Diffusion Flow Research Articles

Experimental Evaluation of Gas-Dynamic Conditions of Heat Exchange of Stationary Air Flows in Vertical Conical Diffuser

Conical diffusers are widely used in technical devices (gasifiers, turbines, combustion chambers) and technological processes (ejectors, mixers, renewable energy). The perfection of flow gas dynamics in a conical diffuser affects the intensity of heat and mass transfer processes, the quality of mixing/separation of working media and the flow characteristics of technical devices. These parameters largely determine the efficiency and productivity of the final product. This article presents an analysis of experimental data on the gas-dynamic characteristics of stationary air flows in a vertical, conical, flat diffuser under different initial boundary conditions. An experimental setup was created, measuring instruments were selected, and an automated data collection system was developed. Basic data on the gas dynamics of air flows were obtained using the thermal anemometry method. Experimental data on instantaneous values of air flow velocity in a diffuser for initial velocities from 0.4 m/s to 2.22 m/s are presented. These data were the basis for calculating and obtaining velocity fields and turbulence intensity fields of the air flow in a vertical diffuser. It is shown that the value of the initial flow velocity at the diffuser inlet has a significant effect on the gas-dynamic characteristics. In addition, a spectral analysis of the change in air flow velocity both by height and along the diffuser axis was performed. The obtained data may be useful for refining engineering calculations, verifying mathematical models, searching for technical solutions and deepening knowledge about the features of gas dynamics of air flows in vertical diffusers.

Natural H2 Transfer in Soil: Insights from Soil Gas Measurements at Varying Depths

The exploration of natural H2 is beginning in several countries. One of the most widely used methods for detecting promising areas is to measure the H2 percentage of the air contained in soils. All data show temporal and spatial variabilities. The gradient versus depth is not usually measured since the standard procedure is to drill and quickly install a tube in the soil to pump out the air. Drill bits used do not exceed one meter in length. These limitations have been overcome thanks to the development of a new tool that enables percussion drilling and gas measurements to be carried out with the same tool until 21 feet deep. This article shows the results obtained with this method in the foreland of the Colombian Andes. The variation of the gradient as a function of depth provides a better understanding of H2 leakage in soils. Contrary to widespread belief, this gradient is also highly variable, and, therefore, often negative. The signal is compatible with random and discontinuous H2 bubbles rising, but not with a permanent diffusive flow. Near-surface bacterial consumption should result in a H2 increase with depth; it may be true for the first tens of centimeters, but it is not observed between 1 and 5 m. The results show that, at least in this basin, it is not necessary to measure the H2 content at depths greater than the conventional one-meter depth to obtain a higher signal. However, the distance between the measured H2 peaks versus depth may provide information about the H2 leakage characteristics and, therefore, help quantify the near-surface H2 flow.

Fluctuating hydrodynamics of an autophoretic particle near a permeable interface

We study the autophoretic motion of a spherical active particle interacting chemically and hydrodynamically with its fluctuating environment in the limit of rapid diffusion and slow viscous flow. Then, the chemical and hydrodynamic fields can be expressed in terms of integrals. The resulting boundary-domain integral equations provide a direct way of obtaining the traction on the particle, requiring the solution of linear integral equations. An exact solution for the chemical and hydrodynamic problems is obtained for a particle in an unbounded domain. For motion near boundaries, we provide corrections to the unbounded solutions in terms of chemical and hydrodynamic Green's functions, preserving the dissipative nature of autophoresis in a viscous fluid for all physical configurations. Using this, we give the fully stochastic update equations for the Brownian trajectory of an autophoretic particle in a complex environment. First, we analyse the Brownian dynamics of particles capable of complex motion in the bulk. We then introduce a chemically permeable planar surface of two immiscible liquids in the vicinity of the particle and provide explicit solutions to the chemo-hydrodynamics of this system. Finally, we study the case of an isotropically phoretic particle hovering above an interface as a function of interfacial solute permeability and viscosity contrast.

