Flow Lines Research Articles

Relationship between rheological properties, sensory perception, and overall acceptability of thickened liquids for dysphagia in young and old healthy individuals

This study investigated the relationship between rheological properties, sensory perception, and overall acceptability in healthy young and old groups for dysphagia thickened liquids. Unflavored (UTL) and flavored (FTLP) thickened liquids were prepared using tap water or pomegranate juice at 10 different viscosity levels. The rheological properties were then evaluated via syringe flow test and line spread test (LST). When the apparent viscosity levels of UTL and FTLP were similar, the syringe test and LST results were also similar, indicating consistent flow behavior. Sensory perception evaluations showed that the young group better distinguished viscosity differences between stages compared to the old group. Regarding overall acceptability, the old group preferred samples with higher apparent viscosity than the young group. Principal component analysis and k-means cluster analysis were used to explore correlations between variables and classify thickened liquids into four groups. This can serve the foundation for standardized texture grades of dysphagia thickened liquids, considering rheological characteristics and sensory profiles.

The HWAM-EMD-GRU Forecasting Model for Short-Term Passenger Flow in an Airport Light Rail Transit Line

Accurate forecasting of airport light rail transit line (ALRTL) outbound passenger flow is critical to the optimal operations of both light rail and airport systems. Considering the nonlinearity, non-stationarity, uncertainty, and periodicity of outbound passenger flow in the ALRTL, we propose a combined forecasting model that integrates the Holt and Winters additive model (HWAM), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Firstly, the edge effect of EMD will greatly affect the performance of the forecasting model. To overcome this, we extend the passenger flow by HWAM. After that, the decomposition method, EMD, can be applied to passenger flow, and several intrinsic mode function (IMF) components can be extracted. After extracting all the IMFs, the remaining part is referred to as the residual (Res) component. Then, a correlation test is performed on all the components, followed by their aggregation. Finally, the GRU is used to predict each of the aggregated components, and the prediction of aggregated components requires reconstruction. To verify the performance of the HWAM-EMD-GRU, we conducted a comparative study on the hourly passenger flow data for Beijing Daxing International Airport Express and set the autoregressive integrated moving average model, HWAM, Prophet, and GRU as the baseline. Predictions of the HWAM-EMD-GRU combined model demonstrated higher accuracy than baseline models, with a root mean square error of 83.52 (Prophet is 110.21) and mean absolute percentage error of 8.32% (Prophet is 12.48 %). The experimental result shows that the HWAM-EMD-GRU forecasting model offers more accurate predictions.

Laser speckle flowgraphy has comparable accuracy to indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in assessing bowel blood perfusion.

To investigate the accuracy of laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), a noninvasive method for the quantitative evaluation of blood flow using mean blur rate (MBR) as a blood flow parameter in the assessment of bowel blood perfusion compared to indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA). We enrolled 46 patients who underwent left-sided colorectal surgery. LSFG and ICG-FA were applied to assess blood bowel perfusion, with MBR and luminance as parameters, respectively. In both measurement methods, the position where the parameter suddenly decreased was defined as the blood flow boundary line. Subsequently, the blood flow boundaries created after processing the blood vessels flowing into the intestinal tract were determined using LSFG and ICG-FA, and concordance between the two was examined. Blood flow boundaries were visually identified using color tone changes on a color map created based on MBR in LSFG and using differences in luminance in ICG-FA. The distances between the transection line and blood flow boundaries determined using each method were compared. The location of blood flow boundaries matched in 65% (30/46) of cases. Although locations differed in the remaining 35% (16/46), all were located on the anal side near the transection line, and the difference was not clinically significant. The average distances between the transection line and blood flow boundary were 2.76 (SD = 3.25) and 3.71 (SD = 4.26) mm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.38). LSFG was shown to have comparable accuracy to ICG-FA, and may be useful for evaluating bowel perfusion.

Using Recurrent Neural Networks for the Performance Analysis and Optimization of Stochastic Milkrun-Supplied Flow Lines

Long-term throughput, as a key performance indicator of a stochastic flow line, is affected by numerous parameters describing the features of the flow line, such as processing time and buffer size. Fast and accurate evaluation methods for a given set of values for those parameters are a prerequisite to systematically optimize such a flow line. In this paper, we consider the case of a flow line with random processing times, limited buffer capacities and so-called milkruns that supply the machines with material parts that are required to perform, e.g., assembly operations on workpieces. In such a system, shortages in the supply of material parts can limit the performance of the flow line. Up to now, there are no accurate analytical approaches to quantify the complex interactions in such milkrun-supplied flow lines for realistic problem sizes. We propose to use recurrent neural networks to determine the long-term throughput of such flow lines enabling us to evaluate production systems of flexible size. Our results show that the throughput can be determined accurately and quickly via recurrent neural networks. Furthermore, we use this new evaluation procedure as a building block to optimize this type of flow line using gradient and local search techniques.

