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The power-law fluid flow in tree-like self-similar branching networks is prevalent throughout the natural world and also finds numerous applications in technology such as oil recovery and microfluidic devices. We investigate analysis of optimal power-law fluid flow conditions and the optimal structures within tree-like branching networks, focusing on maximizing flow conductance under the constraint of the network tube's volume and the surface area. The study considered fully developed laminar power-law fluid flow regimes without considering any losses in the network system. A key observation was the sensitivity of the dimensionless effective flow conductance to the network's geometrical parameters. We found that the maximum flow conductance occurs when a dimensionless radius ratio β ∗ satisfies the equation β ∗ = N − 1 / 3 and β ∗ = N − (n + 1) / (3 n + 2) under constrained tube-volume and surface-area, respectively. Here, N represents the bifurcation number of branches splitting at each junction, and n is the fluid power-law index. We further find that this optimal condition occurs when pressure drops are equipartition across each branching level. We validated our results with various experimental results and theories under limiting conditions. Further, Hess–Murray's law is justified and extended for the shear-thinning and shear-thickening fluid flows for an arbitrary number of branches N. Further, in this study, we also derive the relationships between the geometrical and flow characteristics of the parent and daughter tubes as well as the generalized scaling laws at the optimal conditions for the other essential parameters such as tube-wall stresses, length ratios, mean velocities, tube-volume, and surface-area of the tube distributing within the networks. We find that the fluid power-law index n does not influence the constrained tube-volume scaling at the optimal conditions; however, the scaling laws vary with n under the constrained tube's surface area. These findings offer valuable design principles for developing efficient transport and flow systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium foils were demonstrated to absorb surrogate protium for tritium-powered betavoltaics. 20 μ m thick lithium foils were hole-punched from a ribbon of electrodeposited lithium on copper foil. The lithium foils were loaded with hydrogen in a custom Sievert apparatus where the pressure drop showed full hydriding at a hydrogen pressure of 2 bar and at all loading temperatures above the lithium melting point at 190, 200, 225, 250, and 300. Lithium hydride formation was confirmed with Raman spectroscopy after hydrogen loading. The kinetics of experimental hydride formation was compared to the diffusion-limited Mintz–Bloch model. While the Mintz–Bloch model showed good fit with the experimental loadings, the model overpredicted the loading kinetics starting at 250 °C and at higher temperatures. The overprediction was either caused by lithium hydride outgassing due to some reduction with some residual lithium hydroxide created from brief air exposure when sealing the lithium in the reactor or a transition from diffusion-limited hydride growth to surface or metal–hydride interface-limited hydride growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas–liquid two-phase stratified flow exists in many industrial processes. Although the flow pattern is simple, the interfacial shear prediction of stratified flow is still the focus of the study. The calculation of the shear stress at the gas–liquid interface is closely related to the measurement of the void fraction and pressure drop of the stratified flow. In this study, a new method for the calculation of interfacial shear stress of gas–liquid two-phase stratified flow is proposed. Differential pressure measurement and planar laser-induced fluorescence technology are combined to obtain important parameters for stratified flow under low-speed flow conditions (Ql = 0.10–0.25 m3/h, Qg = 0.35–1.00 m3/h). The interfacial shear stress is successfully calculated using macroparameters. The uncertainty associated with the calculated parameters using the proposed method is 2.67%, and this study verifies the accuracy of the linear relationship. The method provides a new way to obtain the interfacial shear stress of gas–liquid stratified flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on viscous adhesion measurements conducted in sphere-plane geometry between a rigid sphere and soft surfaces submerged in silicone oils. Increasing the surface compliance leads to a decrease in the adhesive strength due to elastohydrodynamic deformation of the soft surface during debonding. The force-displacement and fluid film thickness-time data are compared to an elastohydrodynamic model that incorporates the force measuring spring and finds good agreement between the model and data. We calculate the pressure distribution in the fluid and find that, in contrast to debonding from rigid surfaces, the pressure drop is non-monotonic and includes the presence of stagnation points within the fluid film when a soft surface is present. In addition, viscous adhesion in the presence of a soft surface leads to a debonding process that occurs via a peeling front (located at a stagnation point), even in the absence of solid–solid contact. As a result of mass conservation, the elastohydrodynamic deformation of the soft surface during detachment leads to surfaces that come closer as the surfaces are separated. During detachment, there is a region with fluid drainage between the centerpoint and the stagnation point, while there is fluid infusion further out. Understanding and harnessing the coupling between lubrication pressure, elasticity, and surface interactions provides material design strategies for applications such as adhesives, coatings, microsensors, and biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the significant increase in air pollutants and the spread of infectious diseases, it seems that the use of face masks will become an essential item in human societies. Therefore, there is a need to conduct more research to develop novel types of respirators utilizing up-to-date science such as nanotechnology. In this study, we fabricated a nanocomposite fibrous filter containing modified graphene oxide (GO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. This layer was used as an active filter for absorbing and removing air pollutants, such as suspended submicron particles (below 2.5 microns) and CO2, NO2, and SO2 gases. The synthesized nanostructures and fibrous filters were characterized by different analysis (FTIR, XRD, TGA, and FESEM), and the performance of the filters was surveyed by tests such as pressure drop, CO2, NO2, SO2 gas rejection, and particulate removal. The results showed that the stabilization of the modified GO and ZnO nanostructures on the fibrous filter improved the effectiveness of this filter as a mask for removing toxic particles and gases, and the filter containing nanoparticles had the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressurised sand filters used in drip irrigation need periodic backwashing to flush the contaminant particles out of the porous media. This process consumes high amounts of energy and water. The selection of more efficient backwashing operational conditions requires accurate information of the pressure drop and the bed expansion, the latter being not measured in commercial filters. An experimental study with a scaled filter that used a window to observe the bed expansion was conducted with three porous media types (glass microspheres and two silica sands), two packed media bed heights (200 mm and 300 mm) and four nozzles (one commercial and three prototypes). The 24 combinations of the filter experimental configuration were investigated for different superficial velocities. Both data and video recordings for all the 705 tests conducted were carefully analysed to obtain mean values and standard deviations of the height of the expanded bed. The behaviour of the fluidised bed dynamics was characterised. Results indicated that the nozzle design had a strong influence on the pressure drop, and, in consequence, on the power required for backwashing. It also had an observable impact on the fluidised bed dynamics although its effect on determining the overall height of the expanded bed was limited, this being more dependent on the type of the porous media. The most effective combination in terms of energy efficiency and porosity of the expanded bed was obtained with microspheres, though its retention efficiency might be questionable from the literature review, and the frustoconical nozzle geometry. • Video and data recordings of 705 backwashing tests were analysed. • The nozzle design plays a main role on the total pressure drop. • The nozzle design influences the fluidised bed dynamics. • The height of the expanded bed is mostly dependent on the media type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 injection in shale reservoirs is more suitable than the conventional recovering methods due to its easier injectivity and higher sweep efficiency. In this work, Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation is employed to investigate the adsorption/desorption behavior of CH4-C4H10 and CH4-C4H10-CO2 mixtures in organic and inorganic nanopores during pressure drawdown and CO2 huff and puff processes. The huff and puff process involves injecting CO2 into the micro- and mesopores, where the system pressure is increased during the huffing process and decreased during the puffing process. The fundamental mechanism