Diameter Ratio Research Articles

Bond behavior of deformed rebar in concrete containing recycled brick aggregate and waste rubber

The reuse of aggregates and crumb rubber (CR) in concrete is gaining interest globally for reducing the adverse effects on the environment and maintaining construction sustainability. The bond strength of reinforcing rebars in such concrete is one of the key issues to be addressed before their practical application, particularly in structural elements. Pull-out tests were performed on 80 specimens to assess the bond performance of deformed rebars in rubberized recycled brick aggregate concrete (RRBAC). After investigating the strength properties of RRBAC, pull-out tests were performed on two sizes of cylindrical specimens. RBA%, CR%, rebar diameter (d), embedment length (le), and concrete cover-to-rebar diameter ratio (c/d) were among the test variables in this bond behavior investigation. Bond stress-slip relationships were obtained, examined, and average bond strengths were compared with the available codes. Concrete split failure was observed in 79% of the tested specimens, whereas rebar fracture was not seen in any of the tests. The bond strength was found to be decreased with the inclusion of RBAs and CRs though relative improvement was observed for higher percentage RBAs. Additionally, regression analysis was performed on the experimental data to produce a closed-form equation for forecasting the bond strength for RRBAC. With a strong coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.97) and low values of error terms, the predicted bond strengths were seen to be a good agreement with the test results.

A global map of gullied hillslopes on Mars

The distribution of gullies on Mars has been used to support different modes of formation involving CO2, H2O or entirely dry processes. We mapped the extent of gullied hillslope using a global mosaic of ConTeXt camera (CTX) at 6 m/pixel and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) browse products at ∼3 m/pixel. Our new global catalog of gullied hillslopes allows for quantitative, area-based analysis of gullies both at global and regional scale, which was not possible with point-based or more localized previous datasets. We analyzed aspect and gradient information derived from MOLA topography for every mapped gullied hillslope. We have confirmed the trends identified in previous works, which are that the mean gradient of gullied hillslopes is lower than 30°, the angle of repose of dry material on Mars, and that the preferred aspect of gullied hillslopes is latitude-dependent, with a shift between pole-facing to equator-facing happening around 40° in both hemispheres. We established a hierarchy of factors that can explain the global distribution of gullied hillslopes: Latitude is the strictest control because gullies are constrained between 26°-83°S and 28°-76°N. The availability of steep slopes is a strong control over gully distribution, and we observed that gullied hillslopes aspect reflects the orientation of large regional reliefs, which implies that hillslope aspect is less of a factor than the hillslope gradient in explaining gully distribution. We analyzed the correlation of gully distribution with a subsurface water ice consistency map, and we found that gullies are preferentially distributed on areas with some ground ice rather than no ice at all. We identified for the first time a bias toward an east-facing trend for southern hemisphere gullies poleward of ∼40° of latitude. We also linked our gullied hillslopes dataset with a global crater morphometry dataset: 63% of the gullied area on Mars is found in craters, and we find that the area covered by gullies in a given crater is positively correlated with the depth and diameter ratio of this crater.Our observations point toward a complex interplay between local slope, insolation, and thermal properties of the substrate to explain the spatial distribution of the current population of gullies. Finally, we have assessed the very high resolution (sub-meter) imagery coverage of gullies to be 36% and that the repeated coverage reaches 21% of gullies, hence this would need expanding to better understand the spatial trends in active gullies.

