Flow State Research Articles

Three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann model with self-tuning equationof state for multiphase flows.

In this work, the recent lattice Boltzmann (LB) model with self-tuning equationof state (EOS) [Huang et al., Phys. Rev. E 99, 023303 (2019)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.99.023303] is extended to three dimensions for the simulation of multiphase flows, which is based on the standard three-dimensional 27-velocity lattice and multiple-relaxation-time collision operator. To achieve the self-tuning EOS, the equilibrium moment is devised by introducing a built-in variable, and the collision matrix is improved by introducing some velocity-dependent nondiagonal elements. Meanwhile, the additional cubic terms of velocity in recovering the Newtonian viscous stress are eliminated to enhance the numerical accuracy. For modeling multiphase flows, an attractive pairwise interaction force is introduced to mimic the long-range molecular interaction, and a consistent scheme is proposed to compensate for the ɛ^{3}-order discrete lattice effect. Thermodynamic consistency in a strict sense is established for the multiphase LB model with self-tuning EOS, and the wetting condition is also treated in a thermodynamically consistent manner. As a result, the contact angle, surface tension, and interface thickness can be independently adjusted in the present theoretical framework. Numerical tests are first performed to validate the multiphase LB model with self-tuning EOS and the theoretical analyses of bulk and surface thermodynamics. The collision of equal-sized droplets is then simulated to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the present LB model for multiphase flows.

Design of Pelton Turbine Test Stand in Plateau Environment

Abstract In recent years, with the continuous development of China’s hydropower projects, Pelton turbines are gradually being valued, and the focus of development has shifted from plain areas to plateau areas. Environmental impacts such as high altitude, water temperature, and high sediment content in the plateau area have caused serious interference to equipment that originally worked in a stable environment, for example, the failure of the cooperation between the parts of the turbine and the mutual seizure, the increased wear of the nozzle needle, the decrease of the flow rate and the water outlet speed of the nozzle, and the decrease of the air pressure in the plateau environment lead to the change of the flow state of the nozzle. In view of the above problems, this paper puts forward the design scheme of impulse turbine test-bed, using the method of changing specific speed to determine the basic parameters of impulse turbine unit, so as to eliminate the influence of plateau environment on the normal operation of turbine, obtain the efficiency condition of model experiment under low ambient pressure, and improve the operation efficiency and reliability of turbine unit.

Investigation of the kinematics behavior of spherical detector with different diameter ratios in oil pipelines

The spherical detector is an important technical equipment for water supply pipeline leakage detection. Its stable operation inside the pipeline will be affected by the fluid state in the pipeline, and the motion law of detectors with different diameters is different. In this paper, the dynamic analysis is carried out using the numerical simulation method, and the motion of spherical detectors with different diameters in horizontal oil pipelines is simulated. It is found that the flow state of the detector changes from the acceleration stage to the stable stage during the motion process, and with the decrease of the diameter ratio, the pressure difference between the front and back of the detector gradually increases, the thrust shows an upward trend, and the speed shows a greater speed in the stable stage. The motion behavior of the detector under different pipe diameter ratios is obtained, which provides help for the subsequent optimization of the shape design of the micro-leakage internal spherical detector.

Analysis of the number of topological defects in active nematic fluids under applied shear flow.

The number of topological defects in the shear flow of active nematic fluids is numerically investigated in this study. The evolution of the flow state of extensile active nematic fluids is explored by increasing the activity of active nematic fluids. Evidently, medium-activity active nematic fluids exhibit a highly ordered vortex lattice fluid state. However, high-activity active nematic fluids exhibit a meso-scale turbulent flow accompanied by topological defects. The number of topological defects (Ndef) increases with increasing shear Reynolds number (Res). Fluid viscosity strongly influences Ndef, while the influence of fluid density is relatively weak. Ndef decreases with increasing activity length scale (lζ) value. A small Res value strongly influences Ndef, whereas a large lζ value only weakly influences Ndef. As the activity increases, Ndef in contractile active nematic fluids becomes larger than that of extensile active nematic fluids.