SIMS and Numerical Analysis of Asymmetrical Out-Diffusion of Hydrogen and Carbon in CdxZn1−xO:Eu Multilayer

This study employs secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to investigate the diffusion behavior of hydrogen and carbon in a CdxZn1−xO:Eu multilayer at different annealing temperatures (500–900 °C). The SIMS results reveal a significant out-diffusion of these elements toward the surface and diffusion to the interface region. The diffusion flow rates are asymmetric and favor the interface direction. The depth profiles of diffused elements are fitted using the forward timecentered space (FTCS) iteration method. The activation energies are determined to be 0.35 ± 0.06 eV for hydrogen and 0.33 ± 0.09 eV for carbon, suggesting an interstitial mechanism in CdxZn1−xO. The results indicate that increasing the annealing temperatures leads to a significant decrease in impurity concentrations.

Structural stability for double-diffusion Brinkman fluid with Soret effect

This paper considers the double diffusive Brinkman flow in a semi-infinite pipe. By establishing a priori estimates of the solutions and setting an appropriate “energy” function, we not only obtain the continuous dependence and convergence of the solution on the Soret coefficient but also prove that the solutions decay exponentially with the distance from the finite end of the cylinder.

Numerical Simulations of Impact River Morphology Evolution Mechanism Under the Influence of Floodplain Vegetation

Shallow floodplains play a crucial role in river basins by providing essential ecological, hydrological, and geomorphic functions. During floods, intricate hydrodynamic conditions arise as flow exits and re-enters the river channel, interacting with the shallow vegetation. The influence and mechanism of shoal vegetation on channel hydrodynamics, bed topography, and sediment transport remain poorly understood. This study employs numerical simulations to address this gap, focusing on the Xiaolangdi–Taochengpu river section downstream of the Yellow River. Sinusoidal-derived curves are applied to represent the meandering river channel to simulate the river’s evolutionary process at a true scale. The study simulated the conditions of bare and vegetated shallow areas using rigid water-supported vegetation with the same diameter but varying spacing. The riverbed substrate was composed of non-cohesive sand and gravel. The analysis examined alterations in in-channel sediments, bed morphology, and bed heterogeneity in relation to variations in vegetation density. Findings indicated a positive correlation between vegetation density and bed heterogeneity, implying that the ecological complexity of river habitats can be enhanced under natural hydrological conditions in shallow plain vegetation and riparian diffuse flow. Therefore, for biological river restoration, vegetation planting in shallow plain regions can provide greater effectiveness.

Improving approximation accuracy in Godunov-type smoothed particle hydrodynamics methods

The study examines the origin of errors resulting from the approximation of the right hand sides of the Euler equations using the Godunov type contact method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (CSPH). The analytical expression for the numerical shear viscosity in CSPH method is obtained. In our recent study the numerical viscosity was determined by comparing the numerical solution of momentum diffusion in the shear flow with theoretical one. In this study we deduce the analytical expression for the numerical viscosity which is found to be similar to numerical one, confirming the obtained results. To reduce numerical diffusion, diffusion limiters are typically applied to expressions for contact values of velocity and pressure, as well as higher-order reconstruction schemes. Based on the performed theoretical analysis, we propose a new method for correcting quantities at interparticle contacts in CSPH method, which can be easily extended to the MUSCL-type (Monotonic Upstream-centered Scheme for Conservation Laws) method. Original CSPH and MUSCL-SPH approaches and ones with aforementioned correction are compared.

