Channel Cross-section Research Articles

Hydrogen-bond transformations of confined water and abnormal mechanical responses of hydrated AlPO4-11 framework under in situ high pressure

The behaviors of water under non-ambient conditions, especially in confinement environment, have long been of special interest due to the important roles in biological and geological processes. Here, we have performed an infrared spectroscopic investigation on the pressure-induced hydrogen-bond transformation of water in one-dimensional, elliptical channels of AlPO4-11. Upon compression, the hydrogen-bonds of confined water strengthen and water molecules transform from tetrahedral coordination configuration to low and intermediate configurations, which may be a high-density disordered state. This transformation is distinct from the commonly accepted liquid–solid and solid–solid phase transition in bulk water. Stronger hydrogen-bonds are formed and a further transformation of hydrogen-bonded water takes place in the hydrostatic environment of Ar than the case without pressure transmitting medium (PTM). In addition, the mechanical compressible behaviors and framework deformation of the host matrix are also discussed. X-ray diffraction study shows that the hydrated AlPO4-11 exhibits an unexpected high compressibility in Ar. Its bulk modulus before framework collapse is 14.1 GPa, 4 ∼ 5 times smaller than that in silicone. The anisotropic axial compressibilities of AlPO4-11 demonstrate that the ellipticity of the channel cross-section increases in silicone oil while it decreases in Ar because the relatively contractive behavior along minor axis direction is slowed down. Such pressure-induced responses are ascribed to the complex Ar-H2O-framework interaction after Ar penetration. This study offers us a new knowledge of crystal-fluid interaction in determining the mechanical behaviors of open-framework materials under high pressure and provides implications for the water evolution and circulation in water-carrying natural zeolites under extreme geological conditions in nature.

Highly Localized Chemical Sampling at Subsecond Temporal Resolution Enabled with a Silicon Nanodialysis Platform at Nanoliter per Minute Flows.

Microdialysis (MD) is a versatile and powerful technique for chemical profiling of biological tissues and is widely used for quantification of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, metabolites, biomarkers, and drugs in the central nervous system as well as in dermatology, ophthalmology, and pain research. However, MD performance is severely limited by fundamental tradeoffs between chemical sensitivity, spatial resolution, and temporal response. Here, by using wafer-scale silicon microfabrication, we develop and demonstrate a nanodialysis (ND) sampling probe that enables highly localized chemical sampling with 100 μm spatial resolution and subsecond temporal resolution at high recovery rates. These performance metrics, which are 100-1000× superior to existing MD approaches, are enabled by a 100× reduction of the microfluidic channel cross-section, a corresponding drastic 100× reduction of flow rates to exceedingly slow few nL/min flows, and integration of a nanometer-thin nanoporous membrane with high transport flux into the probe sampling area. Miniaturized ND probes may allow for the minimally invasive and highly localized sampling and chemical profiling in live biological tissues with high spatiotemporal resolution for clinical, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Experimental and numerical analysis of variable cross-section channel liquid cooling plate for server chips thermal management

Utilizing high-performance chips results in increased heat generation, necessitating more effective heat dissipation method. To address challenges in microchannel liquid cooling plates for server chips cooling the study presents the variable cross-section channel liquid cooling plate designs. To investigate the effect of channel structure on the performance of liquid cooling plate, two types of samples, one featuring side wall ribs and bottom cavities (SC) and the other featuring side wall ribs and bottom waves (SW), are evaluated through experimental analyses under various heating power and flow rate conditions. Comparing their performance to a conventional rectangular channel (RC) liquid cooling plate, their heat transfer and flow attributes were assessed. Finally numerical analysis was conducted to investigate the flow behavior inside the channel and extreme performance prediction were made using the numerical study. Results demonstrate that the SC and SW designs outperform the RC in terms of heat transfer capabilities, despite having the weaker flow characteristics. Under 300 W heat source power, the SW variants enable the heat source surface temperature to stay below 77.8 °C with a 194 mL/min flow rate. Notably, the SW variant showcases lower average heat source surface temperature and demonstrates lower pressure drop compared to the SC variant. As the flow rate increases, the heat transfer efficiency of the SW variant is further amplified while simultaneously highlighting the relatively suboptimal flow behavior of the SC variant. Predictive numerical models underscore that the SW variants offers improved thermal performance when subjected to high heat source power scenarios. Remarkably, under the heat source power of 500 W, a mere augmentation in flow rate proves sufficient to reduce the heat source temperature below the prescribed threshold value. The combination design of side wall ribs and bottom waves should enable a low cost, simple and high efficiency electronics cooling.