Effect of finned configuration of circular tube based on fluid-structure coupling on hydrogen flow characteristics

Nuclear thermal propulsion has the characteristics of high specific impulse, large thrust, green and efficient, and is the primary choice of manned deep space exploration propulsion system. Because the circulating flow of propellant hydrogen in the internal pipeline of the engine is always affected by the harsh environment of high temperature and high pressure, it is very important to study the flow characteristics of hydrogen in the pipeline, the heat exchange characteristics of hydrogen and pipeline and the deformation characteristics of pipeline under heat stress. In this paper, the flow phenomena of hot hydrogen in round tubes in a laminar flow state were analyzed by numerical simulation with COMSOL Mulitiphisics6.0, and the fluid-structure coupling between hot hydrogen fluid and pipe was investigated by a multi-physics field. It is concluded that the smoother the inner wall of the pipeline is, the smaller the hydrogen flow velocity is, the smaller the surface pressure of the pipe wall is, and the smaller the fluid extrusion and impact deformation of the pipe in the typical pipe with the inner fin is. It inspires studying the application of hot hydrogen flow and pipeline configuration in nuclear thermal rocket engines, including improving heat transfer energy and uniformity.

Investigation on large fluctuation transient process of high head Pelton turbine

Abstract With the development of hydropower in southern western China, the Pelton turbine is the only choice in this ultra-high head condition which is nearly 1000 m. However, the complex coupling structure of the internal and external flow of the Pelton turbine, the change of flow pattern during the transition process, and the fluid-solid interaction of the bucket greatly increases the difficulty of accurate numerical simulation. Therefore, there are relatively few studies and applications on the transition process of the Pelton turbine. In this paper, the theoretical analysis, numerical calculation on the internal complex flow and the external characteristics of the turbine during the large fluctuation transition process are carried out in three aspects. First, the internal flow mechanism under optimized conditions is investigated, such as Dean vortex pairs, secondary flow, etc. And then analyze the influence of the flow state distribution on the jet flow. Secondly, study the instability and flow characteristics in the large fluctuation transition process of the opening and closing process of the nozzle, and predict the mechanism of the jet flow and the impact on the bucket during the dynamic process. Finally, study change of the hydraulic characteristics under the dynamic process which provides a theoretical guarantee for the safe operation of the Pelton turbine.

Are steady-state wake models and lookup tables sufficient to design profitable wake steering strategies? A Large Eddy Simulation investigation

We leverage Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of wind farms to study the performances of an open-loop wake steering controller. This global controller is elaborated based on Lookup Table (LUT) generated using FLORIS. Our objectives are to highlight the potential problems that can arise from model errors due to its steady-state formulation and from difficulties to properly define the ambient flow state. We consider two wind farm configurations: a first theoretical layout of six machines, and a second layout representing a commercial wind farm that is currently studied for wake steering strategy, the King Plains wind farm. We represent our wind farm environment using LES within which the turbines are modeled as actuator disks. In addition to the standard local controller, the wind farm utilizes a LUT to compute the optimal yaw offset angles. Before its integration into the controller, this LUT is first populated using the yaw optimizer integrated into FLORIS. The primary input parameters for the LUT are derived from the freestream atmospheric conditions, which are parametrized in terms of TI, hub height wind speed, and wind direction. In this work, we investigate different strategies for estimating the ambient wind direction fed as input to the LUT during the control and their impact on the dynamics of the yaw actuation. While results confirm the potential of this type of controller, they also highlight the importance of a proper sensing to determine the freestream state.

Experimental study on draft tube of a model kaplan turbine

Abstract To obtain the flow characteristics inside the draft tube of the model Kaplan turbine, a model test method was developed and carried out in this paper. The method includes introducing the model test system, test method, and parameters of model Kaplan turbine. Subsequently, experiments are conducted under different operating conditions and the results are analyzed. The result shows that, for the same blade angle and unit speed, operating conditions with larger guide vane openings (GVO) generally have higher axial velocities and lower tangential velocities than those with smaller GVO. In addition, particularly at higher flow velocities, a low velocity or backflow zone can occur in the center of the draft tube. Vortex rope is found to have a significant impact on the turbulence intensity in the mid-section of the draft tube, resulting in an unstable flow state. Also, under higher unit speed operating conditions, the turbulence intensity in the middle of the measurement area is greater and has a larger sphere of influence. Finally, the tangential pulsation intensity at the same measuring point under the same operating conditions is larger than the axial pulsation intensity, showing that vortex ropes have a more significant influence in the tangential direction.