MHD double diffusive convective squeezing ternary nanofluid flow between parallel plates with activation energy and viscous dissipation

Purpose This study aims to present the consequences of activation energy and the chemical reactions on the unsteady MHD squeezing flow of an incompressible ternary hybrid nanofluid (THN) comprising magnetite (FE3O4), multiwalled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNT) and copper (Cu) along with water (H2O) as the base fluid. This investigation is performed within the framework of two moving parallel plates under the influence of magnetic field and viscous dissipation. Design/methodology/approach Due to the complementary benefits of nanoparticles, THN is used to augment the heat transmit fluid’s efficacy. The flow situation is expressed as a system of dimensionless, nonlinear partial differential equations, which are reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by suitable similarity substitutions. These transformed ODEs are then solved through a semianalytical technique called differential transform method (DTM). The effects of several changing physical parameters on the flow, temperature, concentration and the substantial measures of interest have been deliberated through graphs. This study verifies the reliability of the results by performing a comparison analysis with prior researches. Findings The enhanced activation energy results in improved concentration distribution and declined Sherwood number. Enhancement in chemical reaction parameter causes disparities in concentration of the ternary nanofluid. When the Hartmann number is zero, value of skin friction is high, but Nusselt and Sherwood numbers values are small. Rising nanoparticles concentrations correspond to a boost in overall thermal conductivity, causing reduced temperature profile. Research limitations/implications Due to its firm and simple nature, its implications are in various fields like chemical industry and medical industry for designing practical problems into mathematical models and experimental analysis. Practical implications Deployment of the squeezed flow of ternary nanofluid with activation energy has significant consideration in nuclear reactors, vehicles, manufacturing facilities and engineering environments. Social implications This study would be contributing significantly in the field of medical technology for treating cancer through hyperthermia treatment, and in industrial processes like water desalination and purification. Originality/value In this problem, a semianalytical approach called DTM is adopted to explore the consequences of activation energy and chemical reactions on the squeezing flow of ternary nanofluid.

Pore-Scale Simulation of Deep Shale Gas Flow Considering the Dual-Site Langmuir Adsorption Model Based on the Pore Network Model.

As a key resource in the oil and gas sector, shale gas development profoundly influences the advancement of the global energy industry. Deep shale gas reservoirs, typically found at depths exceeding 3500 m, represent a significant portion of total shale gas reserves. Currently, pore network models primarily simulate middle and shallow shale gas, insufficiently addressing the unique challenges posed by high-temperature and high-pressure conditions in deep shale gas formations. There is an urgent need to explore the microscale flow dynamics of deep shale gas. In this work, we use the pore network model to simulate the flow dynamics of deep shale gas, particularly under nanoconfinement conditions. The simulation integrates adsorption, slip flow, Knudsen diffusion, and bulk flow phenomena. Utilizing the dual-site Langmuir adsorption model tailored for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions enhances the accuracy of gas conductivity calculations for the adsorbed phase, thereby reflecting the specific characteristics of deep shale gas reservoirs. Moreover, this research investigates the flow characteristics of deep shale gas under varying sensitivity parameters, such as water saturation, temperature, and pressure. It explores methane flow dynamics, focusing on effective diffusion coefficients and permeability. The modified approach to calculating adsorption phase conductivity using the dual-site Langmuir adsorption model accurately captures the adsorption behaviors and characteristics of deep shale gas reservoirs.

Beyond the Surface: Interconnection of Viscosity, Crystal Growth, and Diffusion in Ge25Se75 Glass-Former.

The knowledge of viscosity behavior, crystal growth phenomenon, and diffusion is important in producing, processing, and practical applications of amorphous solids prepared in different forms (bulk glasses and thin films). This work uses microscopy to study volume crystal growth in Ge25Se75 bulk glasses and thermally evaporated thin films. The collected growth data measured over a wide temperature range show a significant increase in crystal growth rates in thin films. The crystal growth is analyzed using near-surface viscosities obtained in bulks and thin films using nanoindentation and melt viscosities measured by a pressure-assisted melt filling technique. The crystal growth analysis provides information on the size of the structural units incorporated into the growing crystals, essential for estimating the diffusion coefficients and explaining the difference in crystal growth rates in bulk and thin films. The crystal growth analysis also reveals the decoupling between diffusion and viscous flow described by the Stokes-Einstein-Eyring relation. Moreover, to the authors' best knowledge, the manuscript provides the first evaluation estimation of the effective self-diffusion coefficient directly from growth data in chalcogenide glass-formers. The present data show a similar relation between diffusion coefficients (D) and crystal growth rates (u): u ≈ D0.87, which is found in several molecular glasses.