of shale gas recovery using the CO2 injection method is thereby revealed from the nanopore-scale perspective. During primary gas production, CH4 is more likely to be produced as the reservoir pressure drops. On the contrary, C4H10 tends to be trapped in these organic nanopores and is hard to extract, especially from micropores and inorganic pores. During the CO2 huffing period, the adsorbed CH4 and C4H10 are recovered efficiently from the inorganic mesopores. On the contrary, the adsorbed C4H10 is slightly extracted from the inorganic micropores during the CO2 puffing period. During the CO2 puff process, the adsorbed CH4 desorbs from the pore surface and is thus heavily recovered, while the adsorbed C4H10 cannot be readily produced. During CO2 huff and puff, the recovery efficiency of CH4 is higher in the organic pores than that in the inorganic pores. More importantly, the recovery efficiency of C4H10 reaches the highest levels in both the inorganic and organic pores during the CO2 huff and puff process, suggesting that the CO2 huff and puff method is more advanced for heavier hydrocarbon recovery compared to the pressure drawdown method. In addition to CO2 storage, CO2 sequestration in the adsorbed state is safer than that in the free state. In our work, it was found that the high content of organic matter, high pressure, and small pores are beneficial factors for CO2 sequestration transforming into adsorbed state storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open type of microchannel with diamond pin fins (OM-DPFs) is introduced for the cooling of high-performance electronic chips. For a Reynolds number (Re) of 247~1173, a three-dimensional model is established to explore the hydrothermal properties of the OM-DPF and compare it to traditional heat sinks with closed rectangular microchannels (RMs), heat sinks with open microchannels (OMs), and the results in the existing research. Firstly, the synergy between tip clearance and pin fins on the hydrothermal properties is discussed. Secondly, the entropy production principle is adopted to analyze the irreversible losses for different heat sinks. Lastly, the total efficiencies of different heat sinks are assessed. The RMs present the worst heat transfer with the lowest friction loss. For the OMs, the temperature and pressure drop are decreased slightly compared to those of the RMs, and the irreversible loss is reduced by 4% at Re = 1173 because of the small tip clearance. But the total efficiency is lower than that of the RMs because the pressure drop advantage is offset by the weak heat transfer. For the OM-DPF, the combined structure has a noticeable impact on the multiple physical fields and hydrothermal characteristics, which present the best thermal performance at the cost of the highest friction loss. The irreversible loss of heat transfer in the OM-DPF is reduced obviously, but the friction irreversible loss significantly increases at high Re values. At Re = 429, the total entropy production of the OM-DPF is reduced by 47.57% compared with the RM. Compared to the OM and the single-pin fin structure in the literature, the total efficiency of the OM-DPF is increased by 14.56% and 40.32% at Re = 614. For a pump power of 0.1 W, the total thermal resistance (Rth) of the OM-DPF is dropped by 23.77% and 21.19% compared to the RM and OM. For a similar Rth, the pump power of the combined structure is 63.64% and 42.86% lower than that of the RM and OM. Thus, the novel combined heat sink can achieve efficient heat removal while controlling the energy consumption of liquid cooling systems, which has bright application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports an investigation into both isotropic and anisotropic permeability effects on gas production behavior during depressurization-induced natural gas hydrate dissociation at site NGHP-01-10D in the Krishna-Godavari basin. Numerical simulations were performed on a reservoir-scale model incorporating a single vertical well, examining different scenarios of permeability ratios (rrz). The investigation assessed gas and water production rates, cumulative production volumes, the gas-to-water ratio, and the spatial distribution of reservoir parameters throughout a production duration of 3 years. The findings indicate that permeability anisotropy has a substantial impact on hydrate dissociation and gas recovery. For rrz > 1, horizontal pressure propagation was promoted and gas production increased. For example, at t = 1100 days, the total gas production improved from 7.88 × 105 ST m3 for rrz = 1 to 55.9 × 105 ST m3 for rrz = 10. For rrz < 1, vertical pressure propagation resulted in higher water production with concomitantly lower rates of gas production rates. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that higher rrz values led to more extensive radial propagation of pressure drop, temperature decrease, gas saturation increase, and hydrate dissociation. The study concludes that higher horizontal permeability enhances depressurization effects, resulting in higher gas production rates and more favorable gas-to-water ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microchannel heat sink is widely applied in high-density heat flux devices for its high efficiency in heat dissipation. However, the most effective geometrical configuration of microchannels for best heat transfer augmentation with least pump power penalty is still unknown. In this research, the heat transfer augmentation in a microchannel heat sink with different shaped periodic reentrant cavities on channel sidewalls are numerically studied. Three different kinds of channel structures are introduced, including convex quarter-circular, concave quarter-circular, and inclined shaped reentrant cavities. The comprehensive performances of the proposed microchannels are compared with that of the smooth straight channel, with respect to the pressure drop, friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and performance factor. The results indicate that the comprehensive performance of the microchannel heat sink with periodic reentrant cavities is superior to the smooth straight channel, because its reentrant cavities can strengthen the mixing of fluids and lower the pressure loss. The proposed microchannels can enhance the heat transfer by 1.7 times, reduce the pressure drop by 3.7%–22.4% at Re 648.2, with the heat transfer entropy production decreased by 15.9%–48.2%. The inclined shaped microchannel has the best overall performance factor among the three proposed channels, which achieves up to 1.59 at Re 648.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that heat stress influences the closed-loop cardio-postural control by an increased blood pressure (BP) drop and postural sway. Methods: Fourteen healthy individuals (eight women) performed two orthostatic tests under thermal reference (TC; ~ 24 ºC) and HOT (~ 38 ºC) conditions. The center-of-pressure (COP) displacements and the electromyography (EMG) activity of the calf muscles (medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior) were recorded during the initial orthostasis (ORT onset) after the supine-to-stand challenge. At the same period, BP (beat-to-beat) was continuously monitored, and supine-to-stand variations (∆%) were calculated. Sublingual temperature (Tsl) was measured as a surrogate of internal temperature. Results: Tsl increased in HOT compared to TC (TC 36.5 ± 0.3 vs. HOT 36.7 ± 0.3 ºC; p < 0.01). COP distance was greater in HOT compared to TC condition (TC 596.6 ± 242.4 vs. HOT 680.2 ± 249.1 mm; p < 0.01). EMG activity of the gastrocnemius decreased in HOT compared to TC condition (TC 95.5 ± 19.8 vs. HOT 78.4 ± 22.8%mV; p = 0.02). EMG of tibialis did not change between TC and HOT (TC 83.5 ± 42.9 vs. HOT 66.1 ± 31.9% mV; p = 0.29). BP showed a greater fall in HOT compared to TC condition (∆%TC − 24.5 ± 13.2 vs. ∆%HOT − 33.2 ± 20.2%; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Heat stress causes a greater fall in blood pressure and a reduction in musculoskeletal pump activity during orthostatic onset. These effects could be potential mechanisms that underlie augmented postural instability under a heated environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective length of swirl flow is important for its application in the industry, however, the length of the swirl flow in a horizontal pipe is largely unexplored. In this article, effects of swirl on a horizontal bubbly flow and its development in a 25 mm horizontal pipe with a length of 4 m were studied by an experimental and theoretical method. In the experiments, the superficial gas velocities ranged from 0.068 to 0.566 m/s and the liquid velocities ranged from 0.283 to 1.132 m/s. The results show that: instead of dispersed bubbles in the non-swirl bubbly flow, a gas column flow is transformed downstream of the swirler; then, it breaks up into separated gas slugs, and finally, transforms to a non-swirl bubble flow. The pressure drop in the swirl flow gradually decreases and approximates to that in the non-swirl flow along the streamwise direction. The transition mechanism for the gas column flow was proposed here, and the transition criteria of the gas column flow were developed based on Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, then, the effective length of swirl on the gas column flow can be predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic fracturing is a widely utilized technique for rock stimulation in geothermal and oil and gas operations. To fracture the rock, the pumped fluid pressure required should exceed the sum of the stresses at the injection point and the rock's mechanical