bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuation
Authors: Shan Hua , Lee Yu-Tai 
Published: December 2014

There has been an increasing interest in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuation for flow control in the past decade. Compared to other means of active flow controls, the DBD plasma actuations have several advantages, including absence of moving parts, a fast time response for unsteady applications, a very low mass of the device, no cavities or holes on control surfaces, and possibly low energy consumption. These features are especially important for applications with high g-loads, such as turbomachinery blades rotating at high speed.
A computational method has been developed to couple a DBD electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) body force model with the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model for incompressible flows. The EHD body force model is based on solving the electrostatic equations for the electric potential due to applied voltage and the net charge density due to ionized air. The boundary condition for charge density on the dielectric surface is obtained from a Space-Time Lumped-Element (STLE) circuit model that accounts for time and space dependence of the air ionization on the input voltage amplitude, frequency, electrode geometry, and dielectric properties. Alternatively, an empirical formulation representing a Gaussian distribution of charge density on the dielectric surface can also be used. The EHD body force is calculated using the solutions obtained from solving the electric potential and the net charge density equations. As a comparison, a much simpler Linearized Electric Body Force (LEBF) model is also used to directly specify the spatial distribution of the averaged EHD body force. The coupled computational models have been implemented using a multiple-domain approach. The electric potential equation, the net charge density equation, and the flow equations are solved in separate computational domains. All equations are discretized in space using a cell-centered finite volume method. Parallel computation is implemented using domain-decomposition and message passing interface (MPI). Due to a large disparity in time scales between the electric discharge and the flow, a multiple sub-cycle technique is used in coupling the plasma solver and the flow solver.
The DBD plasma induced flow in quiescent air is used as a test case and the computational results are validated against experimental measurement. A comparison between different EHD body force models is also presented. Then, the effect of driving duty-cycles with different waveforms and input voltage amplitudes is investigated in terms of electrical power, EHD thrust, and kinetic energy of induced flow.
Radially and Circumferentially Oriented Vortices in Axial Flow Compressors
Authors: Gill Andrew , von Backström Theodor W. , Harms Thomas M. 
Published: December 2014

This study relates in general to accident scenarios in a closed cycle, nuclear powered, three-shaft, helium gas turbine, and in particular to finding explanations for the high energy dissipation rates at certain compressor operating modes on a four quadrant compressor map. A four quadrant compressor map allows the presentation of all combinations of positive and negative pressure rise and flow direction for positive or negative direction of rotation.
The paper presents measured velocity profiles between blade rows, and computed particle path lines in blade passages. They reveal radially oriented vortices between the blades in a blade row when operating at low positive and negative flow rates. These vortices almost completely block the flow, and flow passing through the blade passage has to follow a helical path from casing to hub or vice versa around the vortex. The flow paths through these vortices are linked to the flow paths around circumferential ring vortices near the hub or near the casing in the blade free passages between blades rows. When operating as a turbine under high flow rates the vortices associated with negative incidence stall may be sheltered by the stator blade concave surfaces and deflect the flow in addition to blocking it.
The vortex structures appear to be fundamental in nature as they were evident in three quadrants and in two different compressors. The vortices play a role in the high energy dissipation rates in axial flow compressors at very low flow rates, where they operate effectively as flow mixers and not as compressors in possible accident scenarios. They also explain the poor performance as turbine in the fourth quadrant.
Microfluidics for Live-Cell Imaging Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans for Human Transplant
Authors: Mendoza-Elias Joshua E. , Oberholzer José , Wang Yong 
Published: December 2014

Since the introduction of the Edmonton Protocol in 2000, islet transplantation has been emerging as promising therapy for Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and currently is the only therapy that can achieve glycemic control without the need for exogenous insulin. Transplanting islet cells has several advantages over transplanting a whole pancreas in that it involves only a minor surgical procedure with low morbidity and mortality, and at a significantly lower cost. However, an obstacle to realizing this goal is a lack of an islet potency index as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) biologics licensing, as well as a more complete understanding of the physiological mechanisms governing islet and β-cell physiology. Recently, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has developed a microfluidic platform that can mimic in vivo islet microenvironments through precise and dynamic control of perifusing culture media and oxygen culture levels; all while measuring functionally relevant factors including intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial potentials, and insulin secretion. By developing an understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of islets we can more effectively develop strategies that reduce metabolic stress and promote optimization in order to achieve improved success of islet transplantation and open new clinical avenues.
The presentation begins by introducing key issues in the field of pancreatic islet transplantation as a clinical therapy for T1DM. This is followed by brief review various technologies that have been developed to study islet cells. The presentation then describes the design, application, and evolution of UIC’s microfluidic-based multimodal islet perifusion and live-cell imaging system for the study of pancreatic islet and β-cell physiology. The article then concludes presenting initial findings from studies seeking to develop an islet potency test.
Fault Diagnosis Technique for a Squirrel Cage Fan Using Vibration Analysis Signals
Authors: Delgado Laura , Gonzalez Perez Jose , Fernandez Oro Jesus M. , Velarde-Suárez Sandra , Rodríguez David , Argüelles Diaz Katia 
Published: December 2014