Numerical investigation of CH4/H2/air micro-mixing combustion flow in a micro gas turbine combustor with different head-end structures

In order to investigate the premixed combustion characteristics of CH4/H2/air in a micro-mixing combustor, the effects of different micro-mixing head-ends (HE1, HE2, HE3) and hydrogen mixing ratios on the temperature distribution, heat transfer process, emission characteristic, flames shape are analyzed. The results show that compared with swirl head-end combustion, the micro-mixing combustion performance is better. Among the three head-ends, HE3 has the best combustion characteristics and stable flames. The temperature distribution in the high-temperature zone is uniform, and low-temperature zone is concentrated near the jet, which can suppress the flashback. The velocity and temperature gradient near the central axis of jet streams show a strong synergistic effect. The flames are plume shaped and flames stability is mainly influenced by the H2 combustion process. Increasing the jet diameter, decreasing the jet spacing and increasing the hydrogen mixing ratio all contribute to the flames stability, but these three methods can stabilize the flames by affecting fluid Reynolds number, interaction between small flames and combustion rate, respectively. Moreover, small jet diameter and high hydrogen mixing ratio can reduce OTDF, which contributes to improve outlet temperature uniformity.

Thermo-fluid performance for helical coils inserted in a tube using hybrid CFD-ANN approach

This paper presents a numerical investigation into the thermal performance of helical coils, assessing the impact of spacing, wire diameter ratio, and coil pitch ratio on the pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics. Heat flux was maintained at 1000 W/m2, while Reynolds numbers ranged from 5000 to 30,000. Coil configurations encompassed pitch ratios within 1 ≤ p/d ≤ 3, wire diameter ratios spanning 0.044 ≤ e/d ≤ 0.133, and spacing intervals of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm. The finite volume method was employed to solve the energy, Navier-Stokes, and 3D continuity equations. Results indicate substantial influences of wire diameter, coil pitch ratios, and spacing on Nusselt number friction factors within the coiled tube. Notably, Nusselt number enhancements within the studied intervals ranged from 16 % to 102 %, with an overall performance criteria improvement reaching 43 %. Furthermore, a machine learning approach utilizing artificial neural networks (ANN) was employed, with comparisons drawn between results obtained from the ANN and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The congruence between experimental, CFD, and ANN findings underscores the reliability of the study outcomes.

Influence of Length to Diameter Ratio of the Skirt on Horizontal Bearing Characteristics of Tripod Suction Jacket Foundation in Sandy Soil

Influence of Length to Diameter Ratio of the Skirt on Horizontal Bearing Characteristics of Tripod Suction Jacket Foundation in Sandy Soil

On the Spanwise Periodicity within the Gap between Two Different-Sized Tandem Circular Cylinders at Re = 3900

Although the spanwise periodicity within the gap between two tandem circular cylinders has been observed by some researchers, there is a lack of systematic research on the properties of this periodicity. For the spanwise periodicity within the gap, this study aims to ascertain its characteristics, its influences on the flow field, and its variation trend with increasing spacing ratio. By numerically simulating the flow around two tandem circular cylinders with a diameter ratio of d/D = 0.6 and seventeen spacing ratios (L/D = 1.00~6.00) at Re = 3900, this study shows four flow regimes: Reattachment Flow (L/D = 1.00~3.15), Bi-stable Flow (L/D = 3.24), Intermittent Lock-in Co-shedding (L/D = 3.30~3.50), and Subharmonic Lock-in Co-shedding (L/D = 4.00~6.00). Further, depending on the spanwise periodicity length of the time-averaged flow structures (i.e., Pz) within the gap, Reattachment Flow is, for the first time, subdivided into three new sub-flow regimes: Small-scale Periodic Reattachment (L/D = 1.00~1.50, Pz/D = (0, 4]), Large-scale Periodic Reattachment (L/D = 2.00~2.25, Pz/D > 4) and Non-periodic Reattachment (L/D = 2.50~3.15, no spanwise periodicity). The formation mechanisms are elaborated by analyzing the combined effect of both the L/D value and the spanwise-averaged time-averaged reattachment angle of the downstream cylinder. Moreover, this study proves that the newly defined Small-scale Periodic Reattachment and Large-scale Periodic Reattachment are responsible for the pronounced asymmetry of the flow along the transverse direction within the gap. In addition, detailed flow properties and statistical parameters are provided for each flow regime, such as velocity, vorticity, force coefficient, separation/reattachment angle, Strouhal number, and Q-criterion.

