Shear Stress Characteristics Research Articles

Development of a novel multi-column airlift photobioreactor with easy scalability by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations and experiments

Aiming to culture algae with high efficiency, a novel vertical multi-column airlift photobioreactor (VMAPBR) has been developed. It was constructed with a series of vertically arranged parallel columns with easy scalability. The hydrodynamic, irradiation and shear stress characteristics of the photobioreactor were studied by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Accordingly, the optimal aeration manner and aeration rate were determined. When the novel airlift PBR was alternately aerated with aeration rate of 0.2vvm, the biomass concentration of Chlorella pyrenoidosa under outdoor condition reached 1.30gL−1 within the prototype PBR and was further increased to 1.56gL−1 within the optimized PBR. The result of cultivation experiment had good agreement with that of CFD prediction.

Determination of Optimum Production Conditions of Casting Slurry in the Manufacture of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Electrodes with the Tape Casting Technique

In this study, Ni anode and LiAlO2 electrolyte green sheets were manufactured for MCFC system. Experimental scale production of green sheets was carried out by using tape casting technique. The method of casting slurry, which is the first stage of preparation, has a direct impact on the final product. Therefore, cast slurries with different ratios of a solvent, a binder, a dispersant, plasticizer loading to the organic compounds were prepared to produce green sheets with the technique of tape casting in order to investigate the viscosity, shear stress, thixotropy and flow characteristics. After sheets were dried, physical properties (mechanical tests) were determined. Mixing method (balling mill and mechanical stirrer) and mixing duration of slurry, mixing weight ratio of binder, solvent, plasticizer, dispersant, Li/K carbonate, Ni, and LiAlO2 powder in the slurry was examined.

Investigation on the ultrasonic propagation mechanism and its application on air-source heat pump defrosting

Frosting deposited on the outdoor coil of air-source heat pump (ASHP) units deteriorates the operational performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, periodic defrosting is necessary. First, the dispersion curves for the propagation mechanism of an ultrasonic guided wave in the evaporator are determined through numerical calculation. In addition, the shear stress and vibration characteristics under ultrasonic excitation are analysed using finite element method (FEM). Finally, the vibration amplitude and defrosting performance of ultrasonic vibration is analysed. The numerical calculation results indicate that three guided wave modes exist in the evaporator, including both A0 and S0 modes of the Lamb wave and SH0 mode of the SH wave, with the optimal defrosting mode being S0 of the Lamb wave. The FEM results show that the vibrational shapes of S0 mode and longitudinal mode clearly exists in the fin and tube, the torsional and flexural modes also exist in the tube, and the FEM results are consistent with the numerical calculation results. The impedance analysis and laser vibrometer results indicate that the resonance frequency shifting, electro-acoustic converting efficiency and vibration energy decrease is due to increasing external load. The ultrasonic defrosting experimental results indicate that ultrasonic vibration can suppress frost deposit on the fin surface.

Prediction of atherosclerotic disease progression using LDL transport modelling: a serial computed tomographic coronary angiographic study.

To investigate the efficacy of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport simulation in reconstructed arteries derived from computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) to predict coronary segments that are prone to progress. Thirty-two patients admitted with an acute coronary event who underwent 64-slice CTCA after percutaneous coronary intervention and at 3-year follow-up were included in the analysis. The CTCA data were used to reconstruct the coronary anatomy of the untreated vessels at baseline and follow-up, and LDL transport simulation was performed in the baseline models. The computed endothelial shear stress (ESS), LDL concentration, and CTCA-derived plaque characteristics were used to identify predictors of substantial disease progression (defined as an increase in the plaque burden at follow-up higher than two standard deviations of the intra-observer variability of the expert who performed the analysis). Fifty-eight vessels were analysed. High LDL concentration [odds ratio (OR): 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64-2.84; P = 0.0054], plaque burden (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.13-1.72; P = 0.0017), and plaque area (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.20-5.44; P≤ 0.0001) were independent predictors of a substantial disease progression at follow-up. The ESS appears as a predictor of disease progression in univariate analysis but was not an independent predictor when the LDL concentration was entered into the multivariate model. The accuracy of the model that included the LDL concentration was higher than the accuracy of the model that included the ESS (65.1 vs. 62.5%). LDL transport modelling appears a better predictor of atherosclerotic disease progression than the ESS, and combined with the atheroma characteristics provided by CTCA is able to detect with a moderate accuracy segments that will exhibit a significant plaque burden increase at mid-term follow-up.