RESEARCH WORKS OF METALLURGICAL EQUIPMENT USING SIMULATION METHODS

The wear and tear of the main production facilities of enterprises of the metallurgical complex requires not only renewal, but also constant modernization of morally outdated equipment in the conditions of active production. The main equipment of the flow lines of wide-scale rolling mills include winders, the quality of which depends on both the rhythm of the rolling equipment and the quality of the material shipped to the consumer. Simulation modeling of the winding process of the hot-rolled staff made it possible to establish the possibility of torsional oscillations in the winding drum drive. Further analysis of the form of the resulting oscillations will allow to create prerequisites for the study of forced oscillations occurring in the winding drum drive and to determine the most unfavorable technological mode from the point of view of dynamic component loads.

PARAMETRIC EVALUATION OF HEAT RECOVERY IN A RECUPERATIVE HEAT EXCHANGER

As urban centers grow and environmental regulations become more stringent, the complexity of integral systems within vehicles, aircraft, and other urban essentials escalates. A pivotal response to this challenge involves achieving enhanced energy efficiency and environmental appeal while maintaining cost-effectiveness. In this context, mathematical modeling, coupled with simulation and optimization techniques, emerges as a pivotal tool. This approach yields favorable outcomes with modest initial investments, contrasting with the resource-intensive nature of purely experimental design. Amongst the fundamental components, heat exchangers find widespread use, facilitating thermal exchange between fluids across diverse applications. Consequently, meticulous design and parametric optimization of these devices to attain peak performance and optimal energy efficiency are imperative, aligning with evolving environmental and energy trends. The simulation of such systems operates within an expansive range of operational and geometric parameters. These encompass mass flow rates, line pressures, pipe diameters, and pipe placements. However, excessive parameter combinations can render optimization computationally infeasible, necessitating judicious simplifications. Striking a balance between precision and computational efficiency, reduced-order models present a valuable intermediary solution. These models, situated between low- and high-order methods, offer robust mathematical representations without significant precision compromises. Thus, reduced-order models, which constitute an intermediate approach when compared to low- and high-order methods, can be used as a mathematical modeling tool without a significant loss of precision in the results. The present work presents an optimization and parametric analysis of a recuperative heat exchanger using a reduced-order approach employing the volume element model (VEM) as a discretization method, which is capable of providing accurate results at low costs. computational. The Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy are applied to volume elements in combination with empirical correlations in order to quantify the quantities of interest, such as the convection heat transfer coefficient and temperature distribution. A parametric analysis was performed in order to observe the behavior of entropy generation in order to find its minimum points. The mass flow of water varied from 0.001 kg/s to 0.0085 kg/s with the mass flow of hot gases and the mass flow rate of gas was held constant in three stages, namely: 0.14 kg/s; 0.2 kg/s; and 0.3 kg/s. The local minimum was obtained for each of the three gas mass flow rate considerations, 8.53 W/K, 8.78 W/K, and 9.20 W/K respectively.

Long-term impact of wastewater effluent discharge on groundwater: Identification of contaminant plume by geochemical, isotopic, and organic tracers' approach

Infiltration of effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) into groundwater can be a source of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), such as pharmaceutical compounds, that are not fully removed during the treatment processes. A multi-tracer approach, based on hydrogeochemical, isotopic, and organic tracers, is applied in the Vistrenque Aquifer (Gard, France) to assess the dispersion of such unintentional plumes and its potential implication on groundwater quality for CECs in a small catchment area. In this area, a point source of WWTP effluent causes contaminant infiltration and unintentional transfer to the aquifer. This strong impact of an urban effluent was revealed from the Br/Cl ratio, boron concentrations and δ11B isotopic signature of the groundwater in the direct vicinity of the infiltration point. With increasing distance from that point, dilution with groundwater rapidly attenuates the urban signal from these hydrogeochemical and isotopic tracers. Nevertheless, a gadolinium anomaly, resulting from discharges of urban wastewater containing the contrast agents used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlights the presence of a wastewater plume further along the flow line, that comes with a series of organic molecules, including pharmaceutical residues. Monitoring persistent or reactive molecules along the plume provides a more detailed understanding of the transfer of CECs into groundwater bodies. This highlights the relevance of pharmaceutical compounds as co-tracers for WWTP plume delineation. The present multi-tracer approach for groundwater resource vulnerability towards CECs allows a more in-depth understanding of contaminant transfer and their fate in groundwater.