Investigation of Spray Characteristics for Detonability: A Study on Liquid Fuel Injector and Nozzle Design

Detonation engines are gaining prominence as next-generation propulsion systems that can significantly enhance the efficiency of existing engines. This study focuses on developing an injector utilizing liquid fuel and a gas oxidizer for application in detonation engines. In order to better understand the spray characteristics suitable for the pulse detonation engine (PDE) system, an injector was fabricated by varying the Venturi nozzle exit diameter ratio and the geometric features of the fuel injection hole. Analysis of high-speed camera images revealed that the Venturi nozzle exit diameter ratio plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics of air-assist or air-blast atomization. Under the conditions of an exit diameter ratio of Re/Ri = 1.0, the formation of a liquid film at the exit was observed, and it was identified that the film’s length is influenced by the geometric characteristics of the fuel injection hole. The effect of the fuel injection hole and Venturi nozzle exit diameter ratio on SMD was analyzed by using droplet diameter measurement. The derived empirical correlation indicates that the atomization mechanism varies depending on the Venturi nozzle exit diameter ratio, and it also affects the distribution of SMD. The characteristics of the proposed injector, its influence on SMD, and its velocity, provide essential groundwork and data for the design of detonation engines employing liquid fuel.

Bond performance of SFRCES composite columns: Experiments and analysis based on energy

Bond performance as a research hotspot of composite structures has been widely concerned. To solve the congestion of reinforcement and the difficulty of concrete pouring in concrete-encased steel (CES) structure, steel fiber-reinforced concrete-encased steel (SFRCES) structure was proposed, and push-out tests of 36 SFRCES composite columns were carried out in this paper to study bond performance. By analyzing the load-displacement curves, the energy dissipation (Wb) and energy damage (Wc) of specimens were obtained. Based on the relationship between Wb and Wc, the load (Pd) that specimen can bear when the bond performance of it begins to seriously deteriorate, and the corresponding load coefficient (α) were proposed. Recommendations for α values were provided for structures with varying safety levels, suggesting values of 73.41% for high safety and 70.59% for low safety, emphasizing that α should not fall below 70.59% under any circumstances. Besides, the influence of different design parameters on damage-dissipation ratio (Wc/Wb) under Pd was analyzed further. Notably, Wc/Wb decreases with increasing steel fiber volume rate (ρsf), with ρsf = 2% identified as optimal. Additionally, Wc/Wb shows a decreasing trend with the increase of Css/D (concrete cover thickness to equivalent diameter ratio), and the decreasing trend is significantly enhanced when Css/D > 0.2.

Bearing Behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composite and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Filled-In Double Steel Tubular Composite Columns Subjected to Eccentrical Load

To study the eccentric compression mechanical properties of ECC and UHPC filled-in double steel tubular (EUFDST) composite columns, 35 full-scale EUCFDST composite column specimens were designed by ABAQUS software with the slenderness ratio (λ), UHPC cylinder compressive strength (fcu), inner and outer steel tubular strength (fy1, fy2), inner and outer steel tubular thickness (t1, t2), inner and outer steel tubular diameter ratio (Ω), eccentricity (e), and fiber content (γ) as the main parameters. By comparison with the simulation of the existing test, the correctness of the finite element modeling is verified. The parameter analysis of 35 full-scale EUFDST composite columns was carried out to obtain the eccentric load-mid-span deflection curve of the specimens. The failure mechanism, ductility coefficient, and stiffness degradation of the composite columns under different parameters were analyzed, and the section of the composite column was verified to satisfy the plane section assumption. The variation trend of maximum load-bearing capacity and the ductility of composite columns under different parameter conditions was obtained. By introducing the eccentricity correction coefficient and slenderness ratio correction coefficient, the calculation equation of the eccentric maximum load-bearing capacity of EUCFDST composite columns is statistically regressed, which provides a basis for the practical use of these columns.

