Flow Patterns Research Articles

Numerical analysis of heat transfer and flow characteristics of the satellite thermal flowmeter and exploration of high-precision calibration methods

The performance of the thermal flowmeter for satellites is numerically studied to optimize. Flow patterns and temperature distributions, affected by buoyancy convection, significantly influence the accuracy of flow-rate measurements in inclined thermal flowmeters. The present study delves into the thermal flowmeter’s flow field and temperature distribution influenced by gravitational effects. When the Reynolds number is low, buoyancy convection causes a significant inconsistency in the measurement result between ground and space. By eliminating the constraint of the symmetrical arrangement of thermocouples and introducing additional thermocouples for high-precision calibration, the measurement accuracy is remarkably improved. Ultimately, arranging the thermocouples asymmetrically reduces the error by 62%. Additionally, integrating two more thermocouples is even more beneficial, reducing the error by 83% compared to the previous study. These improvements would be potential solutions of flow-rate measuring inconsistency between ground and space, aiding the development of a high-precision thermal flowmeter for satellites.

The Strategic Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on China's Economic Resilience and High-Quality Development Under the New Pattern of Global Capital Flows

The Strategic Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on China's Economic Resilience and High-Quality Development Under the New Pattern of Global Capital Flows

Effects of hematocrit and non-Newtonian blood rheology on pulsatile wall shear stress distributions in vascular anomalies: A multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann approach

In the present study, we investigate the flow dynamics of non-Newtonian blood, focusing on the distribution of wall shear stress (WSS) and hematocrit levels, which is the volume percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. We analyze these factors under pulsatile conditions, in vascular anomalies such as stent channels and intracranial aneurysms. To achieve this, a three-dimensional computational approach based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with a multiple relaxation time (MRT) collision operator is employed. To represent the blood's shear-thinning properties, we developed a constitutive model inspired by the Carreau–Yasuda model. This model considers the variability in blood viscosity with shear rate correlated with hematocrit levels based on experimental data documented in the literature. The accuracy of the employed MRT-LBM is demonstrated by the consistency of results with analytical solutions for steady state and experimental data for pulsatile WSS distributions in non-Newtonian and Newtonian fluids. Results indicate that, in areas narrowed by stenosis or expanded by aneurysms, hematocrit levels affect flow dynamics. Higher hematocrit levels intensify pulsatile flow through stenotic regions, increasing WSS cyclic variations. We derived a density distribution function to demonstrate how shear rates vary in vascular anomalies, revealing blood viscosity changes and non-Newtonian properties. These properties complicate flow patterns, resulting in non-linear WSS distributions, which are essential for understanding endothelial cell reactions and disease pathways. Pulsatile blood flow and altered rheological properties due to increased hematocrit affect saccular aneurysm fluid dynamics over time and space, causing vorticities to change shape, size, and intensity.

Enhancing Transport Processes in Stratified Fluids: Exploring Rotational and Stretching Effects Coupled with Magnetic Fields, Heat, Mass Transfer and Thermal/Solutal Slip

