation however, larger overground transfer effects with a slower decay resulted. Such effects, in the absence of visual feedback (of motion) and perturbation of tactile feedback, is believed to be due to a higher proprioceptive gain because, in the absence of relevant external dynamic cues such as optic flow, reliance on body-based cues is enhanced during gait tasks through multisensory integration. In this study we therefore investigated the effect of optic flow on tactile stimulated split-belt adaptation as a paradigm to facilitate the sensorimotor adaptation process. Twenty healthy young adults, separated into two matched groups, participated in the study. All participants performed an overground walking trial followed by a split-belt treadmill adaptation protocol. The tactile group (TC) received vibratory plantar tactile stimulation only, whereas the virtual reality and tactile group (VRT) received an additional concurrent visual stimulation: a moving virtual corridor, inducing perceived self-motion. A post-treadmill overground trial was performed to determine adaptation transfer. Interlimb coordination of spatiotemporal and kinetic variables was quantified using symmetry indices, and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Marked changes of step length characteristics were observed in both groups during split-belt adaptation. Stance and swing time symmetry were similar in the two groups, suggesting that temporal parameters are not modified by optic flow. However, whereas the TC group displayed significant stance time asymmetries during the post-treadmill session, such aftereffects were absent in the VRT group. The results indicated that the enhanced transfer resulting from exposure to plantar cutaneous vibration during adaptation was alleviated by optic flow information. The presence of visual self-motion information may have reduced proprioceptive gain during learning. Thus, during overground walking, the learned proprioceptive split-belt pattern is more rapidly overridden by visual input due to its increased relative gain. The results suggest that when visual stimulation is provided during adaptive training, the system acquires the novel movement dynamics while maintaining the ability to flexibly adapt to different environments. PMID:26525712

Electrical current flow at conductive nanowires formed in GaN thin films by a dislocation template technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amma, Shin-ichi; Tokumoto, Yuki; Edagawa, Keiichi; Shibata, Naoya; Mizoguchi, Teruyasu; Yamamoto, Takahisa; Ikuhara, Yuichi

2010-05-01

Conductive nanowires were fabricated in GaN thin film by selectively doping of Al along threading dislocations. Electrical current flow localized at the nanowires was directly measured by a contact mode atomic force microscope. The current flow at the nanowires was considered to be Frenkel-Poole emission mode, suggesting the existence of the deep acceptor level along the nanowires as a possible cause of the current flow. The results obtained in this study show the possibility for fabricating nanowires using pipe-diffusion at dislocations in solid thin films.

Chemistry-split techniques for viscous reactive blunt body flow computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C. P.

1987-01-01

The weak-coupling structure between the fluid and species equations has been exploited and resulted in three, closely related, time-iterative implicit techniques. While the primitive variables are solved in two separated groups and each by an Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) factorization scheme, the rate-species Jacobian can be treated in either full or diagonal matrix form, or simply ignored. The latter two versions render the split technique to solving for species as scalar rather than vector variables. The solution is completed at the end of each iteration after determining temperature and pressure from the flow density, energy and species concentrations. Numerical experimentation has shown that the split scalar technique, using partial rate Jacobian, yields the best overall stability and consistency. Satisfactory viscous solutions were obtained for an ellipsoidal body of axis ratio 3:1 at Mach 35 and an angle of attack of 20 degrees.

Gas-liquid flow splitting in T-junction with inclined lateral arm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Le-le; Liu, Shuo; Li, Hua; Zhang, Jian; Wu, Ying-xiang; Xu, Jing-yu

2018-02-01

This paper studies the gas-liquid flow splitting in T-junction with inclined lateral arm. The separation mechanism of the T-junction is related to the pressure distribution in the T-junction. It is shown that the separation efficiency strongly depends on the inclination angle, when the angle ranges from 0° to 30°, while not so strongly for angles in the range from 30° to 90° Increasing the number of connecting tubes is helpful for the gas-liquid separation, and under the present test conditions, with four connecting tubes, a good separation performance can be achieved. Accordingly, a multi-tube Y-junction separator with four connecting tubes is designed for the experimental investigation. A good agreement between the simulated and measured data shows that there is an optimal split ratio to achieve the best performance for the multi-tube Y-junction separator.

Shear wave splitting and shear wave splitting tomography of the southern Puna plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calixto, Frank J.; Robinson, Danielle; Sandvol, Eric; Kay, Suzanne; Abt, David; Fischer, Karen; Heit, Ben; Yuan, Xiaohui; Comte, Diana; Alvarado, Patricia

2014-11-01

We have investigated the seismic anisotropy beneath the Central Andean southern Puna plateau by applying shear wave splitting analysis and shear wave splitting tomography to local S waves and teleseismic SKS, SKKS and PKS phases. Overall, a very complex pattern of fast directions throughout the southern Puna plateau region and a circular pattern of fast directions around the region of the giant Cerro Galan ignimbrite complex are observed. In general, teleseismic lag times are much greater than those for local events which are interpreted to reflect a significant amount of sub and inner slab anisotropy. The complex pattern observed from shear wave splitting analysis alone is the result of a complex 3-D anisotropic structure under the southern Puna plateau. Our application of shear wave splitting tomography provides a 3-D model of anisotropy in the southern Puna plateau that shows different patterns depending on the driving mechanism of upper-mantle flow and seismic anisotropy. The trench parallel a-axes in the continental lithosphere above the slab east of 68W may be related to deformation of the overriding continental lithosphere since it is under compressive stresses which are orthogonal to the trench. The more complex pattern below the Cerro Galan ignimbrite complex and above the slab is interpreted to reflect delamination of continental lithosphere and upwelling of hot asthenosphere. The a-axes beneath the Cerro Galan, Cerro Blanco and Carachi Pampa volcanic centres at 100 km depth show some weak evidence for vertically orientated fast directions, which could be due to vertical asthenospheric flow around a delaminated block. Additionally, our splitting tomographic model shows that there is a significant amount of seismic anisotropy beneath the slab. The subslab mantle west of 68W shows roughly trench parallel horizontal a-axes that are probably driven by slab roll back and the relatively small coupling between the Nazca slab and the underlying mantle. In contrast, the subslab region (i.e. depths greater than 200 km) east of 68W shows a circular pattern of a-axes centred on a region with small strength of anisotropy (Cerro Galan and its eastern edge) which suggest the dominant mechanism is a combination of slab roll back and flow driven by an overlying abnormally heated slab or possibly a slab gap. There seems to be some evidence for vertical flow below the slab at depths of 200-400 km driven by the abnormally heated slab or slab gap. This cannot be resolved by the tomographic inversion due to the lack of ray crossings in the subslab mantle.

Enhanced Photocarrier Separation in Hierarchical Graphitic-C3N4-Supported CuInS2 for Noble-Metal-Free Z-Scheme Photocatalytic Water Splitting.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoxue; Xie, Keyu; Song, Long; Zhao, Mengjia; Zhang, Zhipan

2017-07-26

The effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in photocatalysts is a prerequisite for efficient photocatalytic water splitting. CuInS 2 (CIS) is a widely used light absorber that works properly in photovoltaics but only shows limited performance in solar-driven hydrogen evolution due to its intrinsically severe charge recombination. Here, we prepare hierarchical graphitic C 3 N 4 -supported CuInS 2 (denoted as GsC) by an in situ growth of CIS directly on exfoliated thin graphitic C 3 N 4 nanosheets (g-C 3 N 4 NS) and demonstrate efficient separation of photoinduced charge carriers in the GsC by forming the Z-scheme system for the first time in CIS-catalyzed water splitting. Under visible light illumination, the GsC features an enhanced hydrogen evolution rate up to 1290 μmol g -1 h -1 , which is 3.3 and 6.1 times higher than that of g-C 3 N 4 NS and bare-CIS, respectively, thus setting a new performance benchmark for CIS-based water-splitting photocatalysts.