Prediction of gas-solid nozzle performance based on CFD and response surface methodology

In this work, structural parameters and performance prediction of fan nozzles for powder spraying are investigated. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the working process of the grooved fan nozzle. A Box-Behnken experimental model was developed to analyze the effects of the structural parameters on the nozzle air flow stability and working performance, taking the nozzle structural parameter contraction angle (α), the ratio of outlet to inlet diameter (d/D), the ratio of outlet diameter to length (L2/d), and the half angle of the “V”– shaped groove (β). The air flow stability and working performance of nozzle were evaluated through coefficient of variation (Cv) and standard deviation (SD). Using multiple regression analysis, the prediction model of Cv and SD on the structural parameters is established. It was obtained that: with the increase of the diameter and length of the nozzle outlet, the spray angle of the nozzle decreases. As the “V”– shaped groove angle increases, the powder spray angle decreases. The effects of structural parameters on Cv are d/D, α, β, and L2/d in ascending order, and on SD are d/D, α, β, and L2/d in ascending order. In addition, the influence of the interaction of each structural parameter on Cv and SD was obtained. This study can provide a reference for the design and structural optimization of fan nozzles for powder spraying.

The effect of shear-induced segregation on bidisperse suspension settling

Shear is a common phenomenon in practical mineral processes, particularly in pipeline transportation. When applied to realistic polydisperse systems consisting of particles of different sizes, shear can lead to distinct interactions of each size component with the carrier fluid, resulting in segregation between sizes. This paper focuses on the effect of size segregation induced by shear on the settling process of suspension flows containing different-sized spherical particles. In this regard, the bidisperse system is considered as the simplest example of polydisperse flows, ensuring the investigation retains the essential features of the system of interest without added complexity. The Volume Penalization Immersed Boundary Method, as a resolved Eulerian–Lagrangian CFD-DEM approach, is employed to gain detailed information on individual particles. A simple cross shear is generated by the moving side walls, and its effect is initially evaluated on two simulation cases containing single spherical particles of different sizes. The results from the single particle simulation cases reveal a higher acceleration of the larger particle towards the centreline due to the higher lateral force proportional to its size. The resolved approach is then used for the bidisperse multiparticle systems with diameter ratios of l=2 and l=5, both subjected to a similar sheared field. In the suspension with l=2, the scalar dispersion function, which measures the degree of migration of each size component between the side walls, indicates segregation by size as the shear rate increases. This is evident in the motion of large particles towards the centre and the accumulation of smaller particles near the walls, which arises from higher proportional force on the larger particles observed in the single particle simulation cases. Although the increase in the diameter ratio to l=5 does not significantly change the migration behaviour of large particles, it provides a more uniform distribution of smaller ones. In this case, the small particles find it more easily to fit into the gaps between the large particles for l=5. Overall, this accumulation of each size component at specific regions in the sheared domain affects the local interaction of settling particles with the fluid flow, resulting in an increase in the settling rate of large particles up to 40% in the considered bidisperse cases. This highlights the impact of shear on the interaction of spherical particles in a multiple sized system, specifically in the practical sheared applications including mineral slurries transportation.