Studying Modern Formula 1 Front Wing at Medium Cornering Speeds

A simulation-based study of three different types of front wing designs used in modern Formula 1 cars was done. The study mainly focuses on the aerodynamic forces that a Formula One car generates mainly the Downforce, the Drag force, & the Lateral force at low cornering speeds. These forces were studied in detail & taking a closer look at how they migrate during the dynamic conditions the car is thrown at various Side Slip (Yaw) Angles, these results were compared with the wing Scuderia Ferrari used in the 1998 formula 1 championship to better understand the inherent problems faced in those previous designs. A brief study of the flow field & flow lines was conducted along with the vortex generation for all three wings. Vortex formation and management is a prominent part of research being carried out for a formula 1 car, so a brief study on the phenomenon of vortex generation & Y250 vortex formation was also carried out. The studies were carried out over typical medium-speed corners where the speed ranges between 150-220 KM/Hr. A study on the effect of the flow field of the top element on the lower element was carried out where the 5th element was removed from each of the three wings & the effect on the downforce & drag value was analysed along with the pressure field.
 Keywords: Modern formula 1, Front wing designs, Cornering speeds, aerodynamic forces, Side Slip (Yaw) Angles, Centre of pressure (CoP), Lateral force, CFD, Downforce

Experimental and model study of swirling fluid flow in a converging channel as a simulation of blood flow in the heart and aorta

The study of swirling flows in channels corresponding to the static approximation of flow channels of the heart and major vessels with a longitudinal-radial profile zR2 = const and a concave streamlined surface at the beginning of the longitudinal coordinate has been carried out. A comparative analysis of the flow structure in channel configurations zRN = const, where N = –1; 1; 2; 3, in the absence and presence of a concave surface was carried out. The numerical modelling was compared with the results of hydrodynamic experiments on the flow characteristics and the shape of the flow lines. The numerical model was used to determine the velocity structure, viscous friction losses and shear stresses. Numerical modelling of steady-state flows for channels without a concave surface showed that in the channel zR2 = const there is a stable vortex flow structure with the lowest viscous friction losses. The presence of a concave surface of sufficient size significantly reduces viscous friction losses and shear stresses in both steady state and pulsed modes.

Thermal-hydraulic performance study of swiftlet-type fins for supercritical carbon dioxide precooler

ABSTRACT The printed circuit heat exchanger has the advantages of compactness and high efficiency, and is one of the best candidates for precoolers in the supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle. In this paper, for the precooler working condition, the swiftlet-type fin is proposed. The thermal-hydraulic performance of the fin is compared with that of the airfoil fin and the crossed airfoil fin under the same condition by numerical simulation. The flow and heat transfer mechanism of the fin is analyzed based on the field synergy theory and the flow line distribution of the longitudinal section. In the Reynolds number range of 5000 ~ 25000, the Nu of the swiftlet-type fin was improved by 44.5% ~53.0% and 12.1% ~16.6% compared to the airfoil fin and crossed airfoil fin, the f factor increased by 109.1% ~146.3% and 22% ~27%, comprehensive heat transfer performance PEC increased by 6.9% ~19.5% and 6.3% ~11.9%; By studying the effects of different length-to-width ratios (L c ), the widest position of the fin (n), and crossing distances at the tail of the swiftlet-type fin (L e ) on convection heat transfer, the optimal structural parameters are derived, when the Reynolds number is less than 15,000, the optimal structure is L c = 5 mm, n = 0.375, and L e = 1.5 mm; When the Reynolds number is more than 15,000, the optimal structure is L c = 6 mm, n = 0.25, L e = 1.5 mm. This study can provide guidance for the application of printed circuit plate heat exchangers in precooler condition.

Human–Machine Collaborative Reinforcement Learning for Power Line Flow Regulation

Human–Machine Collaborative Reinforcement Learning for Power Line Flow Regulation

Comparative analysis of nondimensionalization approaches for solving the 2‐D differentially heated cavity problem

AbstractThis work reports a numerical study on the effect of three nondimensionalization approaches that are commonly used to solve the classic problem of the 2‐D differentially heated cavity. The governing equations were discretized using orthogonal collocation with Legendre polynomials, and the resulting algebraic system was solved via Newton–Raphson method with LU factorization. The simulations were performed for Rayleigh numbers between 103 and 108, considering the Prandtl number equal to 0.71 and a geometric aspect ratio equal to 1, analyzing the convergence and the computation time on the flow lines, isotherms and the Nusselt number. The mesh size that provides independent results was 51 × 51. Approach II was the most suitable for the nondimensionalization of the differentially heated cavity problem.