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

Zhai, Yaxin; Baniya, Sangita; Zhang, Chuang

Two-dimensional (2D) layered hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite semiconductors form natural “multiple quantum wells” that have strong spin-orbit coupling due to the heavy elements in their building blocks. This may lead to “Rashba splitting” close to the extrema in the electron bands. We have used a plethora of ultrafast transient, nonlinear optical spectroscopies and theoretical calculations to study the primary (excitons) and long-lived (free carriers) photoexcitations in thin films of 2D perovskite, namely, (C 6H 5C 2H 4NH 3) 2PbI 4. The density functional theory calculation shows the occurrence of Rashba splitting in the plane perpendicular to the 2D barrier. Frommore » the electroabsorption spectrum and photoinduced absorption spectra from excitons and free carriers, we obtain a giant Rashba splitting in this compound, with energy splitting of (40 ± 5) meV and Rashba parameter of (1.6 ± 0.1) eV·Å, which are among the highest Rashba splitting size parameters reported so far. In conclusion, this finding shows that 2D hybrid perovskites have great promise for potential applications in spintronics.« less

Regenerative Performance of the NASA Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cable, Thomas L.; Setlock, John A.; Farmer, Serene C.; Eckel, Andy J.

2009-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing both a novel cell design (BSC) and a novel ceramic fabrication technique to produce fuel cells predicted to exceed a specific power density of 1.0 kW/kg. The NASA Glenn cell design has taken a completely different approach among planar designs by removing the metal interconnect and returning to the use of a thin, doped LaCrO3 interconnect. The cell is structurally symmetrical. Both electrodes support the thin electrolyte and contain micro-channels for gas flow-- a geometry referred to as a bi-electrode supported cell or BSC. The cell characteristics have been demonstrated under both SOFC and SOE conditions. Electrolysis tests verify that this cell design operates at very high electrochemical voltage efficiencies (EVE) and high H2O conversion percentages, even at the low flow rates predicted for closed loop systems encountered in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. For UAVs the volume, weight and the efficiency are critical as they determine the size of the water tank, the solar panel size, and other system requirements. For UAVs, regenerative solid oxide fuel cell stacks (RSOFC) use solar panels during daylight to generate power for electrolysis and then operate in fuel cell mode during the night to power the UAV and electronics. Recent studies, performed by NASA for a more electric commercial aircraft, evaluated SOFCs for auxiliary power units (APUs). System studies were also conducted for regenerative RSOFC systems. One common requirement for aerospace SOFCs and RSOFCs, determined independently in each application study, was the need for high specific power density and volume density, on the order of 1.0 kW/kg and greater than 1.0 kW/L. Until recently the best reported performance for SOFCs was 0.2 kW/kg or less for stacks. NASA Glenn is working to prototype the light weight, low volume BSC design for such high specific power aerospace applications.

High Myeloperoxidase Positive Cell Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer Is an Independent Favorable Prognostic Factor

PubMed Central

Eppenberger-Castori, Serenella; Zlobec, Inti; Viehl, Carsten T.; Frey, Daniel M.; Nebiker, Christian A.; Rosso, Raffaele; Zuber, Markus; Amicarella, Francesca; Iezzi, Giandomenica; Sconocchia, Giuseppe; Heberer, Michael; Lugli, Alessandro; Tornillo, Luigi; Oertli, Daniel

2013-01-01

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) infiltration by adaptive immune system cells correlates with favorable prognosis. The role of the innate immune system is still debated. Here we addressed the prognostic impact of CRC infiltration by neutrophil granulocytes (NG). Methods A TMA including healthy mucosa and clinically annotated CRC specimens (n = 1491) was stained with MPO and CD15 specific antibodies. MPO+ and CD15+ positive immune cells were counted by three independent observers. Phenotypic profiles of CRC infiltrating MPO+ and CD15+ cells were validated by flow cytometry on cell suspensions derived from enzymatically digested surgical specimens. Survival analysis was performed by splitting randomized data in training and validation subsets. Results MPO+ and CD15+ cell infiltration were significantly correlated (p<0.0001; r = 0.76). However, only high density of MPO+ cell infiltration was associated with significantly improved survival in training (P = 0.038) and validation (P = 0.002) sets. In multivariate analysis including T and N stage, vascular invasion, tumor border configuration and microsatellite instability status, MPO+ cell infiltration proved an independent prognostic marker overall (P = 0.004; HR = 0.65; CI:±0.15) and in both training (P = 0.048) and validation (P = 0.036) sets. Flow-cytometry analysis of CRC cell suspensions derived from clinical specimens showed that while MPO+ cells were largely CD15+/CD66b+, sizeable percentages of CD15+ and CD66b+ cells were MPO−. Conclusions High density MPO+ cell infiltration is a novel independent favorable prognostic factor in CRC. PMID:23734221

Mechanically activated artificial cell by using microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Kenneth K. Y.; Lee, Lap Man; Liu, Allen P.

2016-09-01

All living organisms sense mechanical forces. Engineering mechanosensitive artificial cell through bottom-up in vitro reconstitution offers a way to understand how mixtures of macromolecules assemble and organize into a complex system that responds to forces. We use stable double emulsion droplets (aqueous/oil/aqueous) to prototype mechanosensitive artificial cells. In order to demonstrate mechanosensation in artificial cells, we develop a novel microfluidic device that is capable of trapping double emulsions into designated chambers, followed by compression and aspiration in a parallel manner. The microfluidic device is fabricated using multilayer soft lithography technology, and consists of a control layer and a deformable flow channel. Deflections of the PDMS membrane above the main microfluidic flow channels and trapping chamber array are independently regulated pneumatically by two sets of integrated microfluidic valves. We successfully compress and aspirate the double emulsions, which result in transient increase and permanent decrease in oil thickness, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate the influx of calcium ions as a response of our mechanically activated artificial cell through thinning of oil. The development of a microfluidic device to mechanically activate artificial cells creates new opportunities in force-activated synthetic biology.

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

Dyachenko, Sergey A.; Zlotnik, Anatoly; Korotkevich, Alexander O.

Here, we develop an operator splitting method to simulate flows of isothermal compressible natural gas over transmission pipelines. The method solves a system of nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) of hydrodynamic type for mass flow and pressure on a metric graph, where turbulent losses of momentum are modeled by phenomenological Darcy-Weisbach friction. Mass flow balance is maintained through the boundary conditions at the network nodes, where natural gas is injected or withdrawn from the system. Gas flow through the network is controlled by compressors boosting pressure at the inlet of the adjoint pipe. Our operator splitting numerical scheme ismore » unconditionally stable and it is second order accurate in space and time. The scheme is explicit, and it is formulated to work with general networks with loops. We test the scheme over range of regimes and network configurations, also comparing its performance with performance of two other state of the art implicit schemes.« less

Coolant mixing in LMFBR rod bundles and outlet plenum mixing transients. Final report

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

Todreas, N.E.; Cheng, S.K.; Basehore, K.