Enhancing diffuser performance using transverse grooves to delay flow separation

A flow-control method is applied to enhance the efficiency and flow homogeneity of three-dimensional diffusers used in open-jet wind tunnels. Suitably shaped grooves are introduced in the diffuser diverging walls. The grooves promote the relaxation of the non-slip condition along the streamlines bounding the small recirculation regions forming passively inside the grooves. That reduces momentum losses and results in a downstream boundary layer with higher momentum, which is more separation-resistant. The proposed flow-control device has been successfully validated for plane diffusers [Mariotti et al., “Separation control and efficiency improvement in a 2D diffuser by means of contoured cavities,” Eur. J. Mech.-B 41, 138–149 (2013); and Mariotti et al., “Control of the turbulent flow in a plane diffuser through optimized contoured cavities,” Eur. J. Mech.-B 48, 254–265 (2014)]. In this study, we examined circular and square-section diffusers with different degrees of flow separation. Given that the investigated diffusers are part of open-jet wind tunnels, the entire wind tunnel geometry was included in the numerical simulation. The grooves significantly enhanced performance in circular diffusers by reducing the extent of separation and promoting an axisymmetric and spatially uniform flow. However, negligible benefits were observed for square-section diffusers. In these cases, since flow separation originates from one of the four inclined edges of the diffuser, placing grooves along the diverging walls does not effectively reduce the separation extent. Nonetheless, the grooves become effective again in diffusers with rectangular cross sections of high aspect ratio.

Diagnosis Method of Failure in PEMFC Using Magnetic Fields

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are currently used in various applications because they are compact, lightweight, and easy to start up. One of the challenges in PEMFCs is the improvement of gas diffusion. To overcome this challenge, appropriate water management in the gas diffusion layer and flow channels is necessary. Therefore, PEMFC diagnostic techniques are needed to detect flooding and plugging, which affect performance and efficiency. In this study, the magnetic field inside a PEMFC was analyzed to evaluate the changes caused by the internally generated water. Three cell types were used in the experiments: normal, channel-modified, and membrane–electrode assembly-modified cells. The results showed that the current was diverted because of the channel modification and water content, which resulted in a significant difference in the vertical magnetic field. This indicates that power generation inhibition due to flooding can be detected using vertical magnetic fields.

Diagnosis Method of Failure in PEMFC Using Magnetic Fields

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are currently used in various applications because they are compact, lightweight, and easy to start up. One of the challenges in PEMFCs is the improvement of gas diffusion. To overcome this challenge, appropriate water management in the gas diffusion layer and flow channels is necessary. Therefore, PEMFC diagnostic techniques are needed to detect flooding and plugging, which affect performance and efficiency. In this study, the magnetic field inside a PEMFC was analyzed to evaluate the changes caused by the internally generated water. Three cell types were used in the experiments: normal, channel-modified, and membrane–electrode assembly-modified cells. The results showed that the current was diverted because of the channel modification and water content, which resulted in a significant difference in the vertical magnetic field. This indicates that power generation inhibition due to flooding can be detected using vertical magnetic fields.