This research paper presents an in-depth investigation into the complex interactions governing stratified fluid flow in the presence of rotational and stretching phenomena, magnetic field influences, heat and mass transfer effects, and the incorporation of thermal and solutal-slips at fluid interfaces. Stratified fluid systems are commonly encountered in various natural and industrial processes, ranging from geophysical flows to chemical engineering applications, making a thorough understanding of these phenomena paramount.The study commences by formulating a comprehensive set of governing equations that account for the unique interplay of these multifaceted physical phenomena. Integrating thermal and solutal slip conditions at fluid interfaces introduces innovative prospects for precisely controlling and manipulating mass and heat transfer in these systems. This research paper extensively explores layered fluid dynamics, encompassing phenomena such as rotation and stretching, influences from magnetic fields, effects of heat and mass transfer, and the examination of thermal and solutal slip conditions. The insights obtained from this study not only enhance our comprehension of multi-physics fluid dynamics but also offer practical implications for streamlining processes across diverse fields. The principal findings and implications of this research can be summarized as follows: Various factors that affect fluid flow exhibit evident and discernible patterns.The mathematical model includes the Navier-Stokes equations with rotational and stretching terms, the Maxwell equations describing magnetic field effects, and the transport equations for heat and mass transfer. Additionally, thermal and solutal slip conditions at the fluid interfaces are incorporated to capture boundary layer dynamics.Numerical simulations are conducted to explore the intricate dynamics arising from this amalgamation of physical effects. The results reveal complex flow patterns, including stratification, boundary layer development, and vortical structures, offering insights into the behavior of fluids under the joint influence of rotational and stretching phenomena, magnetic fields, and thermal and solutal gradients. Furthermore, the impact of key parameters, such as rotation rate, stretching rate, magnetic field strength, and concentration gradients, is systematically analyzed to elucidate their effects on flow characteristics, heat and mass transfer rates, and concentration profiles within the stratified fluid layers. The Soret effect, or thermophoresis, causes nanoparticles to migrate away from hot regions due to fluid molecule flow and high energy levels. Elevating ξNt results in decreased heat and mass transfer. The Prandtl number shows minimal influence on heat and mass transfer when increased. The disk separation, and fluid viscosity, significantly affect the rotational spectrum. As the rotational parameter increases, heat and mass transfer decrease.

Investigation of wake dynamics near the cylinder with the variation of length-to-diameter ratio

The study investigates the impact of drag forces on underwater pipeline structures at junctions where diameter changes occur, utilizing three-dimensional numerical simulations to analyze flow patterns around dual-step cylinders at a Reynolds number of 5000. The numerical model is validated against benchmark studies for a plain circular cylinder at heating condition, demonstrating strong agreement. Subsequently, cylinder temperatures were varied to assess their influence on drag force. The study further explores the effect of varying the aspect ratio L/D from 1 to 3 on drag reduction. Analysis of the flow structures is conducted, focusing on vortex patterns, velocity fields, and force coefficients surrounding the cylinders. Additionally, streamwise and crosswise velocities are analyzed at different sectional planes of the step cylinder. Results indicate that the drag force diminishes with increasing aspect ratio, correlating with formation length (Lf). At lower aspect ratios, step-induced vortices migrate toward the wall, while at higher aspect ratios, they drift midway. This research provides insights for designing stepped diameter cylinder systems in the subcritical regime, contributing to optimized underwater pipeline structures.

CFD modeling of gas−liquid flow phenomenon in lead smelting oxygen-enriched side-blown furnace

A validated numerical model was established to simulate gas−liquid flow behaviors in the oxygen-enriched side-blown bath furnace. This model included the slip velocity between phases and the gas thermal expansion effect. Its modeling results were verified with theoretical correlations and experiments, and the nozzle-eroded states in practice were also involved in the analysis. Through comparison, it is confirmed that the thermal expansion effect influences the flow pattern significantly, which may lead to the backward motion of airflow and create a potential risk to production safety. Consequently, the influences of air injection velocity and furnace width on airflow behavior were investigated to provide operating and design guidance. It is found that the thin layer melt, which avoids high-rate oxygen airflow eroding nozzles, shrinks as the injection velocity increases, but safety can be guaranteed when the velocity ranges from 175 to 275 m/s. Moreover, the isoline patterns and heights of thin layers change slightly when the furnace width increases from 2.2 to 2.8 m, indicating that the furnace width shows a limited influence on production safety.