Power Flow Regulation Effect and Parameter Design Method of Phase-Shifting Transformer

In the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the integration of a large number of renewable energy sources may trigger significant tidal changes, leading to transmission congestion, wind and light abandonment, power oscillation, voltage and frequency fluctuations, etc. A phase-shifting transformer is a cost-effective and reliable power flow control equipment, but its key parameters lack systematic design methods. Based on the equivalent model of phase-shifting transformers, detailed design principles and methods have been proposed, and the configuration method of winding turns has been improved to facilitate calculation and control strategy formulation. The regulation effect of the phase-shifting transformer designed through simulation of power flow regulation in a typical 500 kV network is simulated. By adjusting the phase-shifting transformer, the power flow of heavy load lines can be transferred to light load lines, optimizing the power flow distribution and improving the transmission capacity of the cross-section.

Comparative analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling of heat transfer during operation of a gas infrared heater indoor

Relevance. It is proposed to heat local work areas with systems based on gas infrared heaters, capable of directing radiative heat flow to reduce heating costs in large premises. However, the widespread use of gas infrared heaters is hampered by the existing difficulties with the preliminary assessment of convective-radiative heat flows movement, on which the number and location of heating devices depends. The preliminary assessment is complicated by the need in some cases for 3D modeling of complex physical processes. It is necessary to evaluate the possibility of replacing labor-intensive 3D modeling with a method for calculating a heating system using gas infrared emitters based on a 2D approach to reduce the time spent on calculations. Aim. To prove that the use of a two-dimensional model of the processes under consideration makes it possible to obtain the main characteristics of the thermal regime of the premises, making it possible to replace spatial modeling. Objects. Heating system with a light-type gas infrared heater and an air exchange system. Methods. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional mathematical modeling of conjugate heat transfer processes using the finite element method. Mathematical modeling was carried out in the COMSOL Multiphysics software environment using the modules: “Heat Transfer Interface in Liquids”, “Radiation between Surfaces” and “Turbulent Flow, k-ε Interface”. Results. The article presents the results of mathematical modeling performed in three-dimensional and two-dimensional formulations. The distribution of temperatures in the air and enclosing structures, as well as the flow lines of heated air and air, which was heating, in the volume of the premise are presented. The results of two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling were compared. Satisfactory similarity of the calculated average air temperatures in the local working area was established based on the results. The difference was less than 2℃ for different spatial modeling approaches.

Optimizing integrated lot sizing and production scheduling in flexible flow line systems with energy scheme: A two level approach based on reinforcement learning

Many production environments are faced with the need to simultaneously determine the planning of lot sizing and the scheduling of production sequences while ensuring cost minimization. This issue becomes even more complex when integrating multiple energy sources with the goal of a low-carbon economy. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an integrated lot sizing and flexible flow line production scheduling model under a time-of-use pricing scheme. In addition, the model takes into account conventional grid power, on-site renewable energy sources, and an energy storage system. The associated objective function is solved adopting a two-level approach to optimize energy costs while maintaining production throughput and meeting customer demand. The implementation relies on reinforcement learning capabilities to tackle complexity issues. The proposed approach is evaluated on a benchmark case and its results are compared with those obtained with First-In-First-Out heuristic, genetic algorithm and CPLEX. These results highlight the promising aspect of the proposed approach in terms of performance.

Simulation of topographic effects on soil erosion and deposition in a small watershed of loess hilly region

AbstractTopography plays a critical role in soil migration and redistribution, but few studies have been conducted to quantify its effects on sediment deposition. In this study, we established a physical simulation and analysis framework to investigate the erosional and depositional impacts of two‐dimensional slope terrain, specifically applied to Xiannangou small watershed in the loess hilly region. The results showed that the slope gradient, slope length, and slope shape have significantly influence the distribution of soil erosion and deposition. The magnitude of the erosion/deposition rate (Yr) determines the relative intensity of slope erosion and deposition, where Yr < 0 indicates erosion and Yr > 0 signifies deposition. The erosion rate on straight slope exhibited a positive correlation with slope length, while the erosion/deposition rate on concave and convex slopes exhibited fluctuations with slope length. Soil erosion predominantly occurred along the main flow line and the middle slope, aligning with the observed distribution of gully and slope erosion in the field. The sediment deposition was primarily concentrated on the lower slope or the lowest outlet of the basin, notably in gullies and gentle slopes where the terrain slows, especially during transition from steep to gradual slopes. These results can effectively predict the relative erosion/sedimentation rate of two‐dimensional slopes, significantly contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how topography influences soil erosion and deposition. This study thoroughly considers the role of sediment deposition in the soil erosion process, providing a more accurate reflection of soil erosion/deposition in small watersheds. It addresses the existing deficiency in sediment consideration within soil erosion evaluation and supports the enhancement of soil erosion model.