1984-08-01

This project principally undertook the investigation of the thermal hydraulic performance of wire wrapped fuel bundles of LMFBR configuration. Results obtained included phenomenological models for friction factors, flow split and mixing characteristics; correlations for predicting these characteristics suitable for insertion in design codes; numerical codes for analyzing bundle behavior both of the lumped subchannel and distributed parameter categories and experimental techniques for pressure velocity, flow split, salt conductivity and temperature measurement in water cooled mockups of bundles and subchannels. Flow regimes investigated included laminar, transition and turbulent flow under forced convection and mixed convection conditions. Forced convections conditions were emphasized.more » Continuing efforts are underway at MIT to complete the investigation of the mixed convection regime initiated here. A number of investigations on outlet plenum behavior were also made. The reports of these investigations are identified.« less

GaInNAs Structures Grown by MBE for High-Efficiency Solar Cells: Final Report; 25 June 1999--24 August 2002

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

Tu, C. W.

The focus of this work is to improve the quality of GaInNAs by advanced thin-film growth techniques, such as digital-alloy growth techniques and migration-enhanced epitaxy (MEE). The other focus is to further investigate the properties of such materials, which are potentially beneficial for high-efficiency, multijunction solar cells. 400-nm-thick strain-compensated Ga0.92In0.08As/GaN0.03As0.97 short-period superlattices (SPSLs) are grown lattice-matched to GaAs substrates. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of digital alloys is 3 times higher than that of random alloys at room temperature, and the improvement is even greater at low temperature, by a factor of about 12. The room-temperature PL intensity of the GaInNAsmore » quantum well grown by the strained InAs/GaN0.023As SPSL growth mode is higher by a factor 5 as compare to the continuous growth mode. The SPSL growth method allows for independent adjustment of the In-to-Ga ratio without group III competition. MEE reduces the low-energy tail of PL, and PL peaks become more intense and sharper. The twin peaks photoluminescence of GaNAs grown on GaAs was observed at room temperature. The peaks splitting increase with increase in nitrogen alloy content. The strain-induced splitting of light-hole and heavy-hole bands of tensile-strained GaNAs is proposed as an explanation of such behavior.« less

Thin film cell development workshop report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodyard, James R.

1991-01-01

The Thin Film Development Workshop provided an opportunity for those interested in space applications of thin film cells to debate several topics. The unique characteristics of thin film cells as well as a number of other issues were covered during the discussions. The potential of thin film cells, key research and development issues, manufacturing issues, radiation damage, substrates, and space qualification of thin film cells were discussed.

Advanced subgrid-scale modeling for convection-dominated species transport at fluid interfaces with application to mass transfer from rising bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiner, Andre; Bothe, Dieter

2017-10-01

This paper presents a novel subgrid scale (SGS) model for simulating convection-dominated species transport at deformable fluid interfaces. One possible application is the Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of mass transfer from rising bubbles. The transport of a dissolving gas along the bubble-liquid interface is determined by two transport phenomena: convection in streamwise direction and diffusion in interface normal direction. The convective transport for technical bubble sizes is several orders of magnitude higher, leading to a thin concentration boundary layer around the bubble. A true DNS, fully resolving hydrodynamic and mass transfer length scales results in infeasible computational costs. Our approach is therefore a DNS of the flow field combined with a SGS model to compute the mass transfer between bubble and liquid. An appropriate model-function is used to compute the numerical fluxes on all cell faces of an interface cell. This allows to predict the mass transfer correctly even if the concentration boundary layer is fully contained in a single cell layer around the interface. We show that the SGS-model reduces the resolution requirements at the interface by a factor of ten and more. The integral flux correction is also applicable to other thin boundary layer problems. Two flow regimes are investigated to validate the model. A semi-analytical solution for creeping flow is used to assess local and global mass transfer quantities. For higher Reynolds numbers ranging from Re = 100 to Re = 460 and Péclet numbers between Pe =104 and Pe = 4 ṡ106 we compare the global Sherwood number against correlations from literature. In terms of accuracy, the predicted mass transfer never deviates more than 4% from the reference values.

Predicting human blood viscosity in silico

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

Fedosov, Dmitry A.; Pan, Wenxiao; Caswell, Bruce

2011-07-05

Cellular suspensions such as blood are a part of living organisms and their rheological and flow characteristics determine and affect majority of vital functions. The rheological and flow properties of cell suspensions are determined by collective dynamics of cells, their structure or arrangement, cell properties and interactions. We study these relations for blood in silico using a mesoscopic particle-based method and two different models (multi-scale/low-dimensional) of red blood cells. The models yield accurate quantitative predictions of the dependence of blood viscosity on shear rate and hematocrit. We explicitly model cell aggregation interactions and demonstrate the formation of reversible rouleaux structuresmore » resulting in a tremendous increase of blood viscosity at low shear rates and yield stress, in agreement with experiments. The non-Newtonian behavior of such cell suspensions (e.g., shear thinning, yield stress) is analyzed and related to the suspension’s microstructure, deformation and dynamics of single cells. We provide the flrst quantitative estimates of normal stress differences and magnitude of aggregation forces in blood. Finally, the flexibility of the cell models allows them to be employed for quantitative analysis of a much wider class of complex fluids including cell, capsule, and vesicle suspensions.« less

One-dimensional analysis of plane and radial thin film flows including solid-body rotation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, S.; Hankey, W.; Faghri, A.; Swanson, T.

1989-01-01

The flow of a thin liquid film with a free surface along a horizontal plate which emanates from a pressurized vessel is examined by integrating the equations of motion across the thin liquid layer and discretizing the integrated equations using finite difference techniques. The effects of 0-g and solid-body rotation will be discussed. The two cases of interest are plane flow and radial flow. In plane flow, the liquid is considered to be flowing along a channel with no change in the width of the channel, whereas in radial flow the liquid spreads out radially over a disk, so that the area changes along the radius. It is desired to determine the height of the liquid film at any location along the plate of disk, so that the heat transfer from the plate or disk can be found. The possibility that the flow could encounter a hydraulic jump is accounted for.

The Effect of Wake Passing on Turbine Blade Film Cooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heidmann, James David

1996-01-01

The effect of upstream blade row wake passing on the showerhead film cooling performance of a downstream turbine blade has been investigated through a combination of experimental and computational studies. The experiments were performed in a steady-flow annular turbine cascade facility equipped with an upstream rotating row of cylindrical rods to produce a periodic wake field similar to that found in an actual turbine. Spanwise, chordwise, and temporal resolution of the blade surface temperature were achieved through the use of an array of nickel thin-film surface gauges covering one unit cell of showerhead film hole pattern. Film effectiveness and Nusselt number values were determined for a test matrix of various injectants, injectant blowing ratios, and wake Strouhal numbers. Results indicated a demonstratable reduction in film effectiveness with increasing Strouhal number, as well as the expected increase in film effectiveness with blowing ratio. An equation was developed to correlate the span-average film effectiveness data. The primary effect of wake unsteadiness was found to be correlated well by a chordwise-constant decrement of 0.094-St. Measurable spanwise film effectiveness variations were found near the showerhead region, but meaningful unsteady variations and downstream spanwise variations were not found. Nusselt numbers were less sensitive to wake and injection changes. Computations were performed using a three-dimensional turbulent Navier-Stokes code which was modified to model wake passing and film cooling. Unsteady computations were found to agree well with steady computations provided the proper time-average blowing ratio and pressure/suction surface flow split are matched. The remaining differences were isolated to be due to the enhanced mixing in the unsteady solution caused by the wake sweeping normally on the pressure surface. Steady computations were found to be in excellent agreement with experimental Nusselt numbers, but to overpredict experimental film effectiveness values. This is likely due to the inability to match actual hole exit velocity profiles and the absence of a credible turbulence model for film cooling.