An experimental vibration study for a small centrifugal fan unit is presented in this work. The flow features in this kind of units are always of unsteady nature due to the geometrical constraints. As a consequence of such unsteady features, the vibrations and noise become often a serious design problem and may cause the unit bad functioning. With the use of fast response accelerometers, a fault diagnosis protocol is introduced in order to measure the extent of signal variations for different and expected failures.
The study is based on the experimental measurements of two perpendicularly placed sensors which capture the acceleration signals for three different flow rates and three different operations, namely, the normal (or no failure) operation, the obstructed channel operation and the unbalance shaft operation. A squirrel cage or Sirocco fan is used for the study. It is a kind of centrifugal turbomachine with forward curved blades, often characterized by their small size. Its low cost and size make them be ideal for residential heating and cooling of vehicles. One of the important characteristics, the small chord of the rotor blades and the high number of them often used has been previously reported in the bibliography. Typically, most common damages or faults come from the moving blades, bearings, fixed blades, rotor and sealing. In general, the vibration signals indicate malfunction symptoms, one symptom may be due to two different faults, and the same fault can produce two different symptoms.
The main goal of the study is the application of a fault diagnosis technique as the purified orbit diagram (POD) to reveal the limit range values for some standard failures. The finding of such limits is determinant to implement a fault diagnosis protocol that will decrease the maintenance costs and increase the operation efficiency of the unit. Such protocol would become straightforward from the presented data. The Purified Orbit Diagram is obtained by harmonic reconstructing corresponding harmonic components of two perpendicular directions in time domain. Three different flow rates, namely nominal and two off-design conditions are tested to be able to compare the different POD components as a function of the flow rate.
Break-Up of Threads From Laminar Open Channel Flow Influenced by Cross-Wind Gas Flow
Authors: Kamplade Jens , Mack Tobias , Küsters Andre , Walzel Peter 
Published: December 2014

The breakup process of threads from laminar operating rotary atomizer (LamRot) is in the scope of this investigation. A similarity trail is used to investigate the influence of the thread deformation within a cross-wind flow on the thread breakup process. The threads emerge from laminar open channel flow while the liquid viscosity, the flow rate, the pipe inclination towards the gravity as well as the cross-wind velocity is varied.
The breakup length and drop size distribution are analyzed by a back-light photography setup. The results thus obtained are compared with results of previous examination by Schröder [1] and Mescher [2].
It is found that the breakup length decreases and that the drop size grows with rising cross-wind intensity, while the width of the drop size distribution increases. At the same operating conditions, the breakup length for laminar open channel flow is smaller compared to completely filled capillaries. In contrast to this observation, the drop size distribution remains nearly unchanged. The critical velocity for the transition from axisymmetric to wind-induced thread breakup was found to be smaller than for completely filled capillaries.
Controlling the Intensity of a Bathtub Vortex by Acting on the Upstream Flow
Authors: Recoquillon Yann , Andrès Emmanuelle , Kourta Azeddine 
Published: December 2014