A design of a nature-like fishway to solve the fractured river connectivity caused by small hydropower based on hydrodynamics and fish behaviors.

Achieving a harmonious alignment between the biological characteristics of fish and hydrodynamics patterns is crucial for ensuring the efficacy of fish passage facilities. In this study, based on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the river and the biological characteristics of fish, we evaluated the internal flow field in the nature-like fishway of Congen II hydropower station located along the Chabao river and explored methods to improve the operation efficiency. Based on comprehensive considerations of the flow field, turbulent kinetic energy, and the migration pathways of fish, it is found that the implementation of a continuous oblique bottom slope represents a more cost-effective and operationally convenient solution. The influence of different permutation of bulkheads in the nature-like fishway on operational efficiency was further examined. Our investigation revealed that the nature-like fishway with the continuous slope of 2% and the arrangement of three bulkheads in each row (model 3) exhibited a relatively simple velocity distribution and linear flow line, which poses challenges for fish in locating resting areas. In addition, the distribution of low turbulence kinetic energy area in the mainstream made it less favorable for fish to transition from the mainstream to the rest area within the fishway. The nature-like fishway with the continuous slope of 2% and the arrangement of two or three bulkheads in staggered rows (model 4) demonstrated better performance. Several potential fish migration routes for both model 3 and model 4 were proposed based on the numerical simulation results. In model 3, fish exhibited a continuous sprint through the concentrated high-speed area, which was less favorable for fish to rest and forage. In contrast, model 4 exhibited a diversified flow velocity distribution, enabling fish to make timely changes in their direction during migration. This feather proved to be advantageous in enhancing fish migration within the passage. The design of nature-like fishway in this study provides an important reference and technical support for the construction and optimization of the nature-like fishway for low dams, and is of great significance for restoring river connectivity destroyed by small hydropower construction and improving fish migration.

Optimization of Tunnel Construction Schedule Considering Soft Logic

Tunnel construction projects are a classic type of repetitive project, and hold a crucial position in the construction industry. The linear scheduling method (LSM) has been in the spotlight in scheduling optimization for repetitive construction projects since it was first proposed. However, the possibility of changing the construction sequence during application is very often overlooked, which is not in line with actual engineering practices. Incorporating soft logic into LSM and considering the characteristics of tunnel construction, we propose an optimization method for the tunnel construction schedule to shorten the duration by opening up an additional working surface. A mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is developed, which considers various constraints, such as construction sequence and work continuity. The exact algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA) are designed via Python, and the validity is verified through practical cases. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two algorithms and their outcomes demonstrates that the method can satisfy the restrictive constraints of tunnel construction projects. In addition, improvement strategies for tunnel construction management are recommended.

Design optimization of bellow joints used in liquid propellant rocket engines

Abstract Bellow joints are frequently used in hydraulic lines, constructions, and various areas such as nuclear stations to absorb the energy caused by flow and external forces, provide flexibility to the lines, and prevent damages such as cracking and deterioration in the flow lines. There exist various types of bellow joints (e.g., axial type, gimbal type, and hinge type) that allow axial, lateral, and angular movements. Bellow joints that assist thrust vector control in liquid propellant rocket engines prevent the hydraulic lines from being damaged during the orientation movements of the missile. While providing this flexibility to the lines in rocket engines, they create additional force against the linear actuators that move the liquid motor nozzle. This additional force causes the need for larger actuators, resulting in more weight and volume. In this study, design optimization of the bellow joint used in liquid propellant rocket engines is conducted to minimize the force transferred to the actuators by minimizing the bending moment developed in the bellow joint. It is found that the bending moment developed in the bellow joint could be reduced by a significant rate of 75 % without compromising the structural integrity of the bellow joint.

Emergency load shedding to maintain line flows in presence of WTDFIG using modified crow search algorithm

Emergency load shedding to maintain line flows in presence of WTDFIG using modified crow search algorithm