Channel cross-section heterogeneity of particulate organic carbon transport in the Huanghe

Abstract. The Huanghe (Yellow River), one of the largest turbid river systems in the world, has long been recognized as a major contributor of suspended particulate matter (SPM) to the ocean. However, over the last few decades, the SPM export flux of the Huanghe has decreased over 90 % due to the high management, impacting the global export of particulate organic carbon (POC). To better constrain sources and modes of transport of POC beyond the previously investigated transportation of POC near the channel surface, SPM samples were for the first time collected over a whole channel cross-section in the lower Huanghe. Riverine SPM samples were analyzed for particle size and major element contents, as well as for POC content and dual carbon isotopes (13C and 14C). Clear vertical and lateral heterogeneities of the physical and chemical properties of SPM are observed within the river cross-section. For instance, finer SPM carry more POC in general with higher 14C activity near the surface of the right bank. Notably, we discuss how bank erosion in the alluvial plain is likely to generate lateral heterogeneity in POC composition. The Huanghe POC is millennial-aged (4020 ± 500 radiocarbon years) and dominated by organic carbon (OC) from the biosphere, while the lithospheric fraction is ca. 12 %. The mobilization of aged and refractory OC, including radiocarbon-dead biospheric OC, from deeper soil horizons of the loess–paleosol sequence through erosion in the Chinese Loess Plateau is an important mechanism contributing to fluvial POC in the Huanghe drainage basin. Altogether, anthropogenic activities can drastically change the compositions and transport dynamics of fluvial POC, consequentially altering the feedback of the source-to-sink trajectory of a river system to regional and global carbon cycles.

Investigation of the Two-Channel Feedblock Zone in Co-Extrusion of Polymers

A process when different materials are combined to produce a product with multiple layers is called co-extrusion. During this process, polymers are melted in separate machines and then extrudate from different die channels. Once these channels converge, the polymers meet and flow through a single channel. The surface where the two fluids face is called “interface”. It is crucial to maintain the interface's uniformity and stability in order to achieve the desired multi-layered structure. Most of the issues in co-extrusion are related to issues that can be classified into two categories such as polymer encapsulation/interfacial distortion and die swell. To solve these problems, designers focus on improving the interface's stability. This paper examines effects of cross-section modification of the two-channel feedblock on the interface location and velocity and pressure distributions of the flow. The ANSYS software was used to simulate the co-extrusion of polymers, LLDPE and HDPE, in two-channel feedblock with rectangular, circular, and straight slot cross-sections. The results show that sharp corners increase the thickness of dead zones, while rounding them decreases the thickness. Additionally, stadium-shaped (or straight-slot) cross-section channels can move the flow with a higher maximum velocity and thinner boundary layer combining the results of rectangular and circular feedblocks.

Investigation of Co-Extrusion Using a Coat Hanger Die with Different Feedblock Cross-Section

When using the coat hanger die method for co-extrusion, the biggest challenges often involve maintaining the uniformity of the velocity distribution at the outlet of the die and ensuring the stability of the interface plane. This paper investigates the effect of different cross-section of feed channels connected to the coat hanger die on the velocity and pressure distribution of the flow at different parts of the die. Co-extrusion of LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) polymers is simulated using ANSYS software 2020 R2 for coat hanger die design with rectangular and circular cross-sections inlet geometry; the results are compared for Carreau-Yasuda model to observe the result differences between rectangular and circular coextrusion channels connected to coat hanger die. Our results showed that rectangular cross-section feedblock generated higher values for pressure in comparison with the pressure generated by the circular cross-section feedblock. The maximum velocity generated in the circular feedblock is lower than that generated in the rectangular one, nevertheless there is more uniformity in velocity distribution in circular than rectangular cross-section.