Cardiovascular microbubble transport in vessel bifurcations with pulsatile flow: experimental model and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valassis, Doug; Dodde, Robert; Eshpuniyani, Brijesh; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Bull, Joseph

2008-11-01

The behavior of long gas bubbles suspended in liquid flowing through successive bifurcations was investigated experimentally and theoretically as a model of cardiovascular bubble transport in gas embolotherapy. In this developmental cancer therapy, perflurocarbon droplets are vaporized in the vasculature and travel through a bifurcating network of vessels before lodging. The homogeneity of tumor necrosis is directly correlated with the transport and lodging of the emboli. An experimental model was used to explore the effects of flow pulsatility, frequency, gravity, and bifurcation roll angle on bubble splitting and lodging. At a bifurcation roll angle of 45-degrees, the most distinct difference in splitting ratios between three physiologic frequencies (1, 1.5, 2 Hz) was observed. As roll angle increased, lodged bubble volume in the first generation channel increased while bubble volume beyond the second bifurcation proportionately decreased. A corresponding time-dependent one-dimensional theoretical model was also developed. The results elucidate the effects of pulsatile flow and suggest the potential of gas embolotherapy to occlude blood flow to tumors.

Revisiting directed flow in relativistic heavy-ion collisions from a multiphase transport model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Chong-Qiang; Zhang, Chun-Jian; Xu, Jun

2017-12-01

We have revisited several interesting questions on how the rapidity-odd directed flow is developed in relativistic 197Au+197Au collisions at √{s_{NN}} = 200 and 39 GeV based on a multiphase transport model. As the partonic phase evolves with time, the slope of the parton directed flow at midrapidity region changes from negative to positive as a result of the later dynamics at 200 GeV, while it remains negative at 39 GeV due to the shorter life time of the partonic phase. The directed flow splitting for various quark species due to their different initial eccentricities is observed at 39 GeV, while the splitting is very small at 200GeV. From a dynamical coalescence algorithm with Wigner functions, we found that the directed flow of hadrons is a result of competition between the coalescence in momentum and coordinate space as well as further modifications by the hadronic rescatterings.

A regional test of global models for flow, rheology, and seismic anisotropy at the base of the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, Heather A.; Long, Maureen D.

2015-08-01

The study of flow patterns and seismic anisotropy in the lowermost mantle is fraught with uncertainties, given the limitations in our understanding of the physical properties of the lowermost mantle and the relationships between deformation and anisotropy. Here we use a set of SKS, SKKS, and ScS splitting measurements that sample the eastern edge of the African Large Low Shear Velocity Province to test predictions of seismic anisotropy derived from previously published 3D global mantle flow models and anisotropy modeling (Walker et al., 2011). The observations can be fit by a model that invokes flow directed to the southwest with a component of downwelling in our study region, and slip that occurs along the (0 1 0) plane of post-perovskite. Most importantly, we demonstrate the ability of a regional shear wave splitting data set to test the robustness of models for flow and deformation in the lowermost mantle.

Nitrogen anion-decorated cobalt tungsten disulfides solid solutions on the carbon nanofibers for water splitting.

PubMed

Wan, Meng; Li, Jiang; Li, Tao; Zhu, Han; Wu, Weiwei; Du, Mingliang

2018-06-28

A facile method to prepared nitrogen anion-decorated cobalt tungsten disulfides solid solutions retaining ultra-thin WS2-like nanosheet structures (The N-CoxW1-xS2) anchored on carbon nanofibers is developed. The synergistic effect of the WS2 nanosheets provides a secure framework for stabilizing the amorphous Co-S clusters, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) substrate and nitrogen anion-decoration significantly enhances the inherent conductivity of the catalyst, resulting in a significantly promoted hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and stable performance compared to pure Co9S8 nanoparticles or ultra-thin WS2 nanosheets. The N-CoxW1-xS2 electrode demonstrates the excellent electrocatalytic performance, with current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a low overpotential of 93 mV and Tafel slope of 85 mV dec-1, as well as the long-term stability in acid electrolyte. The present investigation may provide a feasible strategy for incorporating other heteroatoms into transitional metal disulfides (TMDs) materials to design catalysts with highly active and stable performance for water splitting. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Non-rigid estimation of cell motion in calcium time-lapse images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachi, Siham; Lucumi Moreno, Edinson; Desmet, An-Sofie; Vanden Berghe, Pieter; Fleming, Ronan M. T.

2016-03-01

Calcium imaging is a widely used technique in neuroscience permitting the simultaneous monitoring of electro- physiological activity of hundreds of neurons at single cell resolution. Identification of neuronal activity requires rapid and reliable image analysis techniques, especially when neurons fire and move simultaneously over time. Traditionally, image segmentation is performed to extract individual neurons in the first frame of a calcium sequence. Thereafter, the mean intensity is calculated from the same region of interest in each frame to infer calcium signals. However, when cells move, deform and fire, this segmentation on its own generates artefacts and therefore biased neuronal activity. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a more efficient cell tracking technique. We hereby present a novel vision-based cell tracking scheme using a thin-plate spline deformable model. The thin-plate spline warping is based on control points detected using the Fast from Accelerated Segment Test descriptor and tracked using the Lucas-Kanade optical flow. Our method is able to track neurons in calcium time-series, even when there are large changes in intensity, such as during a firing event. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach is validated on real calcium time-lapse images of a neuronal population.

Instability of long fingers in Hele--Shaw flows

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

Park, C.W.; Homsy, G.M.

1985-06-01

Experiments on steady fingers and their stability in Hele--Shaw cells, are reported. It is shown that the shape of steady fingers scales with a modified capillary number, Ca', as suggested by McLean and Saffman (J. Fluid. Mech. 102, 455 (1981) and our previous analysis (J. Fluid Mech. 139, 291 (1984)). The behavior at large Ca' is investigated by using a wide Hele--Shaw cell. It is observed that such fingers are unstable for Ca'>100, in agreement with the prediction by Taylor and Saffman (second symposium on naval hydrodynamics, 1958, p. 277) of instability as Ca'..-->..infinity. The mechanism is identified as onemore » of tip-splitting, which occurs periodically in the weakly supercritical regime, and in a more complex fashion for large Ca'.« less

X-ray beamsplitter

DOEpatents

Ceglio, N.M.; Stearns, D.G.; Hawryluk, A.M.; Barbee, T.W. Jr.

1987-08-07

An x-ray beamsplitter which splits an x-ray beam into two coherent parts by reflecting and transmitting some fraction of an incident beam has applications for x-ray interferometry, x-ray holography, x-ray beam manipulation, and x-ray laser cavity output couplers. The beamsplitter is formed of a wavelength selective multilayer thin film supported by a very thin x-ray transparent membrane. The beamsplitter resonantly transmits and reflects x-rays through thin film interference effects. A thin film is formed of 5--50 pairs of alternate Mo/Si layers with a period of 20--250 A. The support membrane is 10--200 nm of silicon nitride or boron nitride. The multilayer/support membrane structure is formed across a window in a substrate by first forming the structure on a solid substrate and then forming a window in the substrate to leave a free-standing structure over the window. 6 figs.

X-ray beamsplitter

DOEpatents

Ceglio, Natale M.; Stearns, Daniel S.; Hawryluk, Andrew M.; Barbee, Jr., Troy W.

1989-01-01

An x-ray beamsplitter which splits an x-ray beam into two coherent parts by reflecting and transmitting some fraction of an incident beam has applications for x-ray interferometry, x-ray holography, x-ray beam manipulation, and x-ray laser cavity output couplers. The beamsplitter is formed of a wavelength selective multilayer thin film supported by a very thin x-ray transparent membrane. The beamsplitter resonantly transmits and reflects x-rays through thin film interference effects. A thin film is formed of 5-50 pairs of alternate Mo/Si layers with a period of 20-250 A. The support membrane is 10-200 nm of silicon nitride or boron nitride. The multilayer/support membrane structure is formed across a window in a substrate by first forming the structure on a solid substrate and then forming a window in the substrate to leave a free-standing structure over the window.

