Fluid Acceleration Research Articles

Irrotational Flow over Ogee Spillway Crest: New Solution Method and Flow Geometry Analysis

A spillway is a hydraulic structure of major importance in dam safety, and its current analysis usually involves a hybrid approach combining CFD modeling with experimental research, either using well-known WES design charts or conducting new model experiments in the laboratory. Flow over spillway crests involves fluid accelerations, making irrotationality an adequate simplification of the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations. However, an efficient tool using this method is currently lacking for spillway flow, particularly for ogee spillway flow. This work focuses on this aspect of the problem, and a new method for computing irrotational flow solutions over ogee spillways is proposed by developing flow net computational solutions. The proposed method entails a new iterative procedure in the complex potential plane where free surface pressures are exactly set to zero, contrary to other methods, and an automatic determination of the critical point, the unknown energy head, and the free surface profile. The model generates solutions efficiently in only a few seconds on a personal workstation, permitting a fast estimate of spillway flow operation, and is thus an effective complement to experimental and NS-CFD modeling. The solutions produced are compared with observations of a high operational head equal to five times the design head of the ogee crest, resulting in reasonable agreement. The application of the new model to investigate the limitations of analytical equations used in spillway flow, like Jaeger’s theory, establishes limits for its use by relating its curvature parameter to the spillway chute slope.

Numerical simulation study of liquid–liquid mixing of high-viscosity fluids under laminar flow in a reverse flow multi-stage Tesla valve

In this study, computational fluid dynamics was employed to conduct a numerical simulation of the mixing performance and flow characteristics of two highly viscous liquids under laminar flow conditions within a reversed Tesla valve. Scalar transport techniques are employed to analyze the efficiency of liquid–liquid mixing in high-viscosity fluids. The focus of this study is to investigate the optimal mixing behavior between different parameters. Results indicate that an increase in Reynolds number leads to intensified Dean vortices, thereby promoting liquid–liquid mixing efficiency. Additionally, the mixing coefficient shows a negative correlation with Schmidt number (Sc), with a diminishing impact on the mixing coefficient when Sc ≥ 104. This is attributed to the dominance of fluid flow in controlling mixing within the channel at higher Schmidt numbers. Furthermore, this study compares the influence of valve angles (α) and stage numbers (n) on the mixing coefficient under identical Reynolds and Schmidt number conditions. As the number of Tesla valve stages increases, fluid acceleration within the pipeline is enhanced. Moreover, larger valve angles result in increased lengths of the curved section, leading to higher mixing efficiency. Therefore, to enhance mixing efficiency, it is recommended to increase the valve angle and the number of stages in the Tesla valve.

Coupled finite element analysis of the dynamics of poroelastic media considering the relative fluid acceleration

AbstractThis paper mainly discusses the dynamics of poroelastic media using the finite element analysis based on the u‐v‐p full formulation, where , , and p denote the solid displacement, relative fluid velocity with respect to solid velocity, and pore fluid pressure. It incorporates the effect of relative fluid acceleration with respect to solid acceleration on soil dynamic response. The ‐‐p formulation is first verified through the comparison with the analytical solution. After that, the response of one‐dimensional saturated soil column and two‐dimensional partially saturated soil layer subjected to vertical loading with different combinations of soil permeability and loading frequency are investigated using the analyses with the ‐‐p and ‐p formulations, based on which the effect of relative pore fluid motion is discussed and the differences in the soil response between two kinds of analysis approaches are examined. Results reveal that the rapid fluid flow has a pronounced effect on soil dynamics and the soil with a greater degree of saturation is more sensitive to the increase of loading frequency and soil permeability. The soil dynamic response can basically be divided into two main categories that represent insignificant and significant flow motion depending on loading frequency and soil permeability. Furthermore, despite vertical loading, horizontal soil response can also be affected by the large relative pore fluid flow when loading frequency and soil permeability are large. In addition, the simplified formulation can still be applicable to predict dynamics of poroelastic media in cases with high loading frequency and low soil permeability.

Hydrothermal performance and irreversibility production of distilled H2O flowing in outwardly-corrugated converging pipes