Energy loss analysis of a double-suction centrifugal pump using in pump mode and turbine mode

As an economical energy recovery device, pump as turbine (PAT) is widely used in micro-hydropower stations and the chemical industry. The inlet and outlet pipelines connected to the double-suction pump are on the same horizontal line. As the pipeline layout is very convenient, in some chemical industries, the way of residual pressure energy utilization is increasing using the double-suction pump as a turbine. Based on numerical simulation, experimental verification, and entropy generation theory, the energy loss rule of each flow component in the pump mode and turbine mode under different flow rates is compared and analyzed. The results show that when the double-suction pump is used as a turbine, the flow rate at the best efficiency point (BEP) in the turbine mode shifts to a large flow rate by 30.89% and the BEP efficiency decreases by 1.30%. In the pump mode and turbine mode, the main energy loss component is the impeller, and the turbulent entropy generation power and the wall entropy generation power are the main sources of energy loss. The energy loss in the suction chamber and impeller increases sharply, and the energy loss is primarily enhanced in the blade trailing edge and the tongue near due to the unsteady flow in the turbine mode. Due to the complex structure, the spiral suction chamber is not suitable for the flow direction of the fluid flow out of the impeller, and the flow state inside the impeller is negatively affected by the suction chamber in the turbine mode. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the design and application of double-suction centrifugal PAT.

Research on the reconstruction of porous bronze structures based on powder metallurgy simulation

The microscopic morphology of pores within the porous throttle determines the gas flow state, which directly affects the macroscopic performance of the air bearing. Geometric modeling of porous materials is a prerequisite for pore characterization and fluid state analysis. Therefore, in this study, a porous model was established by simulating each step of the powder metallurgy process of porous bronze, in which the sintering fusion simulation was innovatively accomplished by median filtering of the material cross-sectional images. The feasibility of the reconstruction method was verified by comparing pore morphology parameters and permeability results with the actual porous materials. On this basis, the flow simulation was performed to reveal the fluid flow state inside the pore channel structures. This method avoids the complex algorithms of mathematical methods and the dependence on high-precision instruments of experimental methods.

Design and Optimization of Geometry of Liquid Feed Conveyor Pipes

The promotion and use of liquid feeding face the challenge of insufficiently stable delivery. This issue can be resolved, in part, by using the spiral flow produced by a spiral pipe (SPP). The aim of this study is to investigate how the structural characteristics of the spiral pipe affect the flow state of the liquid feed, and for this purpose, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique has been employed and the liquid feed delivery process has been simulated by means of an Eulerian two-fluid model The results reveal a significant improvement in the slurry’s homogeneity as it traveled through a spiral pipe compared with a straight pipe (STP). The swirl number normally increased with the number, length, height, and angle of the spiral pipe’s guide vanes. The solid-phase distribution was more homogeneous when values of N = 1, L = 1D, H = 3/8R, and θ = 20° were used, respectively, and the COV within 10D downstream of the outlet of the spiral pipe was 3.902% smaller than that of the straight pipe. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the design of liquid feed-conveying pipes.

Skeletonization of open-channels networks - New approaches

Due to the complexity of open-channel networks in which a lengthy procedure is required to understand and analyze their behavior. This paper introduces a methodology for the skeletonization of complex tree-shaped open channel systems. The aim is to aggregate separate branches into one equivalent branch, which has a new skeletonization factor. Three different illustrative examples of river systems using two approaches are analyzed. The software package HEC-RAS is employed to simulate the proposed open channel networks as a one-dimensional steady, gradually varied flow state. Results show that there is a strong correlation between the skeletonization factor required for the equivalent branch and the flow rate of the equivalent branch. The skeletonization factor is also significantly affected by an increase in the ratio of the bed width of each branch canal to that of the main channel in Approach A. The water depth along the main channel has increased more significantly in approach B than in approach A, with average increases of 49.5 %, 29.2 %, and 14.1 % for a number of branches equal to 2, 4, and 6, respectively. Finally, the developed skeletonization concept can be used to represent complex open-channels network models.

Investigation of Crack Propagation and Failure of Liquid-Filled Cylindrical Shells Damaged in High-Pressure Environments

Cylindrical shell structures have excellent structural properties and load-bearing capacities in fields such as aerospace, marine engineering, and nuclear power. However, under high-pressure conditions, cylindrical shells are prone to cracking due to impact, corrosion, and fatigue, leading to a reduction in structural strength or failure. This paper proposes a static modeling method for damaged liquid-filled cylindrical shells based on the extended finite element method (XFEM). It investigated the impact of different initial crack angles on the crack propagation path and failure process of liquid-filled cylindrical shells, overcoming the difficulties of accurately simulating stress concentration at crack tips and discontinuities in the propagation path encountered in traditional finite element methods. Additionally, based on fluid-structure interaction theory, a dynamic model for damaged liquid-filled cylindrical shells was established, analyzing the changes in pressure and flow state of the fluid during crack propagation. Experimental results showed that although the initial crack angle had a slight effect on the crack propagation path, the crack ultimately extended along both sides of the main axis of the cylindrical shell. When the initial crack angle was 0°, the crack propagation path was more likely to form a through-crack, with the highest penetration rate, whereas when the initial crack angle was 75°, the crack propagation speed was slower. After fluid entered the cylindrical shell, it spurted along the crack propagation path, forming a wave crest at the initial ejection position.