A numerical model for calculating velocity distribution in cross-section of an open channel

Flow velocity in open channels is a fundamental hydraulic parameter with wide-ranging applications, including the development of rating curves and the study of sediment transport. While some river engineering projects may only require the calculation of average flow velocity, others, such as the design of hydraulic structures and stable channels, as well as the assessment of boundary shear stress, necessitate a more comprehensive understanding of flow dynamics, including the two-dimensional velocity distribution within open channels. To address this, various mathematical models have been proposed for estimating the two-dimensional distribution of flow velocity across transverse and depth directions. However, these models often come with complexities that hinder their practical application. In this research, we introduce a simplified numerical model that combines simplified Navier–Stokes equations with an eddy viscosity formula. This innovative approach aims to estimate velocity distribution in both rectangular and trapezoidal channels. The accuracy of our developed model hinges on the momentum transfer coefficient used in the eddy viscosity formula. Through the execution of the numerical model and the utilization of observational data, we determined the optimal value of the momentum transfer coefficient to be 0.241. To validate the effectiveness of our numerical model, we compared its predictions with laboratory data encompassing diverse hydraulic conditions. The results demonstrated a high level of accuracy, with the calculated velocity distribution and flow discharge differing by no more than 7.6% and 6.8%, respectively.

Optimization of variable cross-sectional flow channel parameters for fuel cells: Numerical analysis and distributional uniformity evaluation

The bipolar plates (BPs) are the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks, and its structure has a substantial impact on the performance of the stack. Optimizing the parameters of flow channels of bipolar plates is crucial for enhancing the mass transfer of reacting gas and improving water removal capacity. In this study, three-dimensional numerical models of staggered variable cross-sectional flow channels (VCSFCs) are developed to investigate the impact of cathode humidities, contraction ratios, numbers and lengths on the performance and uniformity of PEMFC. The results show that a cathode humidity of 50 % can maximize the advantages of VCSFCs. A higher contraction ratio leads to a significant increase in pressure drop, a decrease in mass transfer capacity, and a less uniform distribution of current density and temperature compared to different numbers and lengths of variable cross-sectional structures (VCSSs). Increasing the overall gas velocity in flow channels can effectively enhance the uniformity of current density and temperature. A VCSS arrangement with a contraction ratio of 0.25, a number of 1 in each channel, and a length of 6 mm is utilized for channels with a length of 100 mm can achieve optimal results.

Lq-norm multiple kernel fusion regression for self-cleansing sediment transport

Experimental and modeling studies have been conducted to develop an approach for self-cleansing rigid boundary open channel design such as drainage and sewer systems. Self-cleansing experiments in the literature are mostly performed on circular channel cross-section, while a few studies considered self-cleansing sediment transport in small rectangular channels. Experiments in this study were carried out in a rectangular channel with a length of 12.5 m, a width of 0.6 m, a depth of 0.7 m and having an automatic control system for regulating channel slope, discharge and sediment rate. Behind utilizing collected experimental data in this study, existing data in the literature for rectangular channels are used to develop self-cleansing models applicable for channel design. Through the modeling procedure, this study recommends Lq-norm multiple kernel fusion regression (LMKFR) techniques for self-cleansing sediment transport. The LMKFR is a regression technique based on the regularized kernel regression method which benefits from the combination of multiple information sources to improve the performance using the Lq-norm multiple kernel learning framework. The results obtained by LMKFR are compared to support vector regression benchmark and existing conventional regression self-cleansing sediment transport models in the literature for rectangular channels. The superiority of LMKFR is illustrated in an accurate modeling as compared with its alternatives in terms of various statistical error measurement criteria. The encouraging results of LMKFR can be linked to utilization of several kernels which are fused effectively using an Lq-norm prior that captures the intrinsic sparsity of the problem at hand. Promising performance of LMKFR technique in this study suggests it as an effective technique to be examined in similar environmental, hydrological and hydraulic problems.