Acoustic noise analysis in multiphase fluid flow patterns within circular pipe

Acoustic noise analysis in multiphase fluid flow patterns within circular pipe

Symmetrical vortices and laminar dust flow induced by an intense electron beam interacting with a strongly coupled dusty plasma

A strongly coupled quasi-two-dimensional dusty plasma confined electrostatically in the plasma sheath of a radio frequency (RF) plasma is irradiated by a collimated and mono-energetic pulsed electron beam (e-beam) with an energy of 13 keV and a high peak current per pulse of 30 mA. A stream of rapidly moving charged dust particles is created inside the dust crystal due to the drag force of the electrons in the e-beam. The dust flow is split into two symmetrical branches when it reaches the boundary of the round dust crystal, each following the limit of the circular confining region. This results in the formation of a double vortex flow pattern with the dust particles being transported along the irradiation direction and then aside, eventually back to the entrance position of the e-beam. The observed flow regime is laminar at all times, with the speed in the central region increasing up to 12 mm s−1 in the first 200 ms and then diminishing gradually to a steady value of about 5–6 mm s−1 during a stress relaxation time period of 360 ms. The vorticity follows a similar trend with peak values −3.8 and 3.8 s−1 and steady state values between −2.5 and 2.5 s−1 in the two symmetrical vortices. Time-resolved particle-image-velocimetry and particle-tracking-velocimetry are used to characterize the flow. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm qualitatively the experimental observations showing dust stream and double vortex formation.

Study of pollutant transport under linear sorption in a groundwater reservoir

Abstract Pollutant dispersion in a porous medium can be modelled mathematically to forecast its concentration distribution profile. The governing equation of pollutant transport is modelled as a partial differential equation. Effects of sorption, zero-order production rate and first-order decay rate on pollutant transport are incorporated in the present study. The temporarily dependent pulse-type input source decaying exponentially is assumed at the origin of the domain. The solution of the proposed transport equation is derived by Laplace transform method for the respective time split domain. Matlab algorithm is developed to illustrate the obtained analytical solutions graphically for various hydrological input data. The pollutant distribution profiles in the medium are obtained for different times and porosities. The pollutant transport nature is examined for various forms of velocity flow pattern in presence and absence of input source. Also, the derived solution is compared graphically under special case with the existing solution and found the results with good agreement.

The Effect of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Clock Angle and the Latitude Location of the Intense Crustal Magnetic Field on the Ion Escape at Mars: An MHD Simulation Study

AbstractIn this paper, using a three‐dimensional multifluid MHD model, we studied the effects of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle and the latitude position of the intense crustal magnetic field (ICMF) on the escape of ions O+, , and at Mars. The main results are as follows: (a) The IMF clock angle affects the ion escape at Mars. When the ICMF is on the dayside, the ion escape rate reaches a maximum at the IMF clock angles close to 60°–90° and a minimum at the IMF clock angles close to 120°–150°, because the ICMF can change the topology of the magnetic field and affect the interaction between the solar wind and Mars. The difference between the maximum and minimum ion escape rates due to the IMF clock angle can reach over 50%. (b) Compared with the −ESW hemisphere, the escape flux of and in the +ESW hemisphere is more significant. However, O+ generally has a larger escape flux in the −ESW hemisphere. The different results in the ±ESW hemispheres might be due to the larger distribution of the hot oxygen corona, which changes the flow pattern of O+. (c) The latitude location of the ICMF can also affect the ion escape. When the ICMF is on the dayside, as the subsolar point varies from 25°S to 25°N, that is, the intense crustal magnetic field position keeps shifting southward, the ion escape rate shows a gradual increase.

Modulation of the wake of a horizontal cylinder by pycnocline thickness in stratified flow

This study investigates the modulating effect of the pycnocline thickness in two-dimensional stratified flow on a cylinder. It encompasses three typical flow regimes identified by Boyer in experiments conducted within the Reynolds number range of Re = 260–2000. Quantitative control of the modulation effect of internal interface waves on the cylinder wake is achieved by varying the thickness of the pycnocline. Under appropriate thickness of the pycnocline, a multiple-centerline-structure can transition to isolated-mixed-structure flow regimes and Double-Eddy-Wavy-Wake flow regimes. Similar modulation patterns are also observed in isolated-mixed flow regimes. Normalized pressure distribution and velocity fields indicate that in low Reynolds number flow regimes (Re < 600), downstream isolated mixed regions generate dynamic pressure that periodically cascades upstream. This periodic reverse energy transfer provides favorable adverse pressure gradients, cyclically reducing the drag force on the cylinder. The cyclic period is, for the first time, classified into four stages: dynamic pressure storage stage, dynamic pressure transfer stage, dynamic pressure consumption stage, and dynamic pressure exhaustion stage. Despite the highly nonlinear modulation effect of internal interface waves in low Reynolds number conditions, the linear predictive theory of lee waves based on streamline equations remains instructive in predicting the trend of lee waves wavelength variation with pycnocline thickness. Drawing upon the modulation study results concerning the pycnocline thickness on lee waves, a regime map is constructed, illustrating the directional evolution of lee waves flow patterns based on variations in pycnocline thickness.