strength. In scenarios where the rock is isotropic, hydraulic fractures typically propagate in directions perpendicular to the minimum principal stress. Contrary to this conventional understanding, our research, involving a series of true-triaxial hydraulic fracturing tests on the finely laminated Montney shale formation, demonstrates that this principle does not hold for transversally isotropic materials. Our experimental findings indicate that fractures in such materials occur along the bedding planes, aligning against the intermediate principal stress rather than the minimum principal stress. Based on these observations, we propose a conceptual model that integrates the in situ stresses with the tensile anisotropy of the rock. Additionally, in our experimental work, we saw that change in viscosity of the injected fluid greatly influences the fracture geometry, which can be used to engineer the fracture initiation and propagation as it seems to inhibit the parting of the beddings and to reorient the fracture along with the principal stresses. Highlights: Laboratory true-triaxial tests for transversally isotropic rocks exhibit hydraulic fractures against intermediate principal stress. Characteristics of the pressure curve during hydraulic fracturing can be used to differentiate tensile and shear/slip fractures. Tensile fracture during hydraulic fracturing indicates sharp pressure drop with faster pressure recovery. Rock fabric and fluid viscosity have great impacts on the fracture initiation, propagation and interactions during hydraulic fracturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system plays a crucial role in reducing diesel exhaust emissions. To further enhance the performance of the SCR system, a three-dimensional numerical simulation model was established and experimentally validated for its reliability. Subsequently, the length (L1) and porosity (ε1) of carrier 1, as well as the length (L2) and porosity (ε2) of carrier 2, were varied to achieve an axial non-uniform distribution of the catalysts. The impact of this axial non-uniform distribution on the SCR system's performance was investigated. Finally, a fuzzy grey relational analysis method was employed to evaluate and optimize the influence of the aforementioned four individual parameters on the SCR system's denitrification (de-NOx) efficiency and pressure drop. The results indicate that variations of L1 have the greatest impact on de-NOx efficiency, while changes of ε2 have the most significant effect on pressure drop. The fuzzy grey relational degrees of L1, L2, ε1, and ε2 on de-NOx efficiency are 0.8267, 0.6288, 0.7457, and 0.8233, respectively. Similarly, the fuzzy grey relational degrees of L1, L2, ε1, and ε2 on pressure drop are 0.3552, 0.4894, 0.1045, and 0.7931, respectively. Compared with uniformly distributed catalysts, axially non-uniform distributed catalysts can improve de-NOx efficiency by 2.22% and reduce pressure drop by 46 Pa. This study provides theoretical and engineering references for improving the SCR catalyst coating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to examine how duct length affects the performance of a solar air heater (SAH) with a D‐shaped ribbed absorber plate, compared to a smooth absorber plate. The optimized D‐shaped ribs from previous research investigations are utilized in the present work to explore the absorber plate's length influence on the Nusselt number. The study reveals a slight decrease in the Nusselt number as the length of the absorber plate with D‐shaped ribs is increased. The observed behavior is attributed to the diminishing capacity of air to extract heat from the heated surface within the elongated duct. Moreover, the study calculates the pressure drop and thermo–hydraulic performance parameter (THPP) associated with the D‐shaped ribs and formulates correlations to establish a quantitative understanding of the relationship between duct length and D‐shaped rib performance. The maximum value of THPP was found to be 1.17 within the considered range of duct height. Furthermore, correlations have been derived for the Nusselt number and friction factor in terms of duct length to hydraulic diameter ratio and Reynolds number with maximum deviations of +1.7 and +2.13, respectively. These correlations serve as valuable tool for engineers and researchers seeking to optimize the design of SAHs, enabling them to balance the benefits of D‐shaped ribs with the considerations of duct length. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge of SAH design, offering insights into the trade‐offs and intricacies of utilizing D‐shaped ribs and adjusting duct length for improved THPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of magnetic field on pressure drop and heat transfer enhancement of nanofluid in a pipe containing porous medium by a 2D simulation. The study involves modeling the flow of nanofluid as a single-phase flow and simulating fluid flow through the porous medium using the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer equation. A constant uniform heat flux around the pipe is used as the thermal boundary condition. The simulations evaluate the effect of several parameters, such as Reynolds number, porosity, thermal conductivity of the porous medium, and nanofluid material. The findings show that utilizing a magnetic field increases heat transfer in nanofluid. Based on the simulations, both pressure drop and heat transfer rates increase with increasing Reynolds number. The rate of heat transfer increases as the thermal conductivity of porous medium increases, and among the selected materials, Ag has the greatest impact on heat transfer, followed by copper, gold, aluminum, and steel. By comparison of metallic ( Al , Cu ) and metallic oxide ( Si O 2 , Ti O 2 , CuO ) nanoparticles it is observed that using Al provides the highest heat transfer. Moreover, increasing porosity (0.8–0.98) decreases heat transfer coefficient. The performance evaluation criteria (PEC) are also examined as a determinant term to select the desirable condition. (The aluminum water nanofluid that is subjected to a magnetic field and moves through a silver-porous medium with a porosity of 0.9 has the highest PEC.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas dehydration plays a critical role in gas refining processes due to the potential problems caused by the presence of water vapor. The inclusion of water vapor can lead to issues such as hydrate formation, pressure drop, and pipeline corrosion. In this research, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) absorbent was employed to absorb water vapor and subsequently, its absorption performance was compared with the absorption of tri-ethylene glycol (TEG) and lithium chloride, the most commonly used absorbents in water vapor separation processes. To do so, the influence of several effective parameters, including the inlet air flow rate, different ratios of choline chloride to urea (ChCl:Urea), the weight percentage of liquid water in the absorbent, and the viscosity of DES were investigated. The results demonstrated that DES is highly efficient for water vapor separation, outperforming both TEG and aqueous lithium chloride solutions. Moreover, increasing the inlet air flow rate was found to decrease absorption recovery due to reduced residence time. Additionally, a ChCl ratio of 1:2 yielded the highest absorption efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of gas jets used in the deep vertical vibratory compaction technique are studied. Gas jets play a vital role in treating structured loess foundations by the pneumatic-vibratory probe compaction method. Utilizing the geotechnical particle finite-element method numerically, we estimate the limit gas injection pressure and delineate the injection-induced damage and plastic zones. The behavior of structured soil is described using an elastoplastic constitutive model considering its structure evolution. The analysis of structured loess under gas injection is based on the cavity expansion approach. Experimentally, we performed a scale model test of gas injection to investigate the mechanism of the gas jets on the surrounding soil and compared relevant results with numerical results. Numerical results show that the limit gas injection pressure for structured loess beyond a depth of 8.0 m ranges from 1,409.7 to 1,467.2 kPa, increasing with the increase of overburden depth while the current cavity expansion radius decreases. The radius of the plastic zone induced by cavity expansion is 2.0 to 3.0 times the current cavity radius within this depth range; for the damage zone, however, it ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 times. The horizontal pressure recorded during the model test is observed to be lower compared with the numerical simulation results. This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as the neglect of gas leakage within the soil and the utilization of a uniform parameter. The gas jets expand soil in cyclic shear form. It goes through a process from destruction of soil structure to compression in the horizontal direction; then, its pressure gradually drops to zero in the expansion direction of the dominant channel in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design of high-performance heat and mass transfer devices such as liquid-cooled heat sinks, catalytic reactors, and catalytic convertors, parallel mini/microchannels are favored owing to their special potentials. Offering low pressure drop, providing high transfer surface area to volume ratio, and being easy to manufacture and optimize have been drawing thermal and chemical engineers attention to parallel