Abstract WP89: Hemodynamic Differences Found Between Growing and Stable Aneurysms of Comparable Dome and Neck Sizes

Introduction: Reports have suggested that high blood flow pulsatility in aneurysms may predict a higher risk of rupture, however, it is unclear whether similar flow dynamics also predict aneurysm growth. The objective of this study is to investigate differences in shape and blood flow characteristics between unruptured growing and stable aneurysms of comparable sizes. Hypothesis: Growing and stable aneurysms of comparable sizes exhibit different flow characteristics across different aneurysm regions. Method: We studied 4 growing aneurysms located at the posterior communicating artery (size ranged from 1.8mm to 11.4mm). Patient-specific aneurysm flow analysis and 3D aneurysm shape analysis were performed to investigate the flow changes during follow-up imaging. Specifically, we compared the shape parameters including aneurysm size, volume, and surface changes. We also compared the aneurysm flow properties including flow velocity, wall shear stress, pulsatility, and flow oscillatory characteristics. The growing aneurysms were analyzed against stable-matching aneurysms which were selected based on similar dome and neck size to find the predictive factors for aneurysm growth. These stable-matching aneurysms exhibiting no size changes for 2 years during follow-up were analyzed as a baseline. Results: We found that blood flow pulsatility through the parent artery was similar across all growing and stable aneurysms, averaging 0.58±0.003. Regardless of aneurysm size, blood flow pulsatility through the aneurysm neck was at the level of 0.66 (0.66±0.06) for growing aneurysms. We also found a clear trend of that blood flow pulsatility increased from the neck to dome in growing aneurysms. Blood flow pulsatility, however, decreased from the aneurysm neck to dome in the stable aneurysms (P<0.05). The rate of increase of blood flow pulsatility through the dome also appears to have an exponential correspondence with the aneurysm volume increase, with a R^2 value of 0.94. Conclusion: We found that increasing blood flow pulsatility from the aneurysm neck to dome may be indicative of aneurysm growth, which may be useful in identifying aneurysms that will potentially grow into high-risk aneurysms.

Effect of the Volume Fraction of Jute Fiber on the Interlaminar Shear Stress and Tensile Behavior Characteristics of Hybrid Glass/Jute Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Bar for Concrete Structures

Hybrid glass/jute fiber reinforced polymer (HGJFRP) composite bars were manufactured for concrete structures, and their interlaminar shear stress and tensile performance were evaluated. HGJFRP composite bars were manufactured using a combination of pultrusion and braiding processes. Jute fiber was surface-treated with a silane coupling agent. The mixing ratio of the fiber to the vinyl ester used in the HGJFRP composite bars was 7 : 3. Jute fiber was used to replace glass fiber in proportions of 0, 30, 50, 70, and 100%. The interlaminar shear stress decreased as the proportion of jute fiber increased. Fractures appeared due to delamination between the surface-treated component and the main part of the HGJFRP composite bar. Tensile load-strain curves with 50% jute fiber exhibited linear behavior. With a jute fiber volume fraction of 70%, some plastic deformation occurred. A jute fiber mixing ratio of 100% resulted in a display of linear elastic brittle behavior from the fiber; however, when the surface of the fiber was coated with poly(vinyl acetate), following failure, the jute fiber exhibited partial load resistance. The tensile strength decreased as the jute fiber content increased; however, the tensile strength did not vary linearly with jute fiber content.

Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer, Pressure Drop and Wall Shear Stress Characteristics of Al2O3-Water Nanofluid in a Square Duct

Turbulent heat transfer, pressure drop and wall shear stress behavior of the nanofluid Al2O3-water mixture in a square duct under constant wall heat flux are investigated numerically. Single-phase approach is taken into account during the simulations. All of the nanofluid properties depend on the temperature and the nanoparticle volume concentration. The renormalization group theory RNG \({k-\varepsilon}\) model is employed in order to model turbulence. Validation tests of the numerical results are done by using water as the first working fluid. Similar models and methods are chosen for the simulation of nanofluid (Al2O3-water) flow and heat transfer. A very good agreement is realized with the previous water and nanofluid related theoretical-empirical heat transfer and pressure drop correlations. The rate of heat transfer is increased by the presence of nanofluids when compared to that of water. Increasing Re number and particle’s volumetric concentration increases the convection heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and wall shear stress along the duct. On the other hand, this study confirmed that single-phase model approach is appropriate for the simulation of Al2O3-water flow and heat transfer.

Three-dimensional macro-scale assessment of regional and temporal wall shear stress characteristics on aortic valve leaflets

The aortic valve (AV) achieves unidirectional blood flow between the left ventricle and the aorta. Although hemodynamic stresses have been shown to regulate valvular biology, the native wall shear stress (WSS) experienced by AV leaflets remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify computationally the macro-scale leaflet WSS environment using fluid–structure interaction modeling. An arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach was implemented to predict valvular flow and leaflet dynamics in a three-dimensional AV geometry subjected to physiologic transvalvular pressure. Local WSS characteristics were quantified in terms of temporal shear magnitude (TSM), oscillatory shear index (OSI) and temporal shear gradient (TSG). The dominant radial WSS predicted on the leaflets exhibited high amplitude and unidirectionality on the ventricularis (TSM>7.50 dyn/cm2, OSI < 0.17, TSG>325.54 dyn/cm2 s) but low amplitude and bidirectionality on the fibrosa (TSM < 2.73 dyn/cm2, OSI>0.38, TSG < 191.17 dyn/cm2 s). The radial WSS component computed in the leaflet base, belly and tip demonstrated strong regional variability (ventricularis TSM: 7.50–22.32 dyn/cm2, fibrosa TSM: 1.26–2.73 dyn/cm2). While the circumferential WSS exhibited similar spatially dependent magnitude (ventricularis TSM: 1.41–3.40 dyn/cm2, fibrosa TSM: 0.42–0.76 dyn/cm2) and side-specific amplitude (ventricularis TSG: 101.73–184.43 dyn/cm2 s, fibrosa TSG: 41.92–54.10 dyn/cm2 s), its temporal variations were consistently bidirectional (OSI>0.25). This study provides new insights into the role played by leaflet–blood flow interactions in valvular function and critical hemodynamic stress data for the assessment of the hemodynamic theory of AV disease.

폐기물 매립장 지반-토목섬유 접촉면의 동적 전단거동 특성

The construction of waste landfill sites has been increased due to recent expansion of various waste. Geotextiles are widely used for the purpose of reinforcement and protection of waste inside the landfill. Geotextile affects the shear behavior of waste landfill which forms the contact surface with soil. In this study, the effect of acidic and alkaline components in leachate has been analyzed through the laboratory experiment on the shear stress reduction of the contact surface of ground-geotextile under the cyclic load. For this purpose, a dynamic contact surface shear tester has been manufactured, and cyclic simple shear tests have been performed using geotextile and soil specimen which were immersed in chemical solutions for 60 and 840 days, respectively. Based on the Disturbed State Concept, the characteristics of shear stress on the contact surface of ground-geotextile due to chemical factors have been identified by the disturbance function.