PRECICE nail bending in femur lengthening

IntroIntramedullary nails (ILNs) are commonly used in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of long bone fractures and limb lengthening. Understanding the structural mechanics (i.e. nail bend) of an ILN device is crucial in determining its performance under various loading conditions. Furthermore, nail diameter was found to play a key role in an ILN's susceptibility to plastic deformity. This study aims to investigate the degree of nail bending and incidence of plastic deformity in patients receiving antegrade femoral ILNs (PRECICE, NuVasive, Inc.). MethodsRetrospectively evaluated 130 ILNs (PRECICE, NuVasive, Inc.) in 100 adult patients who underwent limb lengthening done in a single center. Patients who had concomitant osteotomies, tibial lengthening, malunion, non-union, mechanical failure, or revision surgery for any reason were excluded. All nails were inserted through the greater trochanter or piriformis. Patients’ age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)were extracted. Radiologic assessments involved analyzing long lower limb standing X-rays before, during, and at consolidation for total distraction and nail bend. Naildiameter and patient characteristics were directly sourced from medical records. ResultsNail bend at consolidation averaged 2.4° (SD 2.4), ranging from 0 to 9. Additionally, total femoral lengthening was assessed, with a mean value of 5.3 cm (SD 2.1). A significant positive association was observed in the nail bend and weight (weight in kg/nail diameter in mm) coefficient (P < 00.01). Bilateral limb lengthening was also correlated to increase nail bend (P < 00.05). ConclusionPatient's weight to nail diameter ratio and bilateral limb lengthening were found to be significant factors affecting nail bend. These findings advance our understanding of the interrelation between the nail biomechanical profile and the patient's physical attributes, offering important implications for limb lengthening. Level of evidenceIII.

Canopy Architectural Characteristics of Ten New Olive (Olea europaea L.) Genotypes and Their Potential for Cultivation in Super-High-Density Orchards.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in olive genotypes (Olea europaea L.) suitable for super-high-density (SHD > 1200 trees/hectare) orchards. To date, only a few cultivars are considered fitting for such cultivation system. In this study, the first results on the architectural characteristics of the canopy of ten new olive genotypes are presented. Their suitability for SHD orchards was evaluated and compared with the cultivar 'Arbequina', which is considered suitable for SHD olive orchards and, for this reason, was used as the control. Several canopy measurements were taken, and some architectural parameters, such as branching frequency, branching density, and branch diameter/stem diameter ratio were calculated. The branching frequency value was greater than 0.20 in 'Arbequina' and in only four of the genotypes. The branching density in five genotypes was similar to 'Arbequina'. 'Arbequina' had the lowest value for the branch diameter/stem diameter ratio, and only three genotypes had similar values. These initial results showed that only one genotype has all canopy architectural characteristics comparable to those of the cv. 'Arbequina'. Further studies are needed to evaluate the production traits of these new genotypes and complete their characterization.

Effective diameter of the abdominal aorta in children.

Measure out of the standard interval in the aorta diameter is a clue for aortic aneurysm or hypoplasia. Pediatric studies focusing specifically on the normal diameter of the abdominal aorta (AA) were limited in the literature. Therefore, the main goal of this work was to determine changes in the effective diameter of AA in healthy children aged 1-18years for diagnosis of vascular diseases. This retrospective work focused on abdominopelvic computed tomography views of 180 children (sex: 90 males / 90 females, average age: 9.50 ± 5.20years) without any abdominopelvic disease to measure diameters of AA, common iliac artery (CIA), external iliac artery (EIA), and first lumbar vertebra (L1). Vessel and vertebra diameters increased in pediatric subjects between 1 and 18years (p < 0.001). Considering pediatric age periods, vessel diameters increased steadily, but L1 diameter showed an irregular growth pattern between age periods. All parameters were greater in males than females (p < 0.05), except from effective diameters of AA over the coeliac trunk (p = 0.084) and over the renal artery (p = 0.051). The ratios of diameters of vessels to L1 increased depending on ages between 1 and 18years. Considering pediatric age periods, the ratios increased from infancy period to postpubescent period in irregular pattern; however, the ratios for right and left CIA, and AA over the aortic bifurcation did not alter after late childhood period. All ratios for males were similar to females (p > 0.05). Our age-specific ratios may be beneficial for surgeons and radiologists for the diagnosis of vascular disorders such as aortic aneurysm.