In a motor vehicle, the cowl box is a volume located at the bottom of the windshield. It collects rainwater and drains it to provide clean and dry air to the passenger compartment through the ventilation system. When rainwater is accumulated into the box, a bathtub vortex appears above the drain pipe. This vortex sucks up air into the pipe and creates an air core responsible of the decreased water drain rate in the pipe. It leads to an increased water level in the box and can cause a water overflow into the ventilation system.
The behavior of this bathtub vortex has been experimentally studied using a simplified geometry representative of a real cowl box. The inlet water flow rate is controlled and a capacitive probe measures water level in the box. The flow has been studied using Particle Image Velocimetry to measure velocity field around the vortex.
The flow pattern is described using these data. Due to geometry and inlet conditions, the upstream flow forces the vortex counter-clockwise. It is also responsible for a shift of the vortex axis from the drain axis. In this configuration, the upstream flow is strongly asymmetric and feeds the vortex using less than half the width of the box.
Based on these observations, a device has been tested in order to reduce the vortex intensity and consequently the water level. Resulting velocity fields show a better distribution of the upstream flow. The vortex intensity is decreased up to 55% and the water level up to 53%. Despite there is still a vortex with an air core, the water level is therefore significantly reduced.
These results are particularly interesting for the cowl box design: if this device can guarantee a lower water level, the cowl box depth can be reduced and space can be saved.
Diffuser Influence on the Mixing of Coaxial Swirling Jets
Authors: Parra-Santos Teresa , Perez-Dominguez Ruben , Esteban Gonzalo Lorenzo , Szasz Robert Z. , Gutkowski Artur N. , Castro-Ruiz Francisco 
Published: December 2014

Numerical results depicting the effects of diffusers on confined isothermal high-swirl jets are presented. The aim is analyze the mixing between a non-swirling inner jet (natural gas) and a swirling annular jet (primary air). This simple setup is widely used in burners to promote stabilized flames of lean mixtures.
Flow patterns for sudden-expansion and diffusers are contrasted for swirl number of 1 and expansion area ratio of 4 in a transitional turbulence regime. Diffusers have important influence on size and location of recirculation zones. Hence knowledge of flow characteristics is a prerequisite in the design process. The criteria to establish the optimum diffuser would be better mixing as well as minimum residence time in the recirculation zones to prevent the formation of NOx in the future burner. The dissipated mechanical energy is not important in burner applications.
Impact of the Collision Model for Fully Resolved Particles Interacting in a Fluid
Authors: Abdelsamie Abouelmagd , Eshghinejad Fard Amir , Oster Timo , Thévenin Dominique 
Published: December 2014

The impact of the collision model employed when simulating fully resolved particles interacting in a fluid is investigated in the present study. We are using for this purpose a p seudo-spectral in compressib le Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) code based on the Navier-Stokes equation as well as a Lattice-Boltzmann Method (LBM), developed in our group and coupled with the direct-forcing Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) to describe the particles.
Most of the corresponding literature assumes that the collision model does not have a significant impact on the flow field. Additionally, the impact of the collision model on the particle trajectories has not been analyzed in a systematic manner. Thus, by using the DNS solver, four different collision models (velocity barrier, repulsive potential force, lubrication barrier and hard-sphere model) have been employed in order to examine consequences for particle behavior and turbulence structure. It was found that the particle motion and turbulence statistics are qualitatively similar for all models. However, noticeable quantitative differences appear concerning the turbulent dissipation rate.
In the LBM section two different types of repulsive-force collision model are selected and their effect on a 2D fluid-particle interaction is investigated. Furthermore, other factors affecting performance of the LB-IBM solver, like the forcing scheme will be discussed.
Heat Transfer and Turbulent Structure in an Annular Channel With an Obstacle
Authors: Kashinsky O. N. , Lobanov P. D. , Kurdyumov A. S. , Pribaturin N. A. 
Published: December 2014

Experimental study of liquid flow and heat transfer in an annular channel is performed. The channel consisted of two coaxial tubes with the diameters of 42.2 and 20 mm. An obstacle covering a quarter of the channel section was placed in the channel to produce a strong three-dimensional disturbance of the flow. Measurements of local wall shear stress are performed using an electrochemical technique. Measurements of heat transfer, time-averaged and fluctuational wall shear stress are performed at various points relative to the obstacle, this allowed to study the field of the hydrodynamic parameters of the flow.
The experimental data obtained can be used for validation of existing and developing computer codes accounting for a 3-D structure of turbulent flows.
Numerical Investigation of the Flow in a Coaxial Piping System
Authors: Farbos de Luzan Charles , Perelstein Yuri , Gutmark Ephraim , Frosell Thomas , Felten Frederic 
Published: December 2014