channels for past decades. When working with parallel channels, the challenge of flow maldistribution is commonly faced which decreases their efficiency significantly. System total pressure drop and flow uniformity are two parameters that determine the system performance. In the present study, a variety of practical ideas, aiming to enhance parallel channels performance, are studied numerically. Inventive manifold designs with high hydraulic performance are created through the course of this study. The results of these designs are compared with basic conventional designs which show substantial enhancement. Analyzing less successful designs lead us to deep understanding of fluid dynamics in parallel channel heat and mass transfer devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to have a heat transfer per volume, heat exchangers have to have high overall heat coefficient. The effects of a transverse wedge on the heat transfer, the pressure drop, and the thermal efficiency factor (TEF) of air flow through a tube bundle heat exchanger was investigated. TEF increases continuously with the wedge aspect ratio (α). Form α = 0.275, 0.550, 0.758 to 1, TEF increases continuously from 1.157 to 1.84, 1.11 to 1.72, 1.05 to 1.42, and 1.02 to 1.39 for x/L = 1/3, 2/3, 1, and 0, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, an experimental investigation of the hydrodynamics of a novel 3-dimensional centrifugal tray was carried out. Using a high-capacity cylindrical centrifugal tray (HCC centrifugal tray), the centrifugal force and, inertial separation technologies were applied to remove the capacity limitations caused by the gravitational constraints. An air-water system was used in a rectangular cross-section plexiglass tower (30 cm × 50 cm). The pressure drop (dry and total), weeping, entrainment and clear liquid height of the tray were measured, and finally, a comparison to ConCap, sieve and, valve trays was provided. The results revealed a positive hydrodynamic behavior of the tray, particularly when a high gas velocity was used. Also, the capacity and operating window of the tray were found to be markedly larger than those of the conventional trays. This novel HCC centrifugal tray offers a promising approach to retrofit and debottleneck the tray columns in industrial applications, since it is both practical and inexpensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion This study evaluated the hemodynamic performance of arterial and venous cannulae in a compliant pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) mock circuit in pulsatile and non‐pulsatile flow conditions.The ECMO setup consisted of an oxygenator, diagonal pump, and standardized‐length arterial/venous tubing with pressure transducers. A validated left‐heart mock loop was adapted to simulate pediatric conditions. The pulsatile flow was driven by a computer‐controlled piston pump set at 120 bpm. A roller pump was used for non‐pulsatile conditions. The circuit was primed with 40% glycerol‐based solution. The cardiac output was set to 1 L/min and the aortic pressure to 40–50 mmHg. Four arterial cannulae (8Fr, 10Fr, 12Fr, 14Fr) and five venous cannulae (12Fr, 14Fr, 16Fr, 18Fr, 20Fr) (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) were tested at increasing flow rate in 12 combinations.The pulsatile condition required lower ECMO pump speeds for all cannulae combinations at a given flow rate, inducing a significantly smaller increase of flow in the mock loop. Under non‐pulsatile conditions, the aortic and arterial pressures in the cannulae were higher (p < 0.01) while no significant differences in pressure drop and pressure‐flow characteristics (M‐number) were observed. The total hemodynamic energy was higher in case of non‐pulsatile flow (p < 0.01).Under non‐pulsatile conditions, the system was characterized by overall higher pressures, resulting in higher support to the patient. The consequent increase of potential energy compensates for increases of kinetic energy, leading to a higher total hemodynamic energy. Pressure gradients and M number are independent of the testing conditions. Pulsatile testing conditions led to more physiological testing conditions, and it is recommended for ECMO testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocyclones utilize centrifugal sedimentation to separate dispersed phases from a continuous liquid phase, offering advantages such as the absence of moving parts, ease of operation, and low maintenance costs. They are widely used in the mineral, petrochemical, and biotechnological industries, with their performance being significantly influenced by geometric and operational variables. This review examines the impact of key geometric (e.g. inlet, cone, vortex finder, overflow, outflow, and cylinder) and operational (e.g. particle size, solid concentration, feed flow rate, and pressure drop) parameters on hydrocyclone performance. Recent innovations, new developments, and perspectives to address specific industrial demands are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an analytical model of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion system using liquid hydrogen to supply a fuel cell is presented. The article also describes experimental tests of the performance of a liquid hydrogen (LH 2) tank at different ambient temperatures and ground tests of the UAV propulsion system using LH 2. These tests were used to validate and calibrate the analytical model. The model is of reduced order and is based on the literature. Despite the simplicity of the model, the tank Boil-Off Gas (BOG) rate and pressure drop, the time for complete evaporation of LH 2 , the fuel cell performance, and the coolest temperature that the hydrogen can reach, were predicted with deviations not exceeding 0.3%, 0.5%, 2.2%, 0.6%, and 0.5% respectively. The final proposed model allows the incorporation of different conditions, materials, and geometries to suit each mission, all at low operational cost. • Analytical modeling of a UAV liquid hydrogen propulsion set. • Experimental data on liquid hydrogen tank and propulsion chain are presented. • Customization of conditions, materials, and geometries at a low operational cost. • Boil-off gas and pressure drop predicted with deviations below 0.3% and 0.55%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar propane steam reforming offers a promising solution for hydrogen production, effectively addressing the challenges associated with hydrogen transportation and facilitating solar energy storage. In this context, the present study employs a combination of computational fluid dynamics and response surface methodology to optimize a multi-layer porous propane steam reformer. The research specifically emphasizes the influence of non-uniform catalytic porous structures on hydrogen production efficiency. The developed multi-objective optimization aims to identify the optimal combination of pore sizes to enhance propane conversion and hydrogen production rate while minimizing pressure drop. The optimized configuration achieved an 11.22% reduction in pressure drop, as well as 6.83% in hydrogen production and 8.04% in propane conversion, compared to the optimized uniform configuration of the solar porous reformer presented in our previous study (Jahangir et al., 2022) [1]. Furthermore, it was found that utilizing a multi-layer porous structure results in a more uniform temperature gradient, allowing a greater portion of the reformer to engage in the catalytic reaction. This is beneficial for reducing the potential risks of catalyst sintering and coke formation. • A multi-layer porous solar propane reformer has been numerically studied. • Optimal structure boosts C 3 H 8 conversion, H 2 production, and reduces pressure drop. • Best performance is achieved at d 1 = 2.62 mm, d 2 = 3.50 mm, d 3 = 1.29 mm. • Optimized design rises H 2 production by 6.83%, reducing pressure drop by 11.22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results on zirconia-amine bifunctional modification of hierarchically porous silica monoliths for continuous-flow processes ar presented. The study reports the synthesis and properties of the modified porous monoliths and their performance in the tandem process of deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The properties of the materials were studied by thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, XRF and nitrogen adsorption. It was found that both active centres were uniformly distributed along the monolithic cores, and the antagonistic interaction of the acid and base centres was not observed. It was shown that hydrophobicity of the monolith surface has opposite effects on the efficiency of the studied reactions. The overall rate of the tandem process depends on the rate of the condensation reaction. The performance of the bifunctional microreactors was checked and compared with those of cascade-connected monofunctional microreactors and batch reactor. The yield of cyanocinnamate product obtained in both flow systems was ca. 78%; however, pressure drop in the bimodified reactor was only half of that in the cascade. An effective way of water supply to the reaction system has been proposed. The research demonstrates the benefits of using flow-through structured micro-/mesoreactors in tandem reaction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Where precision is paramount in managing temperature and fluid dynamics, micro heat exchangers (MHXs) emerge as indispensable tools. This review investigates the significance of MHX technology, offering readers a comprehensive roapmap from conceptualization to market application. We dissect the nuances