Experimental Broad-Based Curved Sidewall Aneurysms in Rabbits Mimicking Human Carotid Siphon Aneurysms: Proof of Feasibility and Comparability Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Broad-based sidewall aneurysms of the carotid artery are primarily treated endovascularly. However, recurrence or rupture after treatment still pose a significant risk. Hence, reliable animal models mimicking this aneurysm type are essential for to evaluate the performance of new advanced endovascular devices. Experimental aneurysms were created in 12 New Zealand white rabbits (2.5-3.5kg). The human carotid siphon was mimicked with an end-to-end anastomosis of both common carotid arteries. A venous pouch was sutured on the convexity to mimic a broad-based side wall aneurysm. Patency and configuration was investigated 4 weeks postoperatively by 3 T-MRA. To compare flow conditions of broad-based sidewall aneurysms in rabbits and humans exemplary computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using species specific blood viscosity values. We were able to achieve 0% peri- or postoperative mortality. Patency was confirmed by 3T-MRA in 11 out of 12 aneurysms (91.7%). Aneurysm lengths ranged from 6.4 - 9.8mm and aneurysm necks from 7.3-9.8mm. CFD showed simple flow profiles with one vortex in rabbit as well as in human aneurysms. Wall shear stress (WSS) rates were comparable using species-specific blood viscosity values (rabbit mean 1.65 Pa vs. human mean 1.7 Pa). The broad-based curved sidewall aneurysm model mimicking the carotid siphon showed high aneurysm patency rates with low morbidity. High comparability with human flow patterns and human intranaeurysmal biomechanical forces was shown using simulations.

A correlation for U-value for laminar and turbulent flows in concentric tube heat exchangers

This paper introduces a novel empirical correlation designed to predict the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) in concentric tube heat exchangers. The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset of 2700 data points from CFD simulations, examining the impact of critical variables including hot and cold fluid Reynolds numbers (Reh, Rec), Prandtl numbers (Prh, Prc), and heat exchanger dimensions (tube hydraulic diameter Dh, annular space hydraulic diameter Dc, and overall length L). The analysis incorporates a range of fluid combinations in the tube and annular sections – air–air, air–water, water-air, and water–water – across Reynolds number ranges from 1000 to 20000, covering both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The correlation was developed using the Adam optimizer to minimize the Weighted Mean Squared Error (WMSE), achieving an impressive convergence to an average prediction error of 6.7% compared to actual U values. The model categorizes flow into four distinct categories, each corresponding to a combination of flow patterns in the tube and annular spaces regimes – Laminar–Laminar, Laminar–Turbulent, Turbulent–Laminar, and Turbulent–Turbulent – integrating both hydrodynamic and thermal entry effects to enhance prediction accuracy. Rigorous error analysis revealed a median error of 5.18%, substantially outperforming existing models. Notably, 10% of the predictions deviate by less than 1%, with 90th percentile errors staying below 15%. Parameters were finely tuned through extensive numerical simulations, ensuring accurate application of the correlation across diverse operational conditions. The study concludes by highlighting the model’s potential to significantly enhance the design and efficiency of heat exchangers and proposes future enhancements to further improve its predictive accuracy.