Deformation and failure mechanism of slope in three dimensions

Understanding three-dimensional (3D) slope deformation and failure mechanism and corresponding stability analyses are crucially important issues in geotechnical engineering. In this paper, the mechanisms of progressive failure with thrust-type and pull-type landslides are described in detail. It is considered that the post-failure stress state and the pre-peak stress state may occur at different regions of a landslide body with deformation development, and a critical stress state element (or the soil slice block) exists between the post-failure stress state and the pre-peak stress state regions. In this regard, two sorts of failure modes are suggested for the thrust-type and three sorts for pull-type landslides, based on the characteristics of shear stress and strain (or tensile stress and strain). Accordingly, a new joint constitutive model (JCM) is proposed based on the current stability analytical theories, and it can be used to describe the mechanical behaviors of geo-materials with softening properties. Five methods, i.e. CSRM (comprehensive sliding resistance method), MTM (main thrust method), CDM (comprehensive displacement method), SDM (surplus displacement method), and MPM (main pull method), for slope stability calculation are proposed. The S-shaped curve of monitored displacement vs. time is presented for different points on the sliding surface during progressive failure process of landslide, and the relationship between the displacement of different points on the sliding surface and height of landslide body is regarded as the parabolic curve. The comparisons between the predicted and observed load–displacement and displacement–time relations of the points on the sliding surface are conducted. The classification of stable/unstable displacement–time curves is proposed. The definition of the main sliding direction of a landslide is also suggested in such a way that the failure body of landslide (simplified as “collapse body”) is only involved in the main sliding direction, and the strike and the dip are the same as the collapse body. The rake angle is taken as the direction of the sum of sliding forces or the sum of displacements in collapse body, in which the main slip direction is dependent on progressive deformation. The reason of non-convergence with finite element method (FEM) in calculating the stability of slope is also numerically analyzed, in which a new method considering the slip surface associated with the boundary condition is proposed. It is known that the boundary condition of sliding surface can be described by perfect elasto-plastic model (PEPM) and JCM, and that the stress and strain of a landslide can be described properly with the JCM.

Shear Properties and Strength of Weak Intercalated Layers in Dam Foundation of Datengxia Power Station

For gravity dam with weak intercalated layer in foundation,the shear strength of the weak intercalated layers is the main factor in the control of the dam stability. It is the key point of geological and experimental work to ensure the shear strength to satisfy safety and economy of dam. The material composition,mineralogical composition and structure,genetic type and characteristics of shear stress and strain of weak intercalated layer in dam foundation of Datengxiapower station are analyzed,the valuation rule of the shear strength of weak intercalated layer with plasticfailure mode is discussed,and finally the recommended geological value of shear strength of weak intercalated layer in this project is proposed.

Elevated uptake of plasma macromolecules by regions of arterial wall predisposed to plaque instability in a mouse model.

Atherosclerosis may be triggered by an elevated net transport of lipid-carrying macromolecules from plasma into the arterial wall. We hypothesised that whether lesions are of the thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) type or are less fatty and more fibrous depends on the degree of elevation of transport, with greater uptake leading to the former. We further hypothesised that the degree of elevation can depend on haemodynamic wall shear stress characteristics and nitric oxide synthesis. Placing a tapered cuff around the carotid artery of apolipoprotein E -/- mice modifies patterns of shear stress and eNOS expression, and triggers lesion development at the upstream and downstream cuff margins; upstream but not downstream lesions resemble the TCFA. We measured wall uptake of a macromolecular tracer in the carotid artery of C57bl/6 mice after cuff placement. Uptake was elevated in the regions that develop lesions in hyperlipidaemic mice and was significantly more elevated where plaques of the TCFA type develop. Computational simulations and effects of reversing the cuff orientation indicated a role for solid as well as fluid mechanical stresses. Inhibiting NO synthesis abolished the difference in uptake between the upstream and downstream sites. The data support the hypothesis that excessively elevated wall uptake of plasma macromolecules initiates the development of the TCFA, suggest that such uptake can result from solid and fluid mechanical stresses, and are consistent with a role for NO synthesis. Modification of wall transport properties might form the basis of novel methods for reducing plaque rupture.