Performance Optimization of Alternative Lower Global Warming Potential Refrigerants in Mini-Split Room Air Conditioners

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

Shen, Bo; Abdelaziz, Omar; Shrestha, Som S

Oak Ridge National laboratory (ORNL) recently conducted extensive laboratory, drop-in investigations for lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to replace R-22 and R-410A. ORNL studied propane, DR-3, ARM-20B, N-20B and R-444B as lower GWP refrigerant replacement for R-22 in a mini-split room air conditioner (RAC) originally designed for R-22; and, R-32, DR-55, ARM-71A, and L41-2, in a mini-split RAC designed for R-410A. We obtained laboratory testing results with very good energy balance and nominal measurement uncertainty. Drop-in studies are not enough to judge the overall performance of the alternative refrigerants since their thermodynamic and transport properties might favor different heatmore » exchanger configurations, e.g. cross-flow, counter flow, etc. This study compares optimized performances of individual refrigerants using a physics-based system model tools. The DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM) was used to model the mini-split RACs by inputting detailed heat exchangers geometries, compressor displacement and efficiencies as well as other relevant system components. The RAC models were calibrated against the lab data for each individual refrigerant. The calibrated models were then used to conduct a design optimization for the cooling performance by varying the compressor displacement to match the required capacity, and changing the number of circuits, refrigerant flow direction, tube diameters, air flow rates in the condenser and evaporator at 100% and 50% cooling capacities. This paper compares the optimized performance results for all alternative refrigerants and highlights best candidates for R-22 and R-410A replacement.« less

Three-dimensional multigrid algorithms for the flux-split Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. Kyle; Thomas, James L.; Whitfield, David L.

1988-01-01

The Full Approximation Scheme (FAS) multigrid method is applied to several implicit flux-split algorithms for solving the three-dimensional Euler equations in a body fitted coordinate system. Each of the splitting algorithms uses a variation of approximate factorization and is implemented in a finite volume formulation. The algorithms are all vectorizable with little or no scalar computation required. The flux vectors are split into upwind components using both the splittings of Steger-Warming and Van Leer. The stability and smoothing rate of each of the schemes are examined using a Fourier analysis of the complete system of equations. Results are presented for three-dimensional subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flows which demonstrate substantially improved convergence rates with the multigrid algorithm. The influence of using both a V-cycle and a W-cycle on the convergence is examined.

Effect of chemical heat release in a temporally evolving mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Higuera, F. J.; Moser, R. D.

1994-01-01

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of a temporally evolving mixing layer with an exothermic infinitely fast diffusion flame between two unmixed reactants have been carried out in the limit of zero Mach number to study the effect of the heat release on the early stages of the evolution of the flow. Attention has been directed to relatively large values of the oxidizer-to-fuel mass stoichiometric ratio typical of hydrocarbon flames, and initial vorticity distributions thicker than the temperature and species distributions have been chosen to mimic the situation at the outlet of a jet. The results show that, during the stages of the evolution covered by the present simulations, enhancement of combustion occurs by local stretching of the flame without much augmentation of its area. The rate of product generation depends strongly on the initial conditions, which suggests the possibility of controlling the combustion by acting on the flow. Rollup and vortex amalgamation still occur in these reacting flows but are very much affected by the production of new vorticity by baroclinic torques. These torques lead to counter rotating vortex pairs around the flame and, more importantly, in thin layers of light fluid that leave the vicinity of the flame when the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability begins to develop. Propelled by the vortex pairs, these layers wind around, split on reaching high pressure regions, and originate new vortex pairs in a process that ends up building large-scale vortices with a vorticity distribution more complex than for a constant density fluid.

An immersed boundary formulation for simulating high-speed compressible viscous flows with moving solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Yegao; Shi, Ruchao; Batra, Romesh C.

2018-02-01

We present a robust sharp-interface immersed boundary method for numerically studying high speed flows of compressible and viscous fluids interacting with arbitrarily shaped either stationary or moving rigid solids. The Navier-Stokes equations are discretized on a rectangular Cartesian grid based on a low-diffusion flux splitting method for inviscid fluxes and conservative high-order central-difference schemes for the viscous components. Discontinuities such as those introduced by shock waves and contact surfaces are captured by using a high-resolution weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme. Ghost cells in the vicinity of the fluid-solid interface are introduced to satisfy boundary conditions on the interface. Values of variables in the ghost cells are found by using a constrained moving least squares method (CMLS) that eliminates numerical instabilities encountered in the conventional MLS formulation. The solution of the fluid flow and the solid motion equations is advanced in time by using the third-order Runge-Kutta and the implicit Newmark integration schemes, respectively. The performance of the proposed method has been assessed by computing results for the following four problems: shock-boundary layer interaction, supersonic viscous flows past a rigid cylinder, moving piston in a shock tube and lifting off from a flat surface of circular, rectangular and elliptic cylinders triggered by shock waves, and comparing computed results with those available in the literature.

Secondary flow vortical structures in a 180∘ elastic curved vessel with torsion under steady and pulsatile inflow conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najjari, Mohammad Reza; Plesniak, Michael W.

2018-01-01

Secondary flow structures in a 180∘ curved pipe model of an artery are studied using particle image velocimetry. Both steady and pulsatile inflow conditions are investigated. In planar curved pipes with steady flow, multiple (two, four, six) vortices are detected. For pulsatile flow, various pairs of vortices, i.e., Dean, deformed-Dean, Lyne-type, and split-Dean, are present in the cross section of the pipe at 90∘ into the bend. The effects of nonplanar curvature (torsion) and vessel dilatation on these vortical structures are studied. Torsion distorts the symmetric secondary flows (which exist in planar curvatures) and can result in formation of more complex vortical structures. For example, the split-Dean and Lyne-type vortices with same rotation direction originating from opposite sides of the cross section tend to merge together in pulsatile flow. The vortical structures in elastic vessels with dilatation (0.61%-3.23%) are also investigated and the results are compared with rigid model results. It was found that the secondary flow structures in rigid and elastic models are similar, and hence the local compliance of the vessel does not affect the morphology of secondary flow structures.

Pockets, conduits, channels, and plumes: links to volcanism and orogeny in the rollback dominated western Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Meghan S.; Sun, Daoyuan; O'Driscoll, Leland; Becker, Thorsten W.; Holt, Adam; Diaz, Jordi; Thomas, Christine

2015-04-01

Detailed mantle and lithospheric structure from the Canary Islands to Iberia have been imaged with data from recent temporary deployments and select permanent stations from over 300 broadband seismometers. The stations extended across Morocco and Spain as part of the PICASSO, IberArray, and Morocco-Münster experiments. We present results from S receiver functions (SRF), shear wave splitting, waveform modeling, and geodynamic models that help constrain the tectonic evolution of the westernmost Mediterranean, including orogenesis of the Atlas Mountains and occurrence of localized alkaline volcanism. Our receiver function images, in agreement with previous geophysical modeling, show that the lithosphere is thin (~65 km) beneath the Atlas, but thickens (~100 km) over a very short length scale at the flanks of the mountains. We find that these dramatic changes in lithospheric thickness also correspond to dramatic decreases in delay times inferred from S and SKS splitting observations of seismic anisotropy. Pockets and conduits of low seismic velocity material below the lithosphere extend along much of the Atlas to Southern Spain and correlate with the locations of Pliocene-Quaternary magmatism. Waveform analysis from the USC linear seismic array across the Atlas Mountains constrains the position, shape, and physical characteristics of one localized, low velocity conduit that extends from the uppermost mantle (~200 km depth) up to the volcanoes in the Middle Atlas. The shape, position and temperature of these seismically imaged low velocity anomalies, topography of the base of the lithosphere, morphology of the subducted slab beneath the Alboran Sea, position of the West African Craton and correlation with mantle flow inferred from shear wave splitting suggest that the unusually high topography of the Atlas Mountains and isolated recent volcanics are due to active mantle support that may be from material channeled from the Canary Island plume.