The impact of aerosols as ice nucleating particle on microphysics and electrification in the cumulus model

Here, a heterogeneous ice nucleation parameterization associated with aerosol acting as ice nucleating particle (INP) was implanted into a two-dimensional numerical cumulus model. To explore the impact of INP on microphysical and electrical processes, a comparison was conducted with the original approach, which employs an empirical formula. Simulation results indicate that INP greatly impacted microphysical evolution in the heterogeneous ice nucleation process, reducing total liquid precipitation amounts and causing a slight precipitation delay, as well as increasing the diameter and mixing ratio of ice crystals and the expansion of the vertical distribution of ice crystals. This led to a notable change in electrification in thunderstorms. The increase of ice crystal diameter was the dominant contributor to the enhancement of electrification using the new parameterization. Additionally, unlike the structure of thunderclouds in a mature stage, which always retains a normal dipole structure adopting the empirical formula, a tripole structure developed a lower positive charge, and the polarity inversion with upper negative and lower positive charges occurred when the new parameterization was adopted. This predominately was the result of abundant ice crystals present below the reversal temperature. The electrification characteristics of thunderstorms may have a close connection with lightning activity. It has been found that charge structure changed significantly in the two cases, with the tripolar charge structure facilitating the production of inverted intra-cloud (IC) flashes and negative Cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes simulated by the new parameterization; additionally, clouds simulated using the empirical formula may be able to develop normal IC lightning and positive CG flashes. Therefore, it will be very meaningful to obtain greater insight into the characteristics of thunderstorms electrification in cumulus model with aerosols.

Resistance reduction characteristics analysis of the tee based on field synergy and viscous dissipation

There has been increasing attention on reducing pipe resistance friction losses, particularly those represented by tees, in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to enhance the sustainability of buildings. This paper analyzes the resistance characteristics, flow patterns, and force conditions of tee, identifies the locations with great resistance losses, and proposes a novel tee with an added the U-shaped deflector. The resistance reduction effect of the U-shaped deflector through field synergy and viscous dissipation is also analyzed. The results indicate that the resistance loss of the tee is mainly from the main-branch pipe section, with the maximum velocity gradient on the outer side of the branch and the inner side of the straight pipe. The fluid resistance friction loss in the section taken by the branch pipe is much greater than that in the main pipe section, the fluid resistance friction loss in the section taken by the main pipe is not affected by the pipe diameter ratio, and the internal friction force accounts for 83 %–92 % of the resistance friction loss in the branch pipe section. Adding the U-shaped deflector can improve the synergy of the velocity and pressure gradient fields downstream of branch pipes and straight pipes, and reduce viscous dissipation. The total local resistance loss reduction rate of the novel tee is 83.15 %, the volume weighted average synergy angle is increased by 2.09°, and the viscous dissipation is reduced by 22.9 %.

Nursery cultural practices influence morphological and physiological aspen seedling traits: Implications for post-fire restoration

Aspen forests are threatened by the impacts of a changing climate and are showing large-scale mortality with meager natural regeneration to restore these loses. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for high quality aspen seedlings to assist with forest restoration efforts. Nursery cultural practices can be used to alter aspen seedling traits to improve adaptability to dry planting conditions. In this study, the effects of container size (SC10 and D30; 158 ml and 490 ml, respectively) and nursery irrigation treatment (High and Low irrigation; 90% and 70% container capacity, respectively) on seedling growth and a suite of morphological and physiological traits were investigated. The combination of large container size and low irrigation treatment resulted in seedlings with lowest height to diameter ratio and specific leaf area, which are desired traits for seedling performance on dry sites. Additionally, seedlings exposed to low irrigation conditions at the nursery stage had a lower (more negative) osmotic potential at full turgor suggesting a higher likelihood of drought tolerance. Overall results from this study provide insight on utilizing nursery cultural practices to produce seedlings with target characteristics that may ultimately lead to establishment on harsh, dry planting sites in large scale reforestation projects.