of material selection, shedding light on cutting‐edge advancements poised to revolutionize MHX efficiency. Furthermore, we explore how the geometry of MHX influences heat transfer dynamics and pressure drop, providing insights into enhancing the overall effectiveness. We delve into the various types of control instrumentation, offering a detailed analysis of their applicability. Beyond the technical prowess, the economic landscape plays a pivotal role in the adoption of MHX technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exhaust gas burner, a critical component of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) thermal management system, is essential for the stable and reliable operation of the entire system. This study establishes a test bench that simulates the gas composition and temperature of the fuel cell stack anode and cathode gases and conducts comprehensive experimental research on an exhaust gas burner used in a 15-kW SOFC power generation system. The experimental results show that the burner has the operational characteristic of reliable combustion over a wide range of excess air ratios. The burner can achieve stable and reliable combustion under low-flow ignition, steam injection, reforming, and power-generation conditions with excess air ratios of 29–45, 21–28, 23–37, and 11–27, respectively. Rapid changes in the excess air ratio did not lead to combustion instability; for example, during power generation, an increase of 47.6% in the excess air ratio resulted in a 3.5% decrease in the burner outlet temperature. However, under the steam injection condition, with an excess air ratio of 28 and a steam-to-carbon ratio of 3, the temperature decreased significantly. The burner also exhibited low-pressure loss, with a maximum anode exhaust pressure drop of only 233 Pa. Furthermore, the burner exhibited excellent performance during condition transitions, although a certain time delay occurred in the temperature response to the flow rate changes. • Established a test platform to explore burner characteristics comprehensively. • Proven reliable combustion across various conditions. • Maintained stable combustion despite rapid air ratio changes. • Significant temperature drop during steam injection. • Low pressure loss and excellent performance in condition transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, high-quality triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures can now be produced. TPMS walled heat exchangers (HX) hold significant potential for industrial applications and are receiving increasing attention. This paper explores the impact of various TPMS design variables on flow and thermal performance to optimize TPMS heat exchangers for compactness, high efficiency, and low pressure drop. The design variables examined include the type of TPMS lattice, unit cell size, wall thickness, aspect ratio, TPMS orientation, and equivalent thickness. The study reveals that the flow and heat transfer performance of TPMS structures are significantly affected by these design variables. For the Gyroid, Diamond, and SplitP lattices, performance is nearly identical when the surface-to-volume ratio is kept constant. The average velocity of the fluid in the TPMS HX should be 0.3 m/s. The corresponding Re is between 300~800. Thin wall thickness, small equivalent thickness, and flat lattice configurations can significantly reduce pressure drop while maintaining the overall heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, the angle between the flow direction and TPMS orientation can increase pressure drop. Three aluminum heat exchangers were successfully printed using an AM machine, and testing results are comparable with theoretical prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the flow condensation of R-410A within 18 square microchannels arranged horizontally in parallel was experimentally investigated. All components of pressure drop, including expansion, contraction, deceleration, and friction, were quantified specifically for microchannels. The test conditions included saturation temperature, vapor quality, and mass flux, ranging from 18.86 to 24.22 bar, 0.09 to 0.92, and 200 to 445 kg/m2·s, respectively. The frictional pressure loss made up approximately 92.89% of the overall pressure reduction. The findings demonstrate that the pressure drop rises with higher mass flux and a lower saturation temperature. By comparing with correlations and semi-empirical models outlined in the literature across various scales, specimen types, and refrigerant media, correlations developed for two-phase adiabatic flows in multi-channel configurations can effectively predict the pressure drop in microchannel condensation processes. The model introduced by Sakamatapan and Wongwises demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, with a mean absolute deviation of 8.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive industry is increasingly focused on developing more energy-efficient and eco-friendly air-conditioning systems. In this context, CO2 microchannel gas coolers (MCGCs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their low global warming potential (GWP) and environmental benefits. This paper explores the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the thermohydraulic performance of MCGCs in automotive air-conditioning systems. Using data generated from an experimentally validated numerical model, this study compares various ML techniques, including both linear and nonlinear regression models, to forecast key performance metrics such as refrigerant outlet temperature, pressure drop, and heat transfer rate. Spearman's correlation was employed to develop performance maps, whereas the R2 and MSE metrics were used to evaluate the models' predictive accuracy. The linear models gave around 70% forecasting accuracy for pressure drop across the gas cooler and 97% accuracy for refrigerant outlet temperature, whereas the nonlinear models achieved more accurate predictions, with an accuracy ranging from 71% to 99%. This implies that nonlinear regression generally performs better than linear regression models in assessing the overall thermohydraulic performance of microchannel gas coolers. This research brings forth new ideas on how ML methods can be applied to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in gas coolers, contributing to the development of more eco-friendly automotive air-conditioning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel predictive model for atomization droplet size, developed using comprehensive data collected under elevated temperature and pressure conditions using a twin swirl airblast nozzle. The model, grounded in flow instability theory, has been meticulously parameterized using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Through rigorous analysis, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), the model has demonstrated robust reliability and precision, with a maximum relative error of 19.3% and an average relative error of 6.8%. Compared to the classical atomization model by Rizkalla and Lefebvre, this model leverages theoretical insights and incorporates a range of interacting variables, enhancing its applicability and accuracy. Spearman correlation analysis reveals that air pressure and the air pressure drop ratio significantly negatively impact droplet size, whereas the fuel–air ratio (FAR) shows a positive correlation. Experimental validation at ambient conditions shows that the model is applicable with a reliability threshold of We1/Re1 ≥ 0.13 and highlights the predominance of the pressure swirl mechanism over aerodynamic atomization at higher fuel flow rates (q > 1.25 kg/h). This research effectively bridges theoretical and practical perspectives, offering critical insights for the optimization of airblast nozzle design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-rich hot Qusaiba shale is the primary source rock of most of the Paleozoic hydrocarbon reservoirs of eastern and central Arabia. Representative near-surface Qusaiba shale samples were collected and characterized from one of its outcrop sections at the Tayma quadrangle in northwest Saudi Arabia. The petrophysical and geochemical characterization indicated porosity and permeability of 8.2% and 2.05 nD, respectively, with good total organic carbon (TOC) of 2.2 mg/g and mature kerogen of gas-prone type III. The tight characteristics of the formation can lead to high capillary pressure and extensive post-fracking water retention, leading to flow blockage and a reduction in gas productivity. Three different surfactants and one ionic liquid, namely, Triton X-100, Triton X-405 and Zonyle FSO surfactants and Ammoeng 102 ionic liquid, were tested as additives to fracking fluid to investigate their effectiveness in optimizing its performance. The chemical solutions exhibited no sign of instability when exposed to solution salinity and temperatures up to 70 °C. The investigated chemicals' performance was examined by measuring methane/chemical solutions' surface tension and their ability to alter shale's wettability. The results indicate that Zonyl FSO is the most effective chemical, as it is able to significantly reduce surface tension and, hence, capillary pressure by 66% when added at critical micelle concentration (CMC). Using Zonyl FSO surfactant at a maximum tested concentration of 0.2% induced a relatively smaller capillary pressure drop (54%) due to the drastic drop in the contact angle rendering shale very strongly water-wet. Such a drop in capillary pressure can lower the fracking fluid invasion depth and therefore ease the liquid blockage removal during the