Unsteady flow in a compound channel during flooding: Insights from a combined two-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical simulation

Natural channels often take the form of compound channels during flooding events. The unsteadiness of floods is crucial for flood management and river-floodplain ecosystems. However, the impact of unsteady flow on three-dimensional hydrodynamic processes within compound channels remains poorly understood. This study employed a validated two-dimensional/three-dimensional numerical model to examine how unsteady features influence key hydrodynamic indicators of compound channels, such as velocity distribution, turbulence characteristics, and discharge partitioning between the main channel and floodplain. A definitive positive correlation was found between water level fluctuation amplitudes and integrated discharge during unsteady events, as well as between mean water levels and mean discharges. The proportion of discharge conveyed by the main channel relative to the total was directly linked to the water depth ratio. The exchange at the main channel–floodplain interface exhibits a dual-layer flow pattern: surface waters spill into the floodplain, while deeper waters are siphoned into the main channel. Unsteady conditions principally modulate the intensity of these exchanges, altering hydraulic interactions and water transfer between areas. Pronounced wall shear stresses were detected at the main channel–floodplain interface due to swift channel flows and momentum exchange at the floodplain margin, with maxima adjacent to the floodplain edge correlating with peak flow velocities. Under deep conditions, cross-sectional flow across the compound channel's mixing layer was essentially two-dimensional. These findings elucidate the complex hydrodynamics inherent to unsteady overbank flows while holding implications for enhancing floodplain management and advancing the understanding of unsteady fluvial hydraulics.

Numerical study of granulation in anelastic thermal convection in spherical shells

The present work investigates granulation or convective flow patterns in density-stratified (or anelastic) convection in spherical shells. The density-stratified thermal convection is typically present in astrophysical systems (such as solar convection); motivated by this, we performed a series of three-dimensional anelastic convection simulations in a spherical shell geometry using an in-house developed hybrid solver. We explored the effect of Rayleigh number and density scale height on the convective flow patterns. The granulation (or cell-like structures) are more prominent at higher density scale height and Rayleigh number. The granulation is further characterized by kinetic energy and helicity spectra. Our results support the argument that the convective flow patterns (or granulation) emerge due to inverse cascade owing to the presence of density stratification. Convective patterns (or granulation) are identified based on length scales, time scales, and flow velocity. The length scale of granules is further verified using a solar granulation model. Our analysis suggests the existence of inverse cascade and supergranulation on the spherical surface due to density-stratified thermal convection in spherical shells.

Direct numerical simulation study on convective heat transfer of two tandem permeable square cylinders

This study focuses on two-dimensional heat transfer and unsteady flow past two tandem heated porous square cylinders using lattice Boltzmann method combined with block-structured topology-confined mesh refinement. The effects of the Reynolds number (30≤Re≤150), the Darcy number (10−5≤Da≤10−2), and spacing ratio (1.5≤L/D≤5, where L and D are distance of two adjacent cylinder centers and square cylinder length, respectively) are investigated. The intended analysis links hydrodynamic and heat transfer coefficients and wake structures in parameter space of Re−Da−L/D to fluid mechanics. For upstream cylinder, drag coefficients decrease with a reduction of Da and range of Re≥100, while wake length increases with an increment of L/D ratio at the same range of Re. Time-averaged normalized velocity increases at higher permeability levels. A significant augmentation in a time-averaged Nusselt number is reported for an increase in Da and full L/D range. For downstream cylinder, the interaction of fluid vortices in the gap between the cylinders affects the flow pattern, causing irregularities in the drag coefficient variation. The impacts of L/D on the wake length is more obvious than that of Da. Both the wake length and time-averaged Nusselt number values are proportional to an increase in L/D. Consequently, all the investigated results of the upstream cylinder are significantly altered from those of the downstream cylinder due to the shadowing effect of the upstream cylinder.