Experimental study of convective heat transfer distribution of non-interacting wall and perpendicular air jet impingement cooling on flat surface

An experimental study evaluated heat transfer with perpendicular and wall-impinging air jets on stainless steel foil, for Reynolds numbers Re = 3000, 5000, 8000, and 10000, where the perpendicular jet targets the bottom and the wall jet the top, creating a unique, non-interacting effect. Distances to nozzle diameter ratios for wall jets (S/d = 4, 6, 8, 10) and perpendicular jets (Z/d = 2, 4, 6, 8) were varied. Significant heat transfer increases were noted, with the Nusselt number rising by up to 49.20 % for a Z/d = 6 and S/d = 8 combination at Re = 5000. Improvements ranged from 10.03 % to 49.20 %, peaking when the jets' high heat transfer regions overlapped. Optimal performance for Re = 3000 was at S/d = 10, aligning the wall jet's maximum with the perpendicular jet's stagnation area. For Re = 5000 to 10000, optimal S/d values were 8 and 4 for Z/d = 6, 8 and Z/d = 2, 4, respectively. The Nusselt number increase ranged from 29.21 % to 46.57 % at S/d = 10 for Re = 3000, the highest among all tested values. Wall jet heat transfer downstream increased by 90–105 % over perpendicular jets in corresponding regions. Increasing the wall to perpendicular jet distance improved heat transfer near the stagnation point, suggesting this cooling method for high-density electronics like CPUs and GPUs.

Numerical study on solar photovoltaic/thermal system with tesla valve

In recent years, photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems have played a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and environmental degradation, nonetheless, the low energy conversion efficiency presents a considerable obstacle for PV/T systems. Therefore, improving heat conversion efficiency is essential to enhance energy efficiency. In this paper, the PV/T system with the Tesla valve is proposed to solve this problem. Firstly, the cooling effect is simulated and analyzed in the system with four different flow channel structures: semicircle, rectangle, triangle and Tesla valve. The results indicate that the system with the Tesla valve exhibits superior cooling performance. Subsequently, several factors including angle, valve number, valve type, and pipe diameter ratio for the Tesla valve are further studied through numerical and simulation analysis. The results reveal that Tesla valves demonstrate optimal cooling performance when possessing the following structural parameters: complete symmetry, more valves, a 30-degree angle and a pipe diameter ratio of 1. Finally, four different types of fluid are selected to explore the Tesla valve. The conclusion shows that nanofluids with high density, low specific heat, and high thermal conductivity also improve the cooling performance. Thus, the PV/T system with the Tesla valve exhibits good heat dissipation and energy storage efficiency, electrical efficiency can reach 16.32% and thermal efficiency reach 59.65%.

Stress Concentration Factors of Concrete-Filled Double-Skin Tubular K-Joints

Tubular joints are important connecting parts of a welded steel tube structure. The S-N curves based on the hot spot stress (HSS) method are often used to evaluate the fatigue life of tubular joints in practical engineering. The stress concentration factor (SCF) is a key parameter to calculate HSS. In this paper, stress concentration tests of hollow-section and concrete-filled double-skin tubular (CFDST) K-joints were carried out, respectively, and then finite element models of K-joints considering the weld were established. The developed models were validated with the experimental results. The influence of key geometrical parameters, such as the diameter ratio of brace to chord β, the diameter to thickness ratio of chord γ, the wall thickness ratio of brace to chord τ, brace angle θ, and hollow section ratio ζ on the distribution and key position of SCFs along the weld toe, was discussed. Parametric studies were conducted to obtain the calculating equations for the SCF values of CFDST K-joints. The results demonstrate that infill concrete can effectively reduce SCFs along the weld on the chord. When the hollow section ratio was reduced to 0.317, the SCF was reduced by 77.2%. Notably, the SCF reduction rate was sensitive to γ and θ, with a decrease observed as γ increased. The hollow section ratio ζ had a less pronounced effect on SCF distribution patterns, but as ζ decreased, the chord’s stiffness improved, suggesting a potential approach to enhance joint performance. The distribution of SCFs is similar for joints of the same type but different geometric configurations. The innovatively integrated hollow section ratio in the CFDST design equation significantly simplifies and enhances the precision of SCF calculations for CFDST K-joints.