Hartmann Flow of Two-Layered Fluids in Horizontal and Inclined Channels

The effect of a transverse magnetic field on two-phase stratified flow in horizontal and inclined channels is studied. The lower heavier phase is assumed to be an electrical conductor (e.g., liquid metal), while the upper lighter phase is fully dielectric (e.g., gas). The flow is defined by prescribed flow rates in each phase, so the unknown frictional pressure gradient and location of the interface separating the phases (holdup) are found as part of the whole solution. It is shown that the solution of such a two-phase Hartmann flow is determined by four dimensionless parameters: the phases’ viscosity and flow-rate ratios, the inclination parameter, and the Hartmann number. The changes in velocity profiles, holdups, and pressure gradients with variations in the magnetic field and the phases’ flow-rate ratio are reported. The potential lubrication effect of the gas layer and pumping power reduction are found to be limited to low magnetic field strength. The effect of the magnetic field strength on the possibility of obtaining countercurrent flow and multiple flow states in concurrent upward and downward flows, and the associated flow characteristics, such as velocity profiles, back-flow phenomena, and pressure gradient, are explored. It is shown that increasing the magnetic field strength reduces the flow-rate range for which multiple solutions are obtained in concurrent flows and the flow-rate range where countercurrent flow is feasible.

Challenges of Undular Jump Modelling

The study of open channel flow hydraulics extends beyond supercritical and subcritical flow states to include a distinct state known as near-critical flows. This category encompasses various hydraulic phenomena, with some of the most notable being solitary waves, cnoidal waves, and undular jumps. This paper specifically addresses the phenomenon of undular jumps, providing a brief overview of its characteristics and discussing instances of undular jump formation in natural rivers settings and during the operation of various hydraulic structures. When there is a sudden change in flow depth from a lower level to a higher one, it typically leads to a sudden increase in the water surface, known as a hydraulic jump. However, if the jump is relatively small, meaning the depth change is minor, the water does not rise noticeably and abruptly. Instead, it will traverse from the lower to the higher stage through a sequence of gradually diminishing undulations that extend over a considerable distance. Such phenomenon is called an undular jump.The occurrence of undular hydraulic jumps can be observed in various open channels such as irrigation and water supply channels, beneath vertical sluice gates, within estuaries during specific tide periods, and in narrow or shallow passages affected by strong currents. Additionally, this phenomenon often manifests downstream of low drop structures or in transitional zones from steep to gently sloping channels. In channels where undular jumps occur, waves with significant amplitudes develop and travel downstream of the jump. Accounting for the propagation of these downstream free-surface waves is essential for canal design and natural channel maintenance. The wave height serves as a crucial design parameter that dictates the necessary sidewall height of the canal. In natural channels, the embankment height must exceed the crest of the free-surface undulations to prevent overtopping and subsequent erosion, which could ultimately lead to bank destruction. Moreover, the propagation of free-surface waves may subject downstream canal structures, such as gates, locks, and weirs, to additional impact loads, perturbations, and vibrations.In recent years, different scientists have made various attempts to investigate and describe this phenomenon using physical, mathematical and computer modelling. However, this phenomenon has a number of peculiarities that are not always taken into account. An objective of this article is to present the particularities of different type of undular jump modelling and to compare the obtain results.

Dynamic feature-based deep reinforcement learning for flow control of circular cylinder with sparse surface pressure sensing

This study proposes a self-learning algorithm for closed-loop cylinder wake control targeting lower drag and lower lift fluctuations with the additional challenge of sparse sensor information, taking deep reinforcement learning (DRL) as the starting point. The DRL performance is significantly improved by lifting the sensor signals to dynamic features (DFs), which predict future flow states. The resulting DF-based DRL (DF-DRL) automatically learns a feedback control in the plant without a dynamic model. Results show that the drag coefficient of the DF-DRL model is 25 % less than the vanilla model based on direct sensor feedback. More importantly, using only one surface pressure sensor, DF-DRL can reduce the drag coefficient to a state-of-the-art performance of approximately 8 % at Reynolds number $(Re) = 100$ and significantly mitigates lift coefficient fluctuations. Hence, DF-DRL allows the deployment of sparse sensing of the flow without degrading the control performance. This method also exhibits strong robustness in flow control under more complex flow scenarios, reducing the drag coefficient by 32.2 % and 46.55 % at $Re =500$ and 1000, respectively. Additionally, the drag coefficient decreases by 28.6 % in a three-dimensional turbulent flow at $Re =10\,000$ . Since surface pressure information is more straightforward to measure in realistic scenarios than flow velocity information, this study provides a valuable reference for experimentally designing the active flow control of a circular cylinder based on wall pressure signals, which is an essential step toward further developing intelligent control in a realistic multi-input multi-output system.