flowback stage, enhancing gas recovery during the extended production stage. Triton X-100 at CMC was the second most effective surfactant and was able to induce a quite significant 47% drop in capillary pressure when added at the maximum tested concentration of 0.05%. This was sufficient to remove any liquid blockage but was less likely to alter the wettability of the shale. Based on the findings obtained, it is suggested to reduce the blockage tendency during the fracking process and elevate any existing blockage during the flowback stage by using Zonyl FSO at CMC where IFT is at its minimum with a higher contact angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate wind speed measurement in low-pressure conditions is crucial for the thermal performance validation and attitude control of stratospheric aircraft. As air density decreases, traditional wind speed measurement systems based on principles such as dynamic pressure, heat transfer, ultrasound, and particle velocimetry face significant challenges when applied in low-pressure environments, often failing to achieve the required measurement accuracy. This paper presents the development of a wind speed simulation system based on a rotation method designed to operate in low-pressure conditions, utilizing a space environment simulation chamber in conjunction with a high-precision turntable. The system was employed to conduct response tests on a constant heat flow thermal sphere anemometer within a stratospheric pressure range of 1 kPa to 30 kPa. The experimental results revealed that at extremely low Reynolds numbers, the probe signal exhibited increasing nonlinearity, significantly affecting the response curve at pressures below 15 kPa. While the sensitivity of the hot-sphere probe remained relatively stable at wind speeds above 5 m/s, it decreased nonlinearly as the pressure dropped when wind speeds fell below 5 m/s. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the impact of various interpolation methods on wind speed conversion errors, providing valuable data to support the future development and validation of stratospheric aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) regulates physiological and behavioural responses evoked by stressful stimuli, but the local neurochemical and signalling mechanisms involved are not completely understood. The soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) within the PVN is implicated in autonomic and cardiovascular control in rodents under resting conditions. However, the involvement of PVN sGC‐mediated signalling in stress responses is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of sGC within the PVN in cardiovascular, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and local neuronal responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Bilateral microinjection of the selective sGC inhibitor ODQ (1 nmol/100 nl) into the PVN reduced both the increased arterial pressure and the drop in cutaneous tail temperature evoked by restraint stress, while the tachycardia was enhanced. Intra‐PVN injection of ODQ did not alter the number of Fos‐immunoreactive neurons in either the dorsal cap parvocellular (PaDC), ventromedial (PaV), medial parvocellular (PaMP), or lateral magnocelllular (PaLM) portions of the PVN following acute restraint stress. Local microinjection of ODQ into the PVN did not affect the restraint‐induced increases in plasma corticosterone concentration. Taken together, these findings suggest that sGC‐mediated signalling in the PVN plays a key role in acute stress‐induced pressor responses and sympathetically mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction, whereas the tachycardiac response is inhibited. Absence of an effect of ODQ on corticosterone and PVN neuronal activation in and the PaV and PaMP suggests that PVN sGC is not involved in restraint‐evoked hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activation and further indicates that autonomic and neuroendocrine responses are dissociable at the level of the PVN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instead of the expected 3.8–5.4% increase in the heat transfer coefficient due to the better thermal conductivity of silicon carbide tubes compared to glass tubes, the observed increase was 18–22% for 150–275 kg·h−1 airflow and 6 kg·s−1 propane-1,2-diol coolant in tubes. This additional 15–17% increase is probably due to local flow turbulisation due to the roughness of the sintered carbide of 4–10 µm, which unfortunately also causes a 17–24% higher air pressure drop. The hand calculation model used underestimates the heat transfer coefficient by −2% to 10%, which is better than CHEMCAD 8 modeling results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAccurate estimation of frictional pressure loss in an annulus is crucial for selecting appropriate pump systems, determining horsepower requirements, and controlling hole cleaning. Generally, when calculating the friction factor, the temperature of the fluid and the rotation of the inner pipe are not considered, which can lead to errors in estimating the pressure difference in the annulus. In this study, to ensure accurate pressure drop calculations, the effects of temperature and inner pipe rotation, along with other parameters, were included. An extensive experimental study was conducted at Izmir Katip Celebi University’s Flow Loop using two Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions, across various fluid velocities, fluid temperatures, diameter ratios, and inner pipe rotation speeds. A dimensional analysis was performed to identify the parameters that affect friction factors in the annulus. Finally, friction factor equations were developed based on the experimental data using optimization algorithms such as interior point (fmincon), genetic, minimax, and simulated annealing. The findings showed that the predictions from all the algorithms tested in the study closely matched the experimental results; however, the interior point algorithm (fmincon) provided the best performance, with an average absolute percentage error of 9.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-speed flow of clean water or water with sediment released from aging spillways may cause abrasion and cavitation on the concrete surface gradually. The occurrence of irregularities on the concrete surface can exacerbate the erosion problem. Which might jeopardize the safety of dams constantly, hence the rehabilitation efforts become urgent tasks in dam safety projects. Methods: This study employs a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to quantitatively analyze the cavitation risk on the aging concrete surface of the Chay 5 spillway in Ha Giang, Vietnam, under various operation scenarios. There are two standards used to measure cavitation: the cavitation index (σ) which indicates the danger due to the drop of pressure in rapid flow, and the new gasification index (β) which takes into consideration the formation and collapse of bubbles behind asperities. Results: Three extreme flood cases may not result in potential cavitation because both σ and β exceed critical thresholds. Regarding the six controlled gate scenarios with normal water level, the σ profiles are approximated 1,0 showing a low likelihood of cavitation damage while the β values are smaller than 0.8, indicating a considerable risk of cavitation. Besides, the opening height of 100 cm poses the greatest risk of creating severe cavitation erosion in the concave area and slope portion. The flip bucket experienced the most vulnerable cavitation when the opening height is 400 cm. In addition, an approach to spillway surface rehabilitation involving specialized mortars has been presented. Conclusion: For aging conveyance structure, gasification index (β) takes into account irregularities surface, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the likelihood of cavitation damage than cavitation index (σ). After rehabilitation with anti-shrinkage high abrasion resistance mortar, the entire spillway surface is smooth. This allows for reducing the cavitation risk and improvement of life service thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel static mixer is designed specifically to blend hydrogen into natural gas pipelines, and its effectiveness is validated by numerical simulation method. Firstly, the structural model of the proposed static mixer model for hydrogen-methane blending is introduced, and the evaluation indicators are defined. Secondly, the computational fluid dynamic model for the mixing process is established based on the Large Eddy Simulation(LES) method, and the accuracy of the numerical results is validated against the experimental data of a benchmark gas mixing model. Subsequently, using LES, effects structural parameters (angle and height of trapezoidal baffle, number of mixing elements, and spacing and installation distance of mixing elements) and flow parameters (main flow velocity and hydrogen blending ratio) on the mixing homogeneity and pressure drop of the static mixer are investigated systematically to explore the optimal design and operational conditions. The numerical results showed that the static mixer can significantly improve the mixing efficiency of hydrogen and natural gas with acceptable pressure loss. In the range of flow conditions concerned, a best performance of mixing could be obtained by installing the mixer at a distance of 3 D (D is the diameter of the natural gas pipeline) downstream the blending point, setting the spacing between mixing elements as 1 D and employing four mixing elements. Finally, the underlying physics of mass transportation are analyzed based