Anodically Grown Binder-Free Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Film: Toward Efficient Water Reduction and Hexacyanoferrate Film Based Full Device for Overall Water Splitting.

PubMed

Bui, Hoa Thi; Shrestha, Nabeen K; Khadtare, Shubhangi; Bathula, Chinna D; Giebeler, Lars; Noh, Yong-Young; Han, Sung-Hwan

2017-05-31

One of the challenges in obtaining hydrogen economically by electrochemical water splitting is to identify and substitute cost-effective earth-abundant materials for the traditionally used precious-metal-based water-splitting electrocatalysts. Herein, we report the electrochemical formation of a thin film of nickel-based Prussian blue analogue hexacyanoferrate (Ni-HCF) through the anodization of a nickel substrate in ferricyanide electrolyte. As compared to the traditionally used Nafion-binder-based bulk film, the anodically obtained binder-free Ni-HCF film demonstrates superior performance in the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is highly competitive with that shown by a Pt-plate electrode. The HER onset and the benchmark cathodic current density of 10 mA cm -2 were achieved at small overpotentials of 15 mV and 0.2 V (not iR-corrected), respectively, in 1 M KOH electrolyte, together with the long-term electrochemical durability of the film. Further, a metal-HCF-electrode-based full water-splitting device consisting of the binder-free Ni-HCF film on a Ni plate and a one-dimensional Co-HCF film on carbon paper as the electrodes for the HER and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, was designed and was found to demonstrate very promising performance for overall water splitting.

Propel: A Discontinuous-Galerkin Finite Element Code for Solving the Reacting Navier-Stokes Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Ryan; Kercher, Andrew; Schwer, Douglas; Corrigan, Andrew; Kailasanath, Kazhikathra

2017-11-01

This presentation focuses on the development of a Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for application to chemically reacting flows. The in-house code, called Propel, was developed by the Laboratory of Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics at the Naval Research Laboratory. It was designed specifically for developing advanced multi-dimensional algorithms to run efficiently on new and innovative architectures such as GPUs. For these results, Propel solves for convection and diffusion simultaneously with detailed transport and thermodynamics. Chemistry is currently solved in a time-split approach using Strang-splitting with finite element DG time integration of chemical source terms. Results presented here show canonical unsteady reacting flow cases, such as co-flow and splitter plate, and we report performance for higher order DG on CPU and GPUs.

Comments regarding two upwind methods for solving two-dimensional external flows using unstructured grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleb, W. L.

1994-01-01

Steady flow over the leading portion of a multicomponent airfoil section is studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) employing an unstructured grid. To simplify the problem, only the inviscid terms are retained from the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations - leaving the Euler equations. The algorithm is derived using the finite-volume approach, incorporating explicit time-marching of the unsteady Euler equations to a time-asymptotic, steady-state solution. The inviscid fluxes are obtained through either of two approximate Riemann solvers: Roe's flux difference splitting or van Leer's flux vector splitting. Results are presented which contrast the solutions given by the two flux functions as a function of Mach number and grid resolution. Additional information is presented concerning code verification techniques, flow recirculation regions, convergence histories, and computational resources.

A non-oscillatory energy-splitting method for the computation of compressible multi-fluid flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Xin; Li, Jiequan

2018-04-01

This paper proposes a new non-oscillatory energy-splitting conservative algorithm for computing multi-fluid flows in the Eulerian framework. In comparison with existing multi-fluid algorithms in the literature, it is shown that the mass fraction model with isobaric hypothesis is a plausible choice for designing numerical methods for multi-fluid flows. Then we construct a conservative Godunov-based scheme with the high order accurate extension by using the generalized Riemann problem solver, through the detailed analysis of kinetic energy exchange when fluids are mixed under the hypothesis of isobaric equilibrium. Numerical experiments are carried out for the shock-interface interaction and shock-bubble interaction problems, which display the excellent performance of this type of schemes and demonstrate that nonphysical oscillations are suppressed around material interfaces substantially.

Surface-supported metal-organic framework thin films: fabrication methods, applications, and challenges.

PubMed

Liu, Jinxuan; Wöll, Christof

2017-10-02

Surface-supported metal-organic framework thin films are receiving increasing attention as a novel form of nanotechnology. New deposition techniques that enable the control of the film thickness, homogeneity, morphology, and dimensions with a huge number of metal-organic framework compounds offer tremendous opportunities in a number of different application fields. In response to increasing demands for environmental sustainability and cleaner energy, much effort in recent years has been devoted to the development of MOF thin films for applications in photovoltaics, CO 2 reduction, energy storage, water splitting, and electronic devices, as well as for the fabrication of membranes. Although existing applications are promising and encouraging, MOF thin films still face numerous challenges, including the need for a more thorough understanding of the thin-film growth mechanism, stability of the internal and external interfaces, strategies for doping and models for charge carrier transport. In this paper, we review the recent advances in MOF thin films, including fabrication and patterning strategies and existing nanotechnology applications. We conclude by listing the most attractive future opportunities as well as the most urgent challenges.

A hybridized discontinuous Galerkin framework for high-order particle-mesh operator splitting of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maljaars, Jakob M.; Labeur, Robert Jan; Möller, Matthias

2018-04-01

A generic particle-mesh method using a hybridized discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) framework is presented and validated for the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Building upon particle-in-cell concepts, the method is formulated in terms of an operator splitting technique in which Lagrangian particles are used to discretize an advection operator, and an Eulerian mesh-based HDG method is employed for the constitutive modeling to account for the inter-particle interactions. Key to the method is the variational framework provided by the HDG method. This allows to formulate the projections between the Lagrangian particle space and the Eulerian finite element space in terms of local (i.e. cellwise) ℓ2-projections efficiently. Furthermore, exploiting the HDG framework for solving the constitutive equations results in velocity fields which excellently approach the incompressibility constraint in a local sense. By advecting the particles through these velocity fields, the particle distribution remains uniform over time, obviating the need for additional quality control. The presented methodology allows for a straightforward extension to arbitrary-order spatial accuracy on general meshes. A range of numerical examples shows that optimal convergence rates are obtained in space and, given the particular time stepping strategy, second-order accuracy is obtained in time. The model capabilities are further demonstrated by presenting results for the flow over a backward facing step and for the flow around a cylinder.

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

Moutanabbir, O.; Scholz, R.; Senz, S.

We investigated the microstructural transformations during hydrogen ion-induced splitting of GaN thin layers. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and positron annihilation spectroscopy data show that the implanted region is decorated with a high density of 1-2 nm bubbles resulting from vacancy clustering during implantation. These nanobubbles persist up to 450 deg. C. Ion channeling data show a strong dechanneling enhancement in this temperature range tentatively attributed to strain-induced lattice distortion. The dechanneling level decreases following the formation of plateletlike structures at 475 deg. C. Extended internal surfaces develop around 550 deg. C leading to the exfoliation of GaN thin layer.