Data-driven turbulence modeling for fluid flow and heat transfer in peripheral subchannels of a rod bundle

This study presents a comparison of the performance of machine learning (ML) techniques, specifically multi-dimensional gene expression programming (MGEP), tensor basis neural network (TBNN), and also proposes a novel universally interpretable machine learning architecture to model the turbulent scalar flux (UIML-s) to enhance turbulence models for fluid flows at different Prandtl numbers in channels with complex shapes of walls in the channel cross section. In particular, peripheral subchannels of rod bundles are of primary interest. However, the accuracy of mean velocity and scalar distributions predicted by commonly used turbulence models still poses a challenge compared to data extracted from high-fidelity eddy-resolving numerical simulations, particularly for engineering applications involving complex geometry flows. In the present study, by utilizing an explicit algebraic expression for the nonlinear Reynolds-stress term obtained through both the evolutionary MGEP optimization and TBNN, the secondary flow structure has been adequately predicted in the cross-wise mean velocity distributions in the square duct and the rectangular channel with three longitudinal rods. This structure is also observed in the data from the concurrent runs performed by direct numerical simulation (DNS) but is completely absent in the results produced by a baseline Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) closure, which employs the linear eddy viscosity model for the Reynolds stress tensor. Comparison of MGEP and TBNN has shown their nearly equal performance in a square duct flow; however, MGEP works better for the more complex geometry channel with three rods. Furthermore, based on the velocity field produced by the RANS-MGEP model, the ML modification of the gradient diffusion hypothesis, integrated into the aforementioned novel RANS-ML model called as UIML-s, significantly improves the mean scalar distributions in a flow with three bumps serving as a prototype for the peripheral subchannel of rod bundle. The normalized root mean squared error decreases from 13.5% to 7.6%, bringing the predicted distributions closer to the DNS data, particularly in the near-wall region. Another approach, MGEP-s, also yields the acceptable results, which are nearly identical to those from UIML-s. These findings highlight the potential of using data-driven calibration of turbulence models with nonlinear closures to enhance the predictability for RANS simulations of fluid flows, heat, and mass transfer in channels with complex geometry.

Numerical Investigation of Gas Bubble Interaction in a Circular Cross-Section Channel in Shear Flow

This work’s goal is to numerically investigate the interactions between two gas bubbles in a fluid flow in a circular cross-section channel, both in the presence and in the absence of gravitational forces, with several Reynolds and Weber numbers. The first bubble is placed at the center of the channel, while the second is near the wall. Their positions are set in such a way that a dynamic interaction is expected to occur due to their velocity differences. A finite element numerical tool is utilized to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations and simulate two-phase flow using an unfitted mesh to represent the fluid interface, akin to the front-tracking method. The results show that the velocity gradient influences bubble shapes near the wall. Moreover, lower viscosity and surface tension force account for more significant interactions, both in the bubble shape and in the trajectory. In this scenario, it can be observed that one bubble is trapped in the other’s wake, with the proximity possibly allowing the onset of coalescence. The results obtained contribute to a deeper understanding of two-phase inner flows.

Numerical simulation of velocity distribution and pollution transport in a two-stage channel with vegetation on a floodplain

Compound cross-sections are common forms of river cross-sections in nature. Due to their more complex structure, it is more difficult to study their hydrodynamic and pollutant transport characteristics. How to establish effective models to simulate such conditions has recently become a hot topic of attention. The work presented in this article establishes a numerical model to simulate the flow velocity and pollutant transport in a compound cross-section channel using the lattice Boltzmann method and random displacement method to study the hydrodynamic and pollutant transport characteristics under flexible vegetation cover. The model can effectively generalize the vegetation drag force on the floodplain of the compound cross-section and provide the distribution pattern of flow velocity under uneven vegetation cover. At the same time, the lateral diffusion coefficients of pollutants on the main channel and floodplain are provided separately. These have higher accuracy than those determined by traditional methods that rely on simple longitudinal diffusion coefficients. This study can provide a theoretical reference for optimizing vegetation planting in compound cross-section channels.