Study on Characteristics of Seismic Ambient Shear Stress in Gansu Province

The breeding and occurrence of earthquake closely related to the intensity and spatial distribution of ambient shear stress field. Earthquakes would happen when the regional shear stress enhanced to the damage limit of rocks. In this paper, we used some acceleration records in Gansu province, and calculated corresponding seismic shear stress value according to the theory put forward by Professor Chen Peishan. Combined with the tectonic environment, we discussed the relationship of ambient shear stress with the magnitude and hypocentral depth.

Wall Shear Stress Characteristics for the Progression of the Disease, Atherosclerosis

Wall shear stress (WSS) characteristics of a stenosed artery which are the important physiological parameters for the progression of the arterial diseases atherosclerosis, are studied and compared for different Reynolds numbers and different Womersley numbers. Numerical simulations of physiological pulsatile flow through a model stenotic artery are performed by finite volume method. From this study, it is revealed that the chance of formation of atherosclerosis increases with increase in Reynolds number and decreases with increase in Womersley number. The phenomenon of mass transportation across arterial wall is more in case of increase in Womersley number rather than Reynolds number. The chance of formation of atheromatous plaque will be high with higher Reynolds number and Womersley number. In the low WSS region, high magnitude of Womersley number indicates high chance of progression of the disease atherosclerosis. High magnitude of Womersley number with low Reynolds number is more dangerous for the progression of the disease in the low WSS region.

Shear stress in atherosclerotic plaque determination.

Atherosclerosis initiates at predictable focal sites near arterial branches and curves, where blood flow is disturbed and shear stress is complex. Endothelial shear stress is the tangential stress derived from the friction of the flowing blood on the endothelial surface of the arterial wall. It is a key factor in modulating endothelial cell gene expression and vascular development and remodeling. Increasing evidences suggest that shear stress patterns have a strong relationship with atherosclerotic features. Moreover, variations in the local artery geometry during atherogenesis further modify flow shear stress characteristics, which contribute to the rupture site at the plaque upstream. In this study, we summarize the mechanistic evidences that associate shear stress patterns with determined atherosclerotic plaque features. An enhanced understanding of the relationship and pathophysiological function of shear stress patterns in atherosclerotic plaque features is essential, which may provide early prediction of clinical risk and guide individualized treatment strategies. In the current review, we analyzed the function of shear stress on the determination of atherosclerotic lesion and provided an update on the mechanotransduction of shear stress, gene expression regulation, and atherosclerotic plaque development and rupture.

Core-Shell Structured Electro- and Magneto-Responsive Materials: Fabrication and Characteristics.

Core-shell structured electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) particles have attracted increasing interest owing to their outstanding field-responsive properties, including morphology, chemical and dispersion stability, and rheological characteristics of shear stress and yield stress. This study covers recent progress in the preparation of core-shell structured materials as well as their critical characteristics and advantages. Broad emphasises from the synthetic strategy of various core-shell particles to their feature behaviours in the magnetic and electric fields have been elaborated.

Endothelial shear stress and coronary plaque characteristics in humans: combined frequency-domain optical coherence tomography and computational fluid dynamics study.

Despite the exposure of the entire vasculature to the atherogenic effects of systemic risk factors, atherosclerotic plaques preferentially develop at sites with disturbed flow. This study aimed at exploring in vivo the relationship between local endothelial shear stress (ESS) and coronary plaque characteristics in humans using computational fluid dynamics and frequency-domain optical coherence tomography. Three-dimensional coronary artery reconstruction was performed in 21 patients (24 arteries) presenting with acute coronary syndrome using frequency-domain optical coherence tomography and coronary angiography. Each coronary artery was divided into sequential 3-mm segments and analyzed for the assessment of local ESS and plaque characteristics. A total of 146 nonculprit segments were evaluated. Compared with segments with higher ESS [≥1 Pascal (Pa)], those with low ESS (<1 Pa) showed higher prevalence of lipid-rich plaques (37.5% versus 20.0%; P=0.019) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (12.5% versus 2.0%; P=0.037). Overall, lipid plaques in segments with low ESS had thinner fibrous cap (115 μm [63-166] versus 170 μm [107-219]; P=0.004) and higher macrophage density (normalized standard deviation: 8.4% [4.8-12.6] versus 6.2% [4.2-8.8]; P=0.017). Segments with low ESS showed more superficial calcifications (minimum calcification depth: 93 μm [50-140] versus 152 μm [105-258]; P=0.049) and tended to have higher prevalence of spotty calcifications (26.0% versus 12.0%; P=0.076). Coronary regions exposed to low ESS are associated with larger lipid burden, thinner fibrous cap, and higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma in humans. Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography-based assessment of ESS and wall characteristics may be useful in identifying vulnerable coronary regions. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01110538.