Investigation on the creep mechanism of PA6 films based on quasi point defect theory

Polyamide 6 (PA6) films with significant α relaxation process was selected as the model system. The creep behavior and rheological mechanism during deformation in the amorphous regions of semi-crystalline polymers are systematically investigated by carrying out creep experiments. Based on the quasi point defect (QPD) theory, the complete physical process of PA6 film creep behavior from elasticity to viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity was analyzed and modeled from the perspective of structural heterogeneity. The results demonstrate that the creep deformation of PA6 film is a typical thermo-mechanical coupling and nonlinear mechanics process, and potential creep mechanisms corresponds to stress-induced local shear deformation enhancement and thermal activation-induced particle flow diffusion. The elastic-plastic transition involved in the creep deformation process of semi-crystalline polymer originates from the activation of quasi-point defective sites in the amorphous region, the expansion of sheared micro-domains and irreversible fusion. The generalized fractional Kelvin (GFK) model is proposed, and the physical meaning of parameters is explained by combining the quasi point defect theory and creep delay spectrum(L(τ)). Finally, the effectiveness of the GFK model and the QPD theory in studying the deformation behavior of PA6 films was validated by comparing experimental data with theoretical results, which theoretically reveals the structural evolution of PA6 film during creep process.

Convective diffusive thermal flow over an inclined surface with viscous dissipation and aligned magnetic field applications

This investigation incorporating the fluctuation in heat and mass transfer associated to the mixed convection magnetized flow of viscous fluid due to inclined surface with porous media. The contribution of Soret effects and viscous dissipation appliances is addressed. Furthermore, the heat transfer improvement is also assessed by thermal radiation, heat source and joule heating effects. The chemical reaction enrollment is also studied for concentration phenomenon. The convection of problem into non-dimensional framework is based on implication of new variables. The perturbation technique is followed to tracking the analytical outcomes. Physical visualization and interpretation of results under the influence of perturbed parameters have been studied. It is observed that heat and mass transfer enhances due to Soret number. Presence of chemical reaction leads to decrement of concentration profile. Claimed results presents applications in heat and mass transfer processes, chemical reaction, manufacturing systems, chemical engineering, extrusion processes etc.

A comprehensive mathematical model considering multiple mechanisms for CO2 displacement of methane in shale nanopores

With the rise in energy demand, shale gas exploitation has gained prominence, particularly through the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection for enhanced gas recovery. However, the intricate gas flow mechanisms within this process in shale nano-pores remain poorly understood, which greatly limited the accurate numerical simulation of shale gas production by CO2 injection. This study investigates the flow mechanisms of CH4 and CO2 gases in shale nano-pores, developing an improved apparent relative permeability model for the two-component CH4–CO2 gas, incorporating multiple transport mechanisms. Sensitivity analysis includes factors such as pressure, pore radius, viscosity correction effects, flow mechanisms, and composition fractions. Key findings from this study are as follows: (1) Increasing pore radius or decreasing pressure enhances the apparent permeability of CH4–CO2 gas, with pressure effects becoming negligible above 20 MPa. (2) The impact of viscosity correction on gas permeability diminishes with higher pressure or larger pore radius, becoming negligible for pore radii over 10 nm. (3) Larger pore radii increase slip flow and Knudsen diffusion, while molecular and surface diffusion proportions decrease; surface diffusion and slip flow dominate at high pressures. (4) A higher CH4–CO2 component ratio increases CH4 permeability and decreases CO2 permeability, with minimal influence from pressure and pore radius. These results can improve numerical simulations for shale gas production by using CO2 injection.

Numerical study of gas pocket distribution and pressurization deterioration mechanism in a centrifugal pump

In the event of a loss-of-coolant accident at a nuclear power plant, a large amount of steam enters the main pump, causing the pump's pressurization to deteriorate or even fail. To reveal the deterioration mechanism of the pump performance, the gas-liquid distribution characteristics in the centrifugal pump were studied by using structured grids and the Eulerian-Eulerian model. Based on the dimensional analysis method, a predictive correlation for bubble size was established, which included factors such as inlet gas volume fraction (IGVF), rotational speed, liquid flow rate, and impeller geometric parameters. When the predictive correlation is applied to the numerical simulation, the numerical two-phase pressurization agrees well with that obtained from the experiment. As the IGVF increases, the gas begins to accumulate at the impeller inlet under the effect of the pressure gradient force. Due to the large increase in liquid velocity, the gas begins to accumulate from the middle of the diffuser flow channel. The area occupied by the gas pocket in the impeller loses its pressurization capability. The pressure vortex formed at the inlet of the channel causes the diffuser to lose its pressurization capacity. An increase in rotational speed and a decrease in liquid flow rate can effectively prevent the formation and development of gas pockets in the impeller.

