Kinetics of Molecular Nitrogen Triplet Bands at Low Air Pressure

This thesis presents the numerical simulation of fluid dynamics, as well as heat and mass transfer for drop impingement on a hot solid surface for low and high ambient pressures. The technical application ranges from effective thermal management strategies using spray cooling, safety aspects in high pressure nuclear reactors to process technology in chemical or food industry. It is reported in literature that wetting characteristics depend on the ambient pressure. Drop splash is suppressed at low ambient pressure. High ambient pressure encourages compressibility effects. The compressibility of both the liquid and vapour phase increases with increasing pressure. Thereby, the effects of compressibility on drop impingement is of interest. Up to now, no attempt has been made to investigate a full pressure range for the evaporative drop impingement process. In order to provide insights into evaporative drop impingement processes under various ambient pressures, numerical simulations are performed. CFD simulations are conducted using a finite volume discretisation method solving the Navier-Stokes equations. The volume of fluid method is utilised to resolve two-phase flow. The solver accounts for compressible fluid flow, heat and mass transfer due to evaporation across the free liquid-vapour interface, evaporation in the vicinity of the three-phase contact line, as well as for heat conduction within the solid substrate. The dynamic contact angle is implemented using a subscale model. Effects of low and high ambient pressure on the three-phase contact line are investigated in the well established so-called micro region model. The focus is the non-splashing drop-wall collision in a non-boiling, single-component evaporation regime. Ambient pressure ratios ranging between p/pcr = [8*10^{-3} ... 0.5], Reynolds and Weber numbers ranging between Re = [600 ... 1300] and We = [10 ... 50] are investigated. The wall temperature is above saturation but below Leidenfrost temperature. The wall superheat is in the order of 10 K. Different parameter studies are dedicated to investigate the influence of low and high ambient pressures on the evaporative drop impact processes. Within one parameter study, dimensional drop impact parameters are kept constant, such as drop diameter, impact velocity and wall superheat. Caused by the variation in ambient pressure, material properties of the fluid change. Consequently, non-dimensional groups are changing, indicating a shift in dominant forces. Another parameter study keeps non-dimensional groups constant. Further parameter studies focus on the influence of the vapour phase on the drop impact outcome, especially for high ambient pressure. Within this work, results are presented for different length scales. The modelling of the vicinity of an evaporating three-phase contact line indicates a strong influence of the ambient pressure on the apparent contact angle and the heat being transferred in the micro region. For increasing pressure, the contact angle increases whereas the transferred heat has a local maximum within the investigated pressure range. For the macro-scale drop impingement process, strong influence on the fluid dynamics and heat transfer is identified. In summary, numerical simulations of the evaporative drop impact and the modelling of micro-scale thermodynamic effects for low and high ambient pressure are investigated in the present thesis. The results increase the understanding of the influence of pressure on the fluid dynamics, as well as the heat and mass transfer. Correlations for the maximum spreading ratio, spreading duration, as well as transferred energy and mass are reported. The findings are expected to improve design concepts for technical applications within the investigated parameter range.

Modeling dust emission in alpine regions with low air temperature and low air pressure – A case study on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP)

The response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Waldmann's Green) to low atmospheric pressure was examined during the initial 5 days of germination and emergence, and also during subsequent growth to vegetative maturity at 30 days. Growth took place inside a 66-l-volume low pressure chamber maintained at 70 kPa, and plant response was compared to that of plants in a second, matching chamber that was at ambient pressure (approximately 101 kPa) as a control. In other experiments, to determine short-term effects of low pressure transients, plants were grown at ambient pressure until maturity and then subjected to alternating periods of 24 h of low and ambient atmospheric pressures. In all treatments the partial pressure of O2 was maintained at 21 kPa (approximately the partial pressure in air at normal pressure), and the partial pressure of CO2 was in the range 66.5-73.5 Pa (about twice that in normal air) in both chambers, with the addition of CO2 during the light phase. With continuous exposure to low pressure, shoot and root growth was at least as rapid as at ambient pressure, with an overall trend towards slightly greater performance at the lower pressure. Dark respiration rates were greater at low pressure. Transient periods at low pressure decreased transpiration and increased dark respiration but only during the period of exposure to low pressure. We conclude that long-term or short-term exposure to subambient pressure (70 kPa) was without detectable detriment to vegetative growth and development.