Effects of N2/O2 flow rate on the surface properties and biocompatibility of nano-structured TiOxNy thin films prepared by high vacuum magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleem, Sehrish; Ahmad, R.; Ikhlaq, Uzma; Ayub, R.; Wei, Hong Jin; Rui Zhen, Xu; Peng, Hui Li; Abbas, Khizra; Chu, Paul K.

2015-07-01

NiTi shape memory alloys (SMA) have many biomedical applications due to their excellent mechanical and biocompatible properties. However, nickel in the alloy may cause allergic and toxic reactions, which limit some applications. In this work, titanium oxynitride films were deposited on NiTi samples by high vacuum magnetron sputtering for various nitrogen and oxygen gas flow rates. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal the presence of different phases in the titanium oxynitride thin films. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping of samples after immersion in simulated body fluids (SBF) shows that Ni is depleted from the surface and cell cultures corroborate the enhanced biocompatibility in vitro. Project supported by the Higher Education Commission, Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) General Research Funds (GRF), China (Grant No. 112212) and the City University of Hong Kong Applied Research Grant (ARG), China (Grant No. 9667066).

Finite element modeling simulation-assisted design of integrated microfluidic chips for heavy metal ion stripping analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Ying; Zou, Jianhua; Ge, Gang; Xiao, Wanyue; Gao, Ling; Shao, Jinjun; Dong, Xiaochen

2017-10-01

In this article, a transparent integrated microfluidic device composed of a 3D-printed thin-layer flow cell (3D-PTLFC) and an S-shaped screen-printed electrode (SPE) has been designed and fabricated for heavy metal ion stripping analysis. A finite element modeling (FEM) simulation is employed to optimize the shape of the electrode, the direction of the inlet pipeline, the thin-layer channel height and the sample flow rate to enhance the electron-enrichment efficiency for stripping analysis. The results demonstrate that the S-shaped SPE configuration matches the channel in 3D-PTLFC perfectly for the anodic stripping behavior of the heavy metal ions. Under optimized conditions, a wide linear range of 1-80 µg l-1 is achieved for Pb2+ detection with a limit of 0.3 µg l-1 for the microfluidic device. Thus, the obtained integrated microfluidic device proves to be a promising approach for heavy metal ions stripping analysis with low cost and high performance.

Flow Enhancement due to Elastic Turbulence in Channel Flows of Shear Thinning Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodiguel, Hugues; Beaumont, Julien; Machado, Anaïs; Martinie, Laetitia; Kellay, Hamid; Colin, Annie

2015-01-01

We explore the flow of highly shear thinning polymer solutions in straight geometry. The strong variations of the normal forces close to the wall give rise to an elastic instability. We evidence a periodic motion close the onset of the instability, which then evolves towards a turbulentlike flow at higher flow rates. Strikingly, we point out that this instability induces genuine drag reduction due to the homogenization of the viscosity profile by the turbulent flow.

Flow enhancement due to elastic turbulence in channel flows of shear thinning fluids.

PubMed

Bodiguel, Hugues; Beaumont, Julien; Machado, Anaïs; Martinie, Laetitia; Kellay, Hamid; Colin, Annie

2015-01-16

We explore the flow of highly shear thinning polymer solutions in straight geometry. The strong variations of the normal forces close to the wall give rise to an elastic instability. We evidence a periodic motion close the onset of the instability, which then evolves towards a turbulentlike flow at higher flow rates. Strikingly, we point out that this instability induces genuine drag reduction due to the homogenization of the viscosity profile by the turbulent flow.

Crustal structure and deformation under the Longmenshan and its surroundings revealed by receiver function data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ya; Liu, Jianxin; Zhou, Keping; Chen, Bo; Guo, Rongwen

2015-07-01

The convergence of India and Eurasia and the obstruction from the rigid Sichuan Basin cause the Longmenshan (LMS) to have the steepest topographic gradient at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the mechanisms of surface uplift are still controversial. In this paper, we estimate the crustal structure and deformation under the LMS and its surroundings by analyzing a large amount of receiver function data recorded by regional seismic networks of the China Earthquake Administration. We apply a comprehensive splitting measurement technique on Ps conversion phase at the Moho (Moho Ps splitting) to calculate crustal anisotropy from azimuthal variations of receiver functions. Our results show that most of the seismic stations beneath the LMS area exhibit significant seismic anisotropy with the splitting time of 0.22-0.94 s and a fast polarization direction of NW-SE, while less or even no crustal anisotropy has been observed under the Sichuan Basin. Comparing the fast polarization directions of Moho Ps splitting with the indicators of lithospheric deformation (such as shear wave splitting, absolute plate motion, and global positioning system) imply a consistent tendency of deformation between the lower crust and upper mantle, but decoupling deformation in the crust beneath the LMS area. We further compare Moho Ps splitting time to that estimated from previous SKS splitting, indicating that crustal anisotropy is an important source of the SKS splitting time in this study area. In addition, a thick crust (>50 km) with high Vp/Vs values (1.74-1.86) is also observed using the H-κ stacking method. These seismic observations are consistent with the scenario that the LMS area has been built by the lower crustal flow. Combined with the seismic reflection/refraction profile and geology studies, we further suggest that the lower crustal flow may extrude upward into the upper crust along the steeply dipping strike faults under the LMS area, resulting in the surface uplift of the LMS.

High efficiency solar cells combining a perovskite and a silicon heterojunction solar cells via an optical splitting system

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

Uzu, Hisashi, E-mail: Hisashi.Uzu@kaneka.co.jp, E-mail: npark@skku.edu; Ichikawa, Mitsuru; Hino, Masashi

2015-01-05

We have applied an optical splitting system in order to achieve very high conversion efficiency for a full spectrum multi-junction solar cell. This system consists of multiple solar cells with different band gap optically coupled via an “optical splitter.” An optical splitter is a multi-layered beam splitter with very high reflection in the shorter-wave-length range and very high transmission in the longer-wave-length range. By splitting the incident solar spectrum and distributing it to each solar cell, the solar energy can be managed more efficiently. We have fabricated optical splitters and used them with a wide-gap amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cellmore » or a CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} perovskite solar cell as top cells, combined with mono-crystalline silicon heterojunction (HJ) solar cells as bottom cells. We have achieved with a 550 nm cutoff splitter an active area conversion efficiency of over 25% using a-Si and HJ solar cells and 28% using perovskite and HJ solar cells.« less

Different Response of Sap Flow at Different Measurement Depths after Thinning in a Japanese Cypress Plantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, C. W.; Gomi, T.; Onda, Y.; Kato, H.; Sakashita, W.; Sun, X.

2017-12-01

Thinning experiments in forests can alter light conditions and further affect growth rate and transpiration of the remained trees. Previous studies suggested transpiration was increased one year after thinning experiment due to improved canopy light condition. On the other hand, the anatomical and morphological responses to thinning are not react immediately because of the tree adaptation to the new surrounding conditions. It has been hypothesized that lower crown is connected to the inner part of sapwood and need more years to adapt new light conditions after thinning. However, our knowledge for the relationship between tree crown development and water movement inside the trunk after several years from thinning experiment was still limited due to lack of long-term field measurement after thinning. Therefore, in this study, we aim to examine the interannual variability of water movement inside the trunk accompanied the development of tree crown after thinning experiment. To do that, we applied sap flow measurement and terrestrial LiDAR survey from 2011 to 2017 in a Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantation in Japan, where 50% strip thinning experiment was conducted in the end of 2011. Consequently, we found sap flow densities at different measurement depths were not always increased year by year and those may relate to the crown development after thinning.