on the vortex structures generated by the mixer. • A novel static mixer is designed to blend hydrogen into natural gas pipelines. • A Large eddy simulation solution procedure is proposed to solve multi-component mixing. • Effects of key parameters of the static mixer and operating conditions are revealed. • The mixing mechanism of static mixer is revealed based on vortex dynamics analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat transfer and pressure drop in laminar and turbulent flow have been studied for a long time. However, the thermohydraulic of fluid flow in transition flow is still in the embryonic stage and needs further exploration. Primarily, this article complied all the fragmented research works linked to thermal and flow performance in transition-flow regimes. Several detailed research works pertaining to developing and fully developed transition flow were reported in the past three decades which significantly contribute to the field. It was also found that the transition-flow regime shifted with the change in the operating conditions such as free, forced and mixed convection, developing and fully developed flow, inlet geometries, type of working fluid, channel geometries, roughness, the orientation of test section, etc. Hence, by altering the shape of the entrance, the amount of heat passing through, or the surface of the tube, one could manipulate the range of Reynolds numbers where the transition took place. The temperature of fluids affects their densities, so when heat is applied to the tube wall, it creates temperature differences within the thermal boundary layer. These differences in temperature then cause changes in density and buoyancy due to the force of gravity. Several novel correlations have been developed based on these findings to determine the heat transfer and pressure drop in different flow regimes. In order to develop accurate correlations for heat transfer and pressure drop in the transitional-flow regime, it is necessary to comprehend the factors that impact the beginning and end of this regime. This understanding is crucial for selecting or creating suitable correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vortex generators (VGs) are utilized in heating and cooling systems to enhance heat transfer efficiency for energy savings. This study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of using the rectangular vortex generators (RVG) and the sinusoidal vortex generator (SVG) with and without holes on the annular side of a double-pipe heat exchanger (DPHE) for turbulent regimes. The numerical analysis is conducted for different angles of attack (α) (15°, 45°, and 75°) and spacings between VGs (60, 100, and 300 mm). By comparing the heat transfer behavior for a given α, the RVG cases present a higher heat transfer when compared to the SVG cases, with an exception for the 15° case. The configuration with a low α and slight curvature augments flow velocities and vortex strength, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Moreover, the 15° SVGs-hole case demonstrates a higher Nusselt number compared to the no-hole case. Adding holes in the VG significantly reduces the pressure drop for the 45° and 75° cases, while it remains the same at the 15° case. Additionally, the 75° RVG case yields the highest Nusselt number among the studied cases, with an enhancement of 42.4% when compared to the smooth pipe at the Reynolds number of 5,711. The best performance evaluation criterion (PEC) is achieved by the 15° SVGs-hole case. When the effect of different spacings is examined, the spacing of 60 mm provides the highest PEC of 1.22. In short, the present study provides valuable insights for optimizing VG design and enhancing overall system performance in DPHEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellipticity has a significant impact on the flow and heat transfer performance of microchannel heat exchangers (MHEs) with elliptical concave cavities. In this study, five types of MHEs with different elliptical concave cavities (ellipticities of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2) were designed. The influence of ellipticity on the flow and heat transfer performance of MHEs was numerically investigated using ANSYS Fluent 21.0 R1. Moreover, MHEs with corresponding elliptical concave cavities structures were processed and manufactured, and then an experimental platform was designed and built for experimental verification. The results showed that the fluid velocity distribution in MHEs with elliptical concave cavities was symmetrical, and the formation of secondary flow in the elliptical concave cavities led to the continuous destruction and reconstruction of the flow and thermal boundary layer in the microchannel, which is conducive to mass and heat transfer in the MHEs with elliptical concave cavities. The inlet and outlet pressure drop of MHEs with elliptical concave cavities increased as the inlet flow rate increased. At the same inlet flow rate, the inlet and outlet pressure drop of the MHE with elliptical concave cavities first increased and then decreased with increasing ellipticity. At an ellipticity of 1.0, the inlet and outlet of MHE exhibited the lowest pressure drop indicating that the MHE with an ellipticity of 1.0 featured the highest pressure drop performance. The cold‐water outlet temperature of the MHEs with elliptical concave cavities first decreased and then increased as the inlet flow rate increased. At the same inlet flow rate, the cold‐water outlet temperature of the MHEs with elliptical concave cavities first increased and then decreased with increasing ellipticity, while the hot‐water outlet temperature of the MHEs first decreased and then increased with increasing flow rate. This indicated that the MHE with an ellipticity of 1.0 exhibited excellent heat transfer performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) could be a common symptom that influences a person's quality of life. It can be assessed by patient perception or by physical measurements. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to analyze nasal function. There is a need of comparative studies for assessment of airflow regimes using CFD. Assessment of the different CFD utilities as an objective method for evaluation of nasal airflow characteristics was our main goal. Studied were collected from MEDLINE (Ovid), Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and EMBASE using a combination of the MeSH terms "septal deviation", "nasal obstruction", "Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)". Methods: We investigated all the results obtained by the authors with respect to the CFD parameters and the evaluation of nasal obstruction (clinical or physical). Results: To compare nasal obstruction with CFD parameters, most studied used heat flow, Wall Shear Stress (WSS), pressure drop, velocity and streamlines. We found that heat flux appeared to be the CFD parameter which most strongly correlated with patient perception. Pressure drop, wall shear stress and velocity were moreover valuable and appeared a great relationship. Conclusion: More and more research on CFD on the nasal cavity has caused a better understanding of nasal obstruction. Further studies need to be done, including temperature and humidity exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ignition and flame propagation process within the centrally staged annular combustor is considerably intricate, particularly under low pressure conditions. Experiments with kerosene as fuel were conducted under varying pressures ranging from 30 to 90 kPa. A high-speed camera was employed to capture images of the ignition process. The experiments illustrate that the fuel–air ratio at the ignition boundary initially decreases and then increases with increasing pressure drop at different inlet pressures. The ratio increases as the pressure decreases at a constant pressure drop, exhibiting a more pronounced effect, particularly at lower pressures. The flame propagation time of annular combustion is shortened by the increase in the fuel–air ratio. Moreover, an increase in pressure drop enhances flame propagation speed and reduces flame propagation time. Under identical working conditions and parameters, lower inlet pressures result in longer flame propagation time. Additionally, asymmetry is observed in circumferential flame propagation within the annular combustor. Since the swirl flow direction exhibits faster propagation speeds, the ratio of propagation speeds remains nearly constant across different directions. Furthermore, distinct flame propagation paths are identified in various directions. Three different flame propagation patterns were observed, including "archlike-axial," "entrainment-rotation," and "sweep-transverse." Fuel–air ratio and pressure drop serve as primary parameters governing flame propagation patterns. The flame propagation pattern exhibits similarities to that of atmospheric conditions, with the exception of the inhibition observed in the entrainment-rotation pattern. Notably, compared to the ignition between two adjacent burners, ignition in the middle of a certain burner shows a higher probability of successful ignition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration phenomena in fluid dynamics can be mathematically described by delta-shocks. With the introduction of flux-function, the Riemann problem for the Euler system with Umami Chaplygin gas equation of state is discussed. What Umami Chaplygin gas means is that the fluid obeys the pressure–density relation where the pressure is negative and is a new generalization of Chaplygin gas. The solutions with six kinds of