The efficiency and stability of air entrainment in concrete are sometimes found to be weaker at higher elevation. This phenomenon was attributed to the low atmospheric pressure by many researchers, however, the level of influence of atmospheric pressure on concrete air content dramatically varied among different studies. In order to clarify the effect of low atmospheric pressure on air entrainment in cement-based materials, an on-site experimental study was conducted with a rigorous control of irrelevant variables. The study focused on the air-entraining efficiency in cement paste, mortar, and concrete prepared in both low and standard atmospheric pressures. The air bubble stability in fresh mortar and air void characteristics of hardened mortar in different atmospheric pressures were also included. In the study, little effect of low atmospheric pressure on the air-entraining efficiency and air bubble stability in mortar with studied air-entraining agents (AEAs) was found. The air void characteristics were found to be similar between mortar with SJ-2 or 303R type AEAs prepared in different atmospheric pressures. Concrete with either SJ-2 or 303R type AEA prepared in low atmospheric pressure presented a satisfactory air content. These conclusions indicate that it is not necessary to worry excessively about the potentially adverse effect of atmospheric pressure on the frost resistance of concrete if a suitable AEA is applied. Additionally, a supplementary mortar study found that the low temperature of raw materials stored at high elevation would significantly weaken the air entrainment, reminding that potential causes in addition to low atmospheric pressure should also be taken seriously.

Using stirring power curves to investigate the air-entrainment and mechanical properties of cement mortar at low air pressure

How nano-bubble water and nano-silica affect the air-voids characteristics and freeze-thaw resistance of air-entrained cementitious materials at low atmospheric pressure?

Experimental investigation of convective heat transfer in the aircraft cabin environment at low air pressure

Plants are a key biological component in the controlled ecological life support system at low atmospheric pres-sure. Both total pressure and partial pressure (of oxygen,carbon dioxide, etc.) are reduced at low atmospheric pressure.Plants can complete their life cycle (from seed to seed) at low pressure,but their course of development is different from that at normal pressure, in adapting to changed atmospheric conditions. We summarized the ef-fects of low pressure on seed germination, morphology, leaf structure, growth characteristics, nutrient uptake, plant nutrition, gas exchange and ethylene release. In addition, we summarized signal transmission and gene ex-press induced by low pressure and discussed the latest research advances on growth characteristics and adapting mechanisms of plants at low atmospheric pressure.We also suggested future emphases and directions of study of plants at low atmospheric pressure.

The effect of low atmospheric pressure on adult Aedes aegypti and on housefly pupae

Effect of air-entraining agents combined with superabsorbent polymers on pore structure and frost resistance of mortar prepared under low air pressure

Arc ablation is a widespread problem in electrical contact systems. The fault of the system caused by arc ablation significantly restricts its lifespan. Facing the development goal of electrified aircraft and low vacuum high-speed railways, the problem of arc ablation at low air pressure cannot be ignored. In this article, an experimental platform for arcing and ablation at low air pressure is built. The influence of low air pressure on the characteristics of arc ablation is explored. The results show that the stability of the arc column at low air pressure varies significantly. Under the condition of different air pressures, the traces and morphology in the ablation region of the electrode differ significantly. These are caused by Rayleigh–Taylor (R–T) instability between the arc and air, and by the motion of the arc root which is driven by the arc column. Importantly, the low-pressure stabilization effect for the arc is found. The corresponding relationship between electrode ablation traces, surface morphology, and air pressure is revealed. The action mechanism of air pressure on the arcing process and ablation characteristics of the electrode are clarified. This research provides theoretical support for restraining arc ablation and prolonging the lifespan of the electrical contact system.

Superhydrophobic coatings fabricated by spray deposition techniques have recently gained prominence, especially in applications where large surface area coatings are desired. While the spray-casting heights and air pressures can have substantial influence on the superhydrophobicity and wear durability of the coatings, the effects have not been previously investigated in detail. To address this lack of knowledge, this study sought to systematically investigate these effects for polyurethane clay–fluorine nanocomposite coatings in terms of water contact angle, roll-off angle and mechanical linear abrasion. The results showed that coatings fabricated at high spray-casting heights and low air pressures (longer droplet flight time) were more superhydrophobic than the coatings fabricated at low spray-casting heights and high air pressures (shorter droplet flight time). However, the later coatings were remarkably more resistant to strong linear abrasion as compared to the former. By balancing these application parameters, the authors showed that a combination of durability and superhydrophobicity can be achieved.