A porous IPN-structured polyurethane/epoxy grouting material with low viscosity, high strength and low volume shrinkage

Epoxy based grouting materials should concern with low viscosity, high strength, rapid curing, and low shrinkage. A polyurethane/epoxy grouting material was prepared. Through formula design, its initial viscosity was reduced to below 200 mPa·s. The morphology observation confirmed its porous and IPN structure. Compared with pure EP, its tensile strength, compressive strength, and impact strength were increased by 87 %, 20 %, and 50 %, respectively, as well as the volume shrinkage was significantly reduced. The inherent strength of PU/epoxy resin grouting materials was significantly higher than that of concrete, even in humid environments, their bond strength was 3.26 MPa. The theoretical grout flow rate and diffusion radius at different stages of the grouting process were also determined, which achieved an excellent on-site grouting effect.

Discussion on the production mechanism of deep coalbed methane in the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin

This study builds upon the research progress in the theories of CBM desorption, diffusion, and seepage flow to explore the production mechanisms of deep coalbed methane (CBM) in the Daing-Jixian block, aiming to achieve scientific and reasonable control of gas wells. Theoretical analysis suggests that CBM adsorption belongs to liquid–solid interfacial adsorption, encompassing four stages: liquid phase adsorption—liquid phase desorption—composite desorption—gas phase desorption. Most of the desorbed gas is driven by a pressure differential in a Darcy's flow process. By calculating the Knudsen number (Kn) under various temperature, pressure, and fracture diameter conditions, the flow state can be identified. Whole-diameter CT scanning reveals a multi-scale pore-fracture system ranging from millimeters to micrometers to nanometers. Calculations show that during the gas well drainage and depressurization process, fractures of millimeter scale and larger exhibit Darcy's flow, while micron-scale fractures maintain Darcy's flow status above a reservoir pressure of 5 MPa; other scales primarily exhibit non-Darcy flow without significant macroscopic movement. In summary, starting from the fundamental mechanisms of the original multiscale tri-level pore-permeability system of the coal reservoir, through the post-fracturing transformation forming three diversion zones of high, medium, and low conductive regions, and transitioning from primarily free gas to desorbed gas in three production stages, an ideal comprehensive production model schematic for the study area has been established, providing theoretical support for on-site production management.

Gradient-induced instability in tumour spheroids unveils the impact of microenvironmental nutrient changes

Tumours often display invasive behaviours that induce fingering, branching and fragmentation processes. The phenomenon, known as diffusional instability, is driven by differential cell proliferation, migration, and death due to the presence of metabolite and catabolite concentration gradients. An understanding of the intricate dynamics of this spatially heterogeneous process plays a key role in the investigation of tumour growth and invasion. In this study, we developed an in vitro tumour invasion assay to investigate cell invasiveness in tumour spheroids under a chemotactic stimulus. Our method, employing tumour spheroids seeded in a 3D collagen gel within a microfluidic chemotaxis chamber, focuses on the role of diffusive gradients. Using Time-Lapse Microscopy, the dynamic evolution of tumour spheroids was monitored in real-time, providing a comprehensive view of the morphological changes and cell migration patterns under different chemotactic conditions. Specifically, we explored the impact of fetal bovine serum (FBS) gradients on the behaviour of CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells and compared the effects of varying FBS concentrations to two isotropic control conditions. Furthermore, a finite element in silico model was developed to quantify the diffusive flow of nutrients in the chemotaxis chamber and obtain a detailed understanding of tumour dynamics. Our findings reveal that the presence of a chemotactic gradient significantly influences tumour invasiveness, with higher concentrations of nutrients associated with increased cancer growth and cell migration.