Scheme design and flow performance analysis of double-bits combination wire-line coring technology for seafloor drill

In order to meet the requirement of high-quality samples for evaluating marine mineral resources reserves, a double-bits combination wire line coring scheme for seafloor drill is proposed. The Bernoulli math model reflecting the drilling fluid pressure variation inside the drilling tool is established. The influence of the drilling tool’s water circuit parameters on the drilling fluid pressure variation is clarified. The drilling fluid’s flow performance during the drilling process is analyzed. The drilling performance of this scheme is tested through engineering application. The application results indicate that: When the inner tube bit’s water channel cross-section A1 reaches 30mm2, A2 reaches 20mm2 and the A3 reaches 20mm2, the drilling fluid pressure ΔP in the drilling tool tends to stabilize. The influence of PVC tube outside diameter d8 on drilling fluid pressure ΔP is small within the allowable design range of 62–65mm. The simulation results show a high-speed area in the first section of the water channel in the inner tube bit. Selecting pump displacement in 50–90 L/min has more engineering application value. The engineering application in complex seabed strata shows that the average core sampling rate is more than 85% within the pump displacement of 50-90 L/min and rotation speed of 350–450 r/min.

Weathering and River Erosion: Insights from the Variation of Intact Rock Strength in Rhyodacites

The relationship between weathering and fluvial erosion is important in shaping the incisions of bedrock channels. In rhyodacites from Paraná Volcanic Province, plucking and macro-abrasion processes are predominant in the fluvial incision process, according to field observations. Using the intact rock strength as a proxy for the weathering, this paper analyzes how the strength of rhyodacites behave along a cross section of a bedrock channel and seeks to understand how this affects erosion. Topography and intact rock strength were surveyed continuously along a 30 m cross section using a Schmidt hammer, model N. Mean, median, and standard deviation were calculated for each meter of the section. The topographic amplitude of the bed in the section is 30 cm, featuring an almost flat geometry. The average strength values range from 30 to 59 R (7.65 to 58.15 MPa). Despite the small topographical amplitude, the general behavior of the rock strength follows the macrotopography of the bed, increasing in the high zones and decreasing in the low zones. The standard deviation, interpreted as directly proportional to the degree of weathering, follows the microtopography of the bed (amplitude ≈ 10 cm), being greater in low areas and smaller in high areas. This association between standard deviation of strength and microtopography reveals the seasonal variation of the water level in the channel, whereby higher moisture in low-lying areas intensifies the weathering of the rock. Weathering affects the density of rhyodacites in the area with a minimum reduction of 11.2% being calculated. This enhances the erosion processes by plucking and macroabrasion by reducing the intact rock strength. The susceptibility of the rhyodacites to weathering, despite the differences within the section, favors the maintenance of the rectangular geometry of the channel and shows how erosive processes are affected by the condition of the rock. The study revealed that the notion of decreasing the intact rock strength towards the banks associated with greater weathering in higher areas, cannot be generalized, as it depends on the geometry of the channel section, the lithological nature of the bed, and the frequency of flows.

Determination of Tritium-Helium-3 differential cross-section in the energy range between 0.6 MeV and 3.3 MeV for tritium depth profiling in solids

The differential cross-section for the 3He+3H nuclear reaction was measured in a thin tritiated PdTi film that was deposited on a Si wafer. The sample was loaded with 3H2 gas at a temperature of 300 °C and at a pressure of 1.8 bar. The total activity of the sample, measured by the liquid scintillation technique, was found to be 395 MBq. Two peaks were observed in the spectrum of the thick Si detector, corresponding to the 3H(3He,d)4He and 3H(3He,p)5He reaction channels. The differential cross-section was determined for the energy range of the 3He beam from 0.6 to 3.4 MeV, at three scattering angles of 125, 135 and 155°. The differential cross-section for the first channel remained almost constant within the measured energy range, while the cross-section for the second channel increased with energy. In both cases, the cross-sections reached their maximum value at the lowest scattering angle measured. The differential cross-sections were verified using a thick solid tritiated tungsten target. For assessing the tritium depth profile, only the reaction channel 3H(3He,d)4He can be utilized.