Shear stress characteristics of microtextured surfaces in gap-controlled hydrodynamic lubrication

Microtextured surfaces can reduce friction in lubricated dynamic contact. However, no prior experimental study has explored the dimensionless parameter space of Reynolds number and dimensionless gap, since normal force is easier to control than the fluid film thickness. Here, we develop a custom precision-aligned setup for gap-controlled tribo-rheometry based on a rotational rheometer. The novel experimental setup allows for measurement of full film lubrication of parallel disks down to 20μm gaps with gap precision ±3μm, over a range of Reynolds numbers. We show for the first time in gap-controlled conditions that microtextured surfaces reduce friction. The reduction in dimensionless shear stress is nearly independent of velocity for Re<10 which matches computational results in this work.

Research on MRF Shear Stress Measurement Method under Non-Uniform Magnetic

Magnetorheological fluid as an important branch of the emerging intelligent material, its excellent characteristics make it widely used in electrical system and mechanical system. Common MRF system environment is limited to a uniform magnetic field, the practical application process to the vast of magneto rheological characteristics devices has shown the phenomenon, which does not match the uniform magnetic field theory, the reason is that the actual work environment is the non-uniform magnetic [1-2]. To study the characteristics of MRF shear stress in a non-uniform magnetic field, this paper established a non-uniform field magneto-rheological fluid shear stress measurement device. Comparing the experimental shear stress curves with the uniform magnetic field measured shear stress curves, we found that the non-uniform magnetic field strength of the environmental equivalent shear stress values ​​compared with the uniform magnetic field data have large deviation, this indicates that the existing uniform magnetic field theory is not well to explain non-uniform magnetic field shear properties of MRF, we need to build the introduction of non-uniform magnetic field theory.

Effect of hinge gap width of a St. Jude medical bileaflet mechanical heart valve on blood damage potential--an in vitro micro particle image velocimetry study.

The hinge regions of the bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV) can cause blood element damage due to nonphysiological shear stress levels and regions of flow stasis. Recently, a micro particle image velocimetry (μPIV) system was developed to study whole flow fields within BMHV hinge regions with enhanced spatial resolution under steady leakage flow conditions. However, global velocity maps under pulsatile conditions are still necessary to fully understand the blood damage potential of these valves. The current study hypothesized that the hinge gap width will affect flow fields in the hinge region. Accordingly, the blood damage potential of three St. Jude Medical (SJM) BMHVs with different hinge gap widths was investigated under pulsatile flow conditions, using a μPIV system. The results demonstrated that the hinge gap width had a significant influence during the leakage flow phase in terms of washout and shear stress characteristics. During the leakage flow, the largest hinge gap generated the highest Reynolds shear stress (RSS) magnitudes (~1000 N/m²) among the three valves at the ventricular side of the hinge. At this location, all three valves indicated viscous shear stresses (VSS) greater than 30 N/m². The smallest hinge gap exhibited the lowest level of shear stress values, but had the poorest washout flow characteristics among the three valves, demonstrating propensity for flow stasis and associated activated platelet accumulation potential. The results from this study indicate that the hinge is a critical component of the BMHV design, which needs to be optimized to find the appropriate balance between reduction in fluid shear stresses and enhanced washout during leakage flow, to ensure minimal thrombotic complications.