A coaxial piping system (CPS) that involves a transition from a smaller annulus into a larger annulus is investigated to evaluate the generation of vortices and recirculation zones around the transition area. These areas are of interest for industrial applications where erosion within the piping system is a concern. The focus of this work is to evaluate the capabilities of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using commercial Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) models to predict the regions and intensity of vortices and recirculation zones. A trusted grid is developed and used to compare turbulence models. The commercial CFD solver Fluent (Ansys Inc., USA) is used to solve the flow governing equations for different CFD numerical formulations, namely the one equation Spalart-Allmaras model, and steady-state RANS with different turbulence models (standard k-epsilon, k-epsilon realizable, k-epsilon RNG, standard k-omega, k-omega SST, and transition SST) [1].
CFD results are compared to time-averaged particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The PIV provides 3D flow field measurements in the outer annulus of the piping system. Velocities in regions of interest were used to compare each model to the PIV results. An RMS comparison of the numerical results to the measured values is used as a quantitative evaluation of each turbulence model being considered. The results provide a useable CFD model for evaluation of the flow field of this flow field and highlights areas of uncertainty in the CFD results.
Towards the Enhancement of the Crystallization Kinetics of a Bio-Sourced and Biodegradable Polymer PLA (Poly (Lactic Acid))
Authors: Refaa Zakariaa , Boutaous Mhamed , Xin Shihe , Bourgin Patrick 
Published: December 2014

PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) is a bio-sourced and a biodegradable polymer. It represents an interesting substitute for some petrochemical based polymers, especially because of its wide range of applications in the biomedical, agriculture and packaging fields. Unfortunately, PLA exhibits slow crystallization kinetics, limiting the amount of crystallinity in the final product, which is a handicap in order to extend its use. Many authors have investigated the crystallization of polymers; nevertheless several physical mechanisms remain not yet understood.
This work aims a complete characterization of PLA in order to improve the understanding of its crystallization kinetics. The quiescent crystallization was investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements in isothermal and non-isothermal conditions for PLA and PLA with 5wt % talc. The flow effect on crystallization was studied using a thermocontrolled hot-stage shearing device (Linkam) coupled with an optical microscope. The number of activated nuclei and the growth rate were measured as functions of temperature. In addition, the linear viscoelastic properties were obtained from a rheometer with plate-plate geometry.
The enhancement of the crystallization was quantified and analyzed in terms of the half crystallization time t1/2.
This characteristic time t1/2 is found to be drastically decreased by both the talc and the flow which promote supplementary nucleation leading to various crystalline microstructures. The flow is known to orient and stretch molecules leading to an extra nucleation. An original description of this phenomenon is proposed using two characteristic Weissenberg numbers; based on the definition of Rousse and reptation times.
Finally, we have proposed a semi-empirical model to quantify the thermal and flow contributions on the crystallization.
An Optimal Design Approach for the Decay Heat Removal System in PGSFR
Authors: Kim Dehee , Eoh Jaehyuk , Lee Tae-Ho 
Published: December 2014

Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) is one of the generation IV (Gen-IV) nuclear reactors. Prototype Gen-IV SFR (PGSFR) is a SFR being developed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). Decay Heat Removal System (DHRS) in the PGSFR has a safety function to make shutdown the reactor under abnormal plant conditions. Single DHRS loop consists of sodium-to-sodium decay heat exchanger (DHX), helical-tube sodium-to-air heat exchanger (AHX) or finned-tube sodium-to-air heat exchanger (FHX), loop piping, and expansion vessel. The DHXs are located in the cold pool and the AHXs and FHXs are installed in the upper region of the reactor building. The DHRS loop is a closed loop and liquid sodium coolant circulates inside the loop by natural circulation head for passive system and by forced circulation head for active system.
There are three independent heat transport paths in the DHRS, i.e., the DHX shell-side sodium flow path, the DHRS sodium loop path through the piping, the AHX shell-side air flow path. To design the components of the DHRS and to determine its configuration, key design parameters such as mass flow rates in each path, inlet/outlet temperatures of primary and secondary flow sides of each heat exchanger should be determined reflecting on the coupled heat transfer mechanism over the heat transfer paths. The number of design parameters is larger than that of the governing equations and optimization approach is required for compact design of the DHRS. Therefore, a genetic algorithm has been implemented to decide the optimal design point. The one-dimensional system design code which can predict heat transfer rates and pressure losses through the heat exchangers and piping calculates the objective function and the genetic algorithm code searches a global optimal point.
In this paper, we present a design methodology of the DHRS, for which we have developed a system code coupling a one-dimensional system code with a genetic algorithm code. As a design result, the DHRS layouts and the sizing of the heat exchangers have been shown.