Результаты гидравлических расчетов каналов Черноземельской обводнительно-оросительной системы

Purpose: hydraulic calculations of the current water supply network of the Chernozemelskaya irrigation system channels. Materials and methods. The materials for the calculations were: operational records of the Chernozemelskaya irrigation system, the results of field surveys of channels and data from instrumental measurements of water levels, velocities and water discharges in the surveyed discharge section lines of distributary channels. The field work was carried out according to the generally accepted rules and methods of surveys, hydrometric measurements and assessment of the reclamation facilities state. Channel hydraulic calculations were performed for the conditions of constant water flow in their channels on rectilinear sections. Calculations of the main elements of the water cross-section of the Chernozemelskaya irrigation system channels were carried out using passport data and the results of field surveys of these channels. Results. Calculations of the main elements of the water cross-section of the channels for the control stations on the Yashkul and Gashun distribution canals of the Chernozemelskaya irrigation system were performed, rating curves of discharge and average water flow velocity in channels from the depth of their filling were constructed; permissible (non-eroding and non-silting) velocities of water flow in the channels were determined. Conclusions. It was found for the discharge section line on the Gashun distribution canal, that siltation of the channel will occur at a water flow discharge of Q < 2.75 m³/s and channel filling of h < 1.0 m. When assessing the channel of the Gashun canal for the susceptibility to erosion, it was determined that the channel in the control station section can pass the specified discharge without being eroded. Checking the channel of the Yashkul distribution canal in the control section for siltation and erosion showed that its channel will not be eroded in the considered range of water flow velocities from 0.62–1.14 m/s.

Efficient numerical modelling of magnetophoresis in millifluidic systems.

Continuous flow magnetophoresis represents a common technique for actively separating particles within a fluid. For separation systems design, accurately predicting particle behaviour helps to characterise system performance, typically measured by the separation efficiency (SE). While finite element method (FEM) simulations offer high accuracy, they demand extensive computational resources. Alternatively, results can be achieved more quickly with simplified numerical models that use analytical descriptions of fluid flow, magnetic fields, and particle movement. In this research, we model a millifluidic system that separates magnetic particles using magnetophoresis. Therefore, we (1) develop a simple numerical model that can simulate continuous flow magnetophoresis for rectangular channels in two and three dimensions, (2) introduce a novel and simple approach to calculate the SE, and (3) quantify the effects of model assumptions in flow profile and dimensions on SE. Our method for estimating SE considers particle flux variation across the channel's cross-section due to the flow profile. The results are compared to an FEM model developed in COMSOL. The obtained three-dimensional simulation model computes results in seconds, around 180 times faster than the FEM approach, while deviating less than 2% from the FEM results. A comparison of the different two-dimensional and three-dimensional models underscores the significant influence of the flow profile and the SE calculation method on the result. The two dimensional models generally overestimate the SE of up to 15% due to their lower peak flow velocity. However, using a constant flow velocity leads to good agreement for high SE due to the overlap of differences in flow profile and SE calculation.

Alpha structure of 16O at high excitation energies by 3He+13C nuclear reactions

This work investigates high energy states in the self-conjugate 16O nucleus, through the analysis of 13C(3He,α)12C reactions in the 1.4 2.2 MeV bombarding energy range. The cross-section of the decay channel in which an α particle is emitted in coincidence with a 12C residual nucleus in the Hoyle state, leading to four α particles in the final channel, has been measured thanks to a low-threshold and high-resolution array. The occurrence of two low-spin resonant states is highlighted by the analysis of angular distributions, with Jπ = 2+ and 3−, at respective energies of ≃ 24.1 and 24.5 MeV. In this energy window, the observed branching ratios for the transition involving the emission of the Hoyle state appear to be way larger than calculations based on the barrier penetration alone, pointing out to the possible occurrence of largely clustered high-energy states in 16O.

Flows structure and intensity during liquid and body oscillations in variable cross-section channel

The present study investigates the intensity and structure of averaged flows at oscillating fluid flow in a vertical axisymmetric channel of variable cross-section. The results demonstrate that oscillating of the fluid induces the formation of strong flows throughout each of the channel segments. The magnitude of these flows is contingent upon the influence of a free oscillating solid body. The results indicate that the presence of a spherical body in the channel has the effect of either intensifying or weakening the fluid’s flow rate in response to both the amplitude of the oscillation and the body’s relative position within the channel.

Numerical investigation of conjugate heat transfer in a flattened cross-sectional thick channel

Numerical investigation of conjugate heat transfer in a flattened cross-sectional thick channel