Magneto - Optical Imaging of Superconducting MgB2 Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hummert, Stephanie Maria

We begin by defining the concept of `open' Markov processes, which are continuous-time Markov chains where probability can flow in and out through certain `boundary' states. We study open Markov processes which in the absence of such boundary flows admit equilibrium states satisfying detailed balance, meaning that the net flow of probability vanishes between all pairs of states. External couplings which fix the probabilities of boundary states can maintain such systems in non-equilibrium steady states in which non-zero probability currents flow. We show that these non-equilibrium steady states minimize a quadratic form which we call 'dissipation.' This is closely related to Prigogine's principle of minimum entropy production. We bound the rate of change of the entropy of a driven non-equilibrium steady state relative to the underlying equilibrium state in terms of the flow of probability through the boundary of the process. We then consider open Markov processes as morphisms in a symmetric monoidal category by splitting up their boundary states into certain sets of `inputs' and `outputs.' Composition corresponds to gluing the outputs of one such open Markov process onto the inputs of another so that the probability flowing out of the first process is equal to the probability flowing into the second. Tensoring in this category corresponds to placing two such systems side by side. We construct a `black-box' functor characterizing the behavior of an open Markov process in terms of the space of possible steady state probabilities and probability currents along the boundary. The fact that this is a functor means that the behavior of a composite open Markov process can be computed by composing the behaviors of the open Markov processes from which it is composed. We prove a similar black-boxing theorem for reaction networks whose dynamics are given by the non-linear rate equation. Along the way we describe a more general category of open dynamical systems where composition corresponds to gluing together open dynamical systems.

Ericksen number and Deborah number cascade predictions of a model for liquid crystalline polymers for simple shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, D. Harley; Leal, L. Gary; García-Cervera, Carlos J.; Ceniceros, Hector D.

2007-02-01

We consider the behavior of the Doi-Marrucci-Greco (DMG) model for nematic liquid crystalline polymers in planar shear flow. We found the DMG model to exhibit dynamics in both qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental observations reported by Larson and Mead [Liq. Cryst. 15, 151 (1993)] for the Ericksen number and Deborah number cascades. For increasing shear rates within the Ericksen number cascade, the DMG model displays three distinct regimes: stable simple shear, stable roll cells, and irregular structure accompanied by disclination formation. In accordance with experimental observations, the model predicts both ±1 and ±1/2 disclinations. Although ±1 defects form via the ridge-splitting mechanism first identified by Feng, Tao, and Leal [J. Fluid Mech. 449, 179 (2001)], a new mechanism is identified for the formation of ±1/2 defects. Within the Deborah number cascade, with increasing Deborah number, the DMG model exhibits a streamwise banded texture, in the absence of disclinations and roll cells, followed by a monodomain wherein the mean orientation lies within the shear plane throughout the domain.

The organized melee: Emergence of collective behavior in concentrated suspensions of swimming bacteria and associated phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cisneros Salerno, Luis

Suspensions of the aerobic bacteria Bacilus subtilis develop patterns and flows from the interplay of motility, chemotaxis and buoyancy. In sessile drops, such bioconvectively driven flows carry plumes down the slanted meniscus and concentrate cells at the drop edge, while in pendant drops such self-concentration occurs at the bottom. These dynamics are explained quantitatively by a mathematical model consisting of oxygen diffusion and consumption, chemotaxis, and viscous fluid dynamics. Concentrated regions in both geometries comprise nearly close-packed populations, forming the collective "Zooming BioNematic" (ZBN) phase. This state exhibits large-scale orientational coherence, analogous to the molecular alignment of nematic liquid crystals, coupled with remarkable spatial and temporal correlations of velocity and vorticity, as measured by both novel and standard applications of particle imaging velocimetry. To probe mechanisms leading to this phase, response of individual cells to steric stress was explored, finding that they can reverse swimming direction at spatial constrictions without turning the cell body. The consequences of this propensity to flip the flagella are quantified, showing that "forwards" and "backwards" motion are dynamically and morphologically indistinguishable. Finally, experiments and mathematical modeling show that complex flows driven by previously unknown bipolar flagellar arrangements are induced when B. subtilis are confined in a thin layer of fluid, between asymmetric boundaries. The resulting driven flow circulates around the cell body ranging over several cell diameters, in contrast to the more localized flows surrounding free swimmers. This discovery extends our knowledge of the dynamic geometry of bacteria and their flagella, and reveals new mechanisms for motility-associated molecular transport and intercellular communication.

Natural Flow Air Cooled Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanagnostopoulos, Y.; Themelis, P.

2010-01-01

Our experimental study aims to investigate the improvement in the electrical performance of a photovoltaic installation on buildings through cooling of the photovoltaic panels with natural air flow. Our experimental study aims to investigate the improvement in the electrical performance of a photovoltaic installation on buildings through cooling of the photovoltaic panels with natural air flow. We performed experiments using a prototype based on three silicon photovoltaic modules placed in series to simulate a typical sloping building roof with photovoltaic installation. In this system the air flows through a channel on the rear side of PV panels. The potential for increasing the heat exchange from the photovoltaic panel to the circulating air by the addition of a thin metal sheet (TMS) in the middle of air channel or metal fins (FIN) along the air duct was examined. The operation of the device was studied with the air duct closed tightly to avoid air circulation (CLOSED) and the air duct open (REF), with the thin metal sheet (TMS) and with metal fins (FIN). In each case the experiments were performed under sunlight and the operating parameters of the experimental device determining the electrical and thermal performance of the system were observed and recorded during a whole day and for several days. We collected the data and form PV panels from the comparative diagrams of the experimental results regarding the temperature of solar cells, the electrical efficiency of the installation, the temperature of the back wall of the air duct and the temperature difference in the entrance and exit of the air duct. The comparative results from the measurements determine the improvement in electrical performance of the photovoltaic cells because of the reduction of their temperature, which is achieved by the naturally circulating air.

The Experimental Study of the Performance of Nano-Thin Polyelectrolyte Shell for Dental Pulp Stem Cells Immobilization.

PubMed

Grzeczkowicz, A; Granicka, L H; Maciejewska, I; Strawski, M; Szklarczyk, M; Borkowska, M

2015-12-01

Carious is the most frequent disease of mineralized dental tissues which might result in dental pulp inflammation and mortality. In such cases an endodontic treatment is the only option to prolong tooth functioning in the oral cavity; however, in the cases of severe pulpitis, especially when complicated with periodontal tissue inflammation, the endodontic treatment might not be enough to protect against tooth loss. Thus, keeping the dental pulp viable and/or possibility of the reconstruction of a viable dental pulp complex, appears to become a critical factor for carious and/or pulp inflammation treatment. The nowadays technologies, which allow handling dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), seem to bring us closer to the usage of dental stem cells for tooth tissues reconstruction. Thus, DPSC immobilized within nano-thin polymeric shells, allowing for a diffusion of produced factors and separation from bacteria, may be considered as a cover system supporting technology of dental pulp reconstruction. The DPSC were immobilized using a layer-by-layer technique within nano-thin polymeric shells constructed and modified by nanostructure involvement to ensure the layers stability and integrity as well as separation from bacterial cells. The cytotoxity of the material used for membrane production was assessed on the model of adherent cells. The performance of DPSC nano-coating was assessed in vitro. Membrane coatings showed no cytotoxicity on the immobilized cells. The presence of coating shell was confirmed with flow cytometry, atomic force microscopy and visualized with fluorescent microscopy. The transfer of immobilized DPSC within the membrane system ensuring cells integrity, viability and protection from bacteria should be considered as an alternative method for dental tissues transportation and regeneration.