Based on the hourly temperature and precipitation data from China national meteorological stations and regional automatic weather stations in Shenyang, the relationship between extreme hourly precipitation (ExHP) and urban heat island Intensity (UHII) is analyzed. Results show that the UHII is higher at night and in the early morning. The ExHP events mostly occur at night in summer when the UHII is relatively high. The spatial distribution of UHII in Shenyang is consistent with the economic development and the transportation density. Denser population and transportation, and high-rise buildings in the urban center contribute to higher UHII. There are three types of ExHP, namely the abrupt-type ExHP, the growing-type ExHP and the continuous-type ExHP. The overall variation characteristics of the three types of ExHP are relatively consistent. Their UHII values are positive and relatively stable in 6–12 h before the start of ExHP. The UHII begins to increase dramatically about 6 h before the ExHP, but decreases obviously and turn negative after the precipitation begins. Before the abrupt ExHP, the UHII is relatively high and can rapidly return to positive after the ending of ExHP. The UHII of the abrupt-type ExHP is remarkably larger than that of the growing-type and continuous-type ExHP. The UHII before and after the abrupt-type ExHP differs greatly. Before the abrupt ExHP, the UHII is high in the center and low at both ends, and the high-value areas of UHII are mainly located in the urban area. After the abrupt-type EXHP, the UHII drops and turn negative in the whole area. The UHII is obviously increasing with urbanization. The diurnal variation of UHII is enormous, which is higher at night than during the daytime. The increasing UHII can cause abnormal air pressure in cities and villages. The air in the lower atmospheric layer of the city can be heated and expanded, hence resulting in lower local air pressure. Then, the lower air pressure can promote the convergence and upward movement of air, hence facilitating the establishment of UHII circulation. This phenomenon is particularly distinct at night, which is conducive to the occurrence of ExHP events.

The activity of the thyroid gland of rats was observed by measuring the uptake of 131I in the living animal over a period of several days. The method is described in detail, and the importance of iodine contained in the diet or applied to the skin, in affecting the results, is stressed. Reduction of the atmospheric pressure to 250 and 380 mm Hg decreases the uptake of 131I. The lower the pressure, the less iodine is concentrated in the thyroid. Under natural conditions a small decrease of thyroid activity at an altitude of 3450 m (490 mm Hg) can be noticed, but not at 2010 m altitude (592 mm Hg). The depression of the thyroid is temporary; after some days 131I is taken up again with normal velocity. At low atmospheric pressure (below 480 mm Hg) the body temperature decreases, but this, too, is restored to normal in 3–4 days. The adaptation of thyroid activity to low atmospheric (oxygen) pressure may play an important part during acclimatization to high altitudes. The mechanism underlying the alteration in thyroid function and, in particular, the relation between the thyroid and adrenocortical activity is discussed. It is suggested that the increased adrenocortical activity and the decrease of thyroid activity observed at low oxygen or atmospheric pressure may be inter-connected.

The University of Texas at Austin Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM) has designed and conducted a series of composite rotor spin tests to measure the windage losses and temperature distributions of a test setup at high rotor speeds and low air pressures. The intent of the windage tests is to validate the windage loss predictions and investigate how the air-gap windage is distributed between the rotor and stator. The findings of the spin tests will then be used to perform windage-related thermal design and analysis of a high-speed electrical machine. The radial air-gap flows under the test conditions, a low rotor cavity air pressure of 1 torr and high rotor surface velocities of 333 and 614 m/s, were in a laminar flow regime. Transient rotor and stator finite-element thermal analyses, using the measured windage losses and predicted laminar-flow windage splits, have been carried out to analyze the rotor and stator temperature distributions. This paper shows the detailed thermal analysis and compares the predictions with the measurements. The predicted and measured transient rotor and stator temperatures are in good agreement.