Effect of Indian Classical Music on Flow State and Emotional Competence of Young Adults

The aim of this research study was to see the effect of Indian Classical Music on Flow State and Emotional Competence of young adults. The objectives included studying the difference in flow state and emotional competence of the participants before and after exposure to the Indian classical music intervention track. This was done through comparing the pre test mid test and post test results. The population for this study included a total of 29 young adults between the age group of 22 to 30, a mixture of learners and non-learners of music. It was a - Single Group Pre & Post Experimental Research Design. Convenient sampling method was used. The instrumental music intervention track was set to Raag Miyan ki Malhar, the Emotional Competence Scale, the Flow Short Scale and the feelings wheel were some of the tools used for this research. Results revealed that there was a significant increase in the Flow State dimensions including Fluency, Absorption and a decrease in Worry from pre test to both mid test and post test. This indicates that the Indian classical music intervention was able to promote a state of flow. With regard to emotional competence, the dimensions Ability to Function with Emotions (AFE) and Ability to Cope with Problem Emotions (ACPE) showed a significant increase from pre test to post test indicating that the intervention track was able to have a positive impact on the emotional competence dimensions.

Effect of impeller structure on aerodynamic performance and noise reduction of a small multi-blade centrifugal fan

In this study, the numerical simulation and orthogonal test are combined to study the effects of blade outlet angle, blade inlet angle, and blade number on the centrifugal fan flow characteristics, stress distribution, and noise control. The experimental tests were carried out to confirm the accuracy of the computational model. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology was used to establish 16 groups of impeller models and derive the optimal parameter combination form. The results show that the blade inlet angle and outlet angle have more significant effects on efficiency and flow rate of fans. Among different optimize structures, the A8 fan with an inlet angle of 60°, an outlet angle of 180°, and a blade number of 45, has the best aerodynamic performance, with a 17.4% increase in flow rate, a 3.3% increase in efficiency, a 7.6% reduction in noise and a 23.0% reduction in impeller stress, compared to the original fan. Reasonable adjustment of the inlet and outlet angles greatly improves fluid distribution and suppresses flow separation. Furthermore, the noise can be reduced by lessening the disturbance between the volute tongue and wake flow, so the flow state gets greatly improved at the volute tongue region.

Dynamics of rapidly rotating Bose–Einstein quantum droplets

This study presents a detailed analysis of the stationary properties and dynamics of an anharmonically trapped, rapidly rotating Bose–Einstein liquid droplet. We investigate the effects of the particle number, confining potential, and rotation speed on the formation of the energetically favored bead, multiple quantized vortex, off-center vortex, and center-of-mass states. The multi-periodic trajectories and breathing provide evidence of the collective excitations of the surface mode in the vortex states. Observation of the self-trapping phenomenon and tendency toward the lowest Landau level in rapid rotation regimes coincides well with the quantum-Hall limit. Modifying the topological charges and destroying the potential flow of the vortex state can occur if an external disturbance is imposed upon the quantum droplet.

P.111 The surgeon experience of flow

Background: Cognitive flow has been linked with enhanced performance, career satisfaction, and decreased burnout. However, while elite sport has long trained athletes to enter flow states, the concept has not been adopted strongly in healthcare. Flow has primarily been explored from a unidimensional (cognitive) perspective. The present study sought to understand the experience of flow among surgeons through a multidimensional lens. Methods: Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 staff surgeons at the University of Toronto, purposively sampled. Data were coded and analyzed iteratively by three researchers until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results: Although many surgeons had not previously heard of cognitive flow, the phenomenon deeply resonated with most. Participants described different physical, cognitive, emotional, sociocultural, and environmental components that interacted to shape the subjective experience of flow: “I think that there are many different facets of [flow] that don’t always come together all at the same time, you may feel different parts of it… depending on what the kind of case is, who your help is, if you recently had a complication.” (P4) Conclusions: Understanding flow in clinical practice may lead to new avenues for enhancing career satisfaction and promoting physician wellness.