structures are constructed. Unlike the Chaplygin gas, the delta-shock occurs in solutions, even though the system is strictly hyperbolic and two characteristic fields are genuinely nonlinear. The generalized Rankine–Hugoniot relation and entropy condition for delta-shock are clarified. Additionally, the phenomena of concentration and cavitation and the formation of delta-shocks and vacuum states in solutions are identified and analyzed as the Umami Chaplygin gas pressure and flux-function vanish simultaneously. It is proved that as the pressure and flux-function drop to zero, any solution consisting of two shocks tends to the delta-shock solution of the pressureless Euler system, and any solution consisting of two rarefaction waves tends to the vacuum Riemann solution of the pressureless Euler system. Finally, some numerical results exhibiting the processes of formation of delta-shocks and vacuum states are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of fluoride-cooled high-temperature reactors has greatly heightened the need for a thorough comprehension of heat transfer in packed beds that are cooled by liquid salts. The presence of restricting walls has a significant impact on the arrangement and movement of particles in packed beds with modest D / d p ratios (3.75–6). This study examines the changes in pressure drop and heat transfer between particles and fluid in a flow with a high-Prandtl number fluid (FLiBe), a molten-salt made from a mixture of lithium fluoride (LiF) and beryllium fluoride (BeF2) in randomly packed beds of 200 pebbles, under conditions of significant wall interference and high Reynolds number. We analyze the effects of different ratios of D / d p and evaluate the suitability of various empirical correlations by utilizing the k − ω shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence model in conjunction with the discrete element approach for generating random packing. The results of our study demonstrate that decreasing the D / d p ratios leads to a decrease in pressure drops. These pressure drops are strongly influenced by the porosity of the bed. Notably, even minor variations in porosity can lead to substantial changes in pressure drop. The Wakao and Bird correlations demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting the Nusselt number compared to other empirical correlations. The Nusselt number analysis also demonstrated consistent heat transfer behavior in both the inner and outer regions at lower D / d p ratios, reflecting a more uniform thermal distribution. However, with increasing D / d p ratios, the outer region experienced a significant reduction in Nusselt number compared to the inner region, highlighting the need to account for spatial thermal variations when assessing packed bed performance. At low D / d p ratios, the wall's influence extended throughout the bed, dampening radial velocity and temperature fluctuations. This effect was observed across all cases, suggesting that channeling flow near the wall should not be overstated in analyses, as it could misrepresent transport phenomena in systems with very low D / d p ratios. These findings provide fresh perspectives on addressing the impact of enclosing walls in densely packed beds with small D / d p ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the flow characteristics within a porous medium composed of a monolayer of closely packed spheres, spanning from viscous-dominated to turbulent flow regimes. In the first part of this paper, the turbulent flow characteristics at a 30 MPa pressure drop within the domain are presented. The results are averaged across different cross sections between the inlet and outlet. In the second part of the study, simulations are conducted with pressure drops, ranging from nearly 0 to 100 MPa. The analysis finds distinct flow patterns within the domain and provides estimations for the permeability and the inertial term coefficient. Moreover, the transition from Darcy to non-Darcy and turbulent flow is achieved through the use of different criteria. The specified geometry is suitable for validating and calibrating simplified discrete element method models coupled with computational fluid dynamics. The main goal of this research is to produce a reliable benchmark to figure out the challenge of limited experimental data concerning fluid flow characteristics in densely packed granules specially subjected to high pressure conditions. To do this, representative specimens are designed, accurate simulations are conducted, and precise assessments of the results are carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative permeability of rocks is an essential parameter for evaluating two-phase flow characteristics and plays an important role in engineering fields such as resource exploitation. To this end, a mathematical model for predicting relative permeability was first developed based on an equivalent capillary model and fractal theory. The proposed model considers the irreducible fluid saturation under stress and quantifies the influence of the pore structure characteristics on the relative permeability. This model was then compared with relevant experimental data and existing theoretical expressions to verify its validity. Finally, the factors affecting the two-phase seepage characteristics were discussed. The results show that the irreducible fluid saturation is intimately connected to the fractal dimensions, pore size, fluid viscosity, pressure drop gradient, and elastic modulus. Fluid properties and pore structure characteristics are the main factors affecting relative permeability. The wetting phase relative permeability is more sensitive to pore structure and irreducible fluids. Increased effective stress increases irreducible fluid saturation, reduces two-phase flow capacity, and significantly decreases the relative permeability of wetting phase fluids. Increased elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio decrease the irreducible fluid content under stress and increase the permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been much research on the gas–solid separation equipment of cyclone plate, there is still a lot of research space for miniaturization, low resistance, and easy maintenance. In this paper, parallel gas–solid separation equipment is designed based on computational fluid dynamics and experimental verification methods to address the practical problems faced by the fresh air system of the enterprise plant. The internal flow field of the separator is studied by numerical simulation, and the structural parameters of the separator are optimized according to the performance indicators provided by the enterprise. The optimal structure that meets the performance requirements and has the best effect is determined. Subsequently, the actual performance of the optimal structure was verified by wind tunnel experiments, and the deviation between the experimental results and the numerical simulation results was compared. The results show that increasing the number of blades, adjusting the blade angle, and increasing the height of the outer cylinder are beneficial in improving the internal flow field of the separator. Among them, the blade angle significantly affects the tangential velocity and axial velocity of the separator. When these three parameters are increased, the filtration efficiency increases first and then decreases. Finally, when the number of blades is 8, the blade angle is 50°, and the height of the outer cylinder is 0.63 m, the separation efficiency is the highest, and the pressure drop is the lowest. This structure satisfies all performance indicators. The experimental results show that the minimum filtration efficiency is 92.4%, and the maximum pressure drop does not exceed 500 Pa. Compared with the numerical simulation results, the experimental value is 0.29% lower, which shows that the structure has good separation performance and has a significant reference value for the fresh air system of the industrial workshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a multivariate piecewise interpolation model is introduced to represent melt viscosity based on temperature and shear rate. The model does not require a predefined functional form for the entire data range, instead finding a suitable line between adjacent measured viscosity data points to obtain viscosity as a function of shear rate and temperature. To assess the effect of viscosity representation on polymer melt flow, a two-dimensional (2D) flow past a cylinder problem and a three-dimensional (3D) single screw extruder problem are numerically solved using different viscosity models. The pressure drop (Δ P) from the shift-factor model deviates by more than 10% at an average velocity ( U av ) of 1 m/s due to overestimation of viscosity in the high shear rate region. The dimensionless thicknesses of the thermal boundary layer near the channel wall ( δ T / H ) at wall temperature ( T w ) of 210 °C are also misevaluated by more than 4% using both the shift-factor model and the Klein model, reflecting their poor viscosity evaluation. It is noteworthy that in all viscosity models, a high T w leads to the formation of a thin thermal boundary layer, which adversely affects the heat transfer. In single screw extruder applications, viscosity misevaluation in high shear rate regions causes issues in pure drag flow cases, while misevaluation in low shear rate regions causes issues in pure back-pressure flow cases. These analyses highlight the accuracy and versatility of our multivariate piecewise interpolation model compared to existing viscosity models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]