What can go wrong in a dividing wall column and how to detect it

Dividing wall columns are state of the art distillation arrangements performing three separation tasks within one unit. Compared to using two conventional columns in series this saves both capital costs and energy but on the other hand it brings a higher risk of malfunction. This simulation study analyses what can go wrong during the operation of dividing wall columns. The emphasis is on the operation of the prefractionator section, that is, on the choice on the liquid and vapor splits, which is crucial for the overall performance. The resulting two-way flows between the prefractionator and main column gives a broader feasible operating range than in a conventional column arrangement. This can lead to peculiar behavior, including circulation of components around the dividing wall. This paper identifies 15 non-optimal operating regions for the prefractionator with specific internal flow patterns, characteristic temperature and composition profiles for the separation of a fairly ideal mixture of benzene, toluene and p-xylene. From these results it is possible to identify and hopefully rectify wrong choices for the liquid and vapor splits in a dividing wall column.

Numerical Investigation of Sediment Erosion in Guide Vanes of Francis Turbine with Experimental Validations

Abstract Serving as crucial elements within the distributor of Francis turbines, guide vanes aid in converting pressure energy into velocity energy. Additionally, they are responsible for directing water into the runner at the appropriate angle and quantity. The existence of a clearance gap in the guide vanes leads to the development of a leakage flow due to the pressure variation between the two sides. This leakage flow develops into a vortex, which interacts with sediment-laden flow and causes erosion of the guide vane as well as the runner. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of erosion patterns in the guide vanes of a 2-kW model Francis turbine. Employing a dual approach that combines both experimental and computational methods, the investigation focuses on the impact of clearance gaps on erosion. The numerical study focuses on two cases, one incorporating a 2 mm clearance gap on the hub side of the guide vane and the other without the clearance gap. Both studies report erosion initiating from the mid-section and extending to the trailing edge at the suction side of the guide vane. Noteworthy is the leakage flow from the pressure side to the suction side of the blade, which, when converging with the main flow, disturbs the primary flow pattern and forms vortices, leading to erosion. This research also shows that the results from both the experimental and numerical analyses are in agreement.

The influence mechanism of the submerged dikes on the three-dimensional hydrodynamic characteristics at the 90° confluence

The confluence area serves as the pivotal control unit in natural rivers, and the implementation of spur dikes at the confluence enables regulation of flow patterns, influences pollutant mixing, and safeguards against river scouring. This study establishes a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model for the 90° confluence with dikes, aiming to explore the impact of the number, angle, and spacing of the dikes on hydrodynamic characteristics at 90° confluence. The results show that (i) the closer the spacing between the dikes, the wider the range of low water level area upstream becomes. An increased number of dikes makes it easier for the downstream water level to recover. (ii) The area of the high turbulent kinetic energy region increases with the increase in the number of dikes. Among the three angle deployments, the dike deployment angle of 60° corresponds to the largest area of high turbulent kinetic energy. When the spacing between dikes is 0.225 m, it results in the largest area of high turbulent kinetic energy. (iii) The number or spacing of dikes exhibits a negative correlation with the shape parameters of the separation and backflow behind the dikes, whereas there is a positive correlation between the angle of dikes and these shape parameters. (iv) Influenced by the deployment of dikes, novel helical flows will be generated around the dikes at the confluence. The helicity of the clockwise helical flow is comparatively smaller than that of its counterclockwise counterpart. Subsequently, newly generated helical flows undergo fusion and division as it progresses downstream.

Entropy generation analysis of natural convection flow in porous diamond-shaped cavity

This study investigates the entropy generation analysis of natural convection flow within a diamond-shaped cavity filled with porous media. The research focuses on understanding the effects of a chamfered vertex and the introduction of one or two circular cold objects within the cavity. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, the study examines various Rayleigh (Ra) and Darcy (Da) numbers to analyze the flow dynamics, heat transfer (HT), and entropy generation (Egen). Results indicate that the presence of cold objects significantly influences the flow patterns, enhances HT, and increases Egen due to fluid friction (FF). Higher Ra values lead to more vigorous convective currents, while lower Da values indicate a transition to conduction-dominated regimes. In addition, the heat transfer rate increases by 5 % by introducing a single cold cylinder inside the cavity for Da = 10−2 and Ra = 106. This enhancement rises to 16 % when two cold cylinders are introduced. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing cooling processes within diamond-shaped cavities by identifying key parameters that affect HT and irreversibility.