The study of performance parameters that characterize the convective heat transfer performance (CHTP) and entropy production rates (EPR) of fluids is of great importance in science and engineering due to its widespread applications in the design of new thermal devices. This study considers the turbulent CHTP and EPR of distilled H 2 O flowing in outwardly-corrugated converging pipes (OCCPs) and investigates the influence of the diameter ratio DR ( 1 ≤ DR ≤ 2 ) on the behavior of performance parameters against the Reynolds numbers (Re) within the range ( 5.0 × 10 3 ≤ Re ≤ 5.0 × 10 4 ). The governing equations and boundary conditions are solved with the use of SST k − ω turbulence model. The considered OCCP is designed such that its average diameter is 0.03m while its normalized length is 26.6. It is obtained that increasing DR enhances the average Nusselt number (Nu), Poiseuille number (fRe), and EPR whereas the reverse is the case for thermal effective number ( I G ), Bejan number (Be), and performance evaluation criterion (PEC). At Re = 2.0 × 10 4 in OCCPs of DR = 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, and 2.00, EPR is increased by factors 0.88, 1.42, 2.64, 4.84, and 9.61; fRe is improved by factors 3.39, 8.54, 16.27, 27.74, and 49.22; and Nu is enhanced by factors 1.28, 1.31, 1.34, 1.37, and 1.43, respectively. The enhancement is attributed to the flow acceleration, vortices production, and high mixing rate of the hot fluid near the wall with the cold fluid at the core fluid zone. Finally, and among other things it is revealed that the OCCPs of DR = 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 are advantageous ( I G > 1 ) over the straight tube within the range 5 × 10 3 ≤ Re < 2.25 × 10 4 .

Exploring the mechanisms behind dual-peak formation in energy harvesting efficiency of semi-passive flapping airfoils with varied spring stiffness

Flapping airfoil energy harvesting has emerged as a promising paradigm inspired by birds and marine organisms. In this investigation, a semi-passive flapping airfoil device with a predetermined pitching motion was examined using a transient numerical simulation method employing an overlapping grid technique. The impact of the spring stiffness on the energy harvesting characteristics of the flapping airfoil was analyzed through the implementation of the integral momentum theorem and dynamic mode decomposition. The results demonstrated that the efficiency and power curves of the flapping airfoil exhibited a distinctive bimodal M shape in response to variations of the spring stiffness. The initial peak efficiency point, which corresponded to the system's natural frequency in proximity to the pitching frequency, was found to be heavily influenced by the presence of leading-edge vortexes, thereby influencing lift generation. By utilizing the integral momentum theorem, it was determined that the Lamb vector term, fluid acceleration term, and total pressure term predominantly contributed to the lift generation. The emergence of the second peak efficiency point was primarily linked to torque variations induced by trailing-edge vortexes.

Effect of Jet-to-Target Spacing on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics for Swirling Impinging Micro-Slot Jets

The influence of jet-to-target spacing on flow and heat transfer behaviors for swirling impinging micro-slot jets has been extensively studied. In this study, two complete revolutions of the generated helix under the slot nozzle thickness of 1.0 mm constrained the total spiraling length to 290 mm. The range of jet-to-target spacing varied from 1 to 6. The turbulent kinetic energy-epsilon model was employed to make predictions at Reynolds numbers from 5000 to 20000. The results showed that the heat transfer enhancement on the target wall depended on the pacing between the jet and the target. This is the jet flow structure exhibited a notable intensity of high-velocity vortices at the low jet-to-target spacing, whereas the jet flow impingement was abruptly reduced at the high jet-to-target spacing. The heat transfer rate also tended to increase as the Reynolds number increased. In addition, when the jet-to-target spacing was at 1, the average heat transfer value was between 32.9% and 54.2% higher than in other conditions due to high fluid acceleration.

An Experimental Investigation Of Local Thermo-Fluidic Heat Transfer In A U-Shaped Mini-Channel Sink

This study investigates experimentally a heated U-shaped mini-channel heat sink using Infrared Thermography and Particle Image Velocimetry for a water coolant flow of Reynolds numbers of 280, 650, and 1350 (based on the hydraulic channel diameter). The choice of this cell geometry is based on its role as a simplified unit of a serpentine heat exchanger, which is proved to be one of the most promising for cooling processes. The use of the infrared camera allows the detection of temperature fields on top of the external surface of the cell. Therefore, aiming to derive the temperature distribution on the channel roof, a dedicated transfer function is implemented. Moreover, we employed the lumped capacitance model for thermal analysis on both infrared measurements and thermocouple data. The latter are recorded to capture the cooling process of the aluminium base and water temperature at the end of the outlet tube. As a result, thermal transient rate, cooling magnitude and equilibrium temperature are obtained. These parameters indicate that higher Reynolds numbers correspond to increased thermal transient rates, enhanced cooling effects, and lower equilibrium temperatures. A non-uniform distribution of heat transfer along the channel is reported, with the most efficient cooling area localized close to the first 90-degree corner. These findings are consistent with numerical simulations and previous experimental observations. PIV results reveal the presence of two fluid acceleration zones following both 90-degree corners, which contribute to improve the water cooling ability in their respective regions. Additionally, the formation of two recirculating bubbles is reported at the inner wall from corners vertices, whose intensity is dependent on Reynolds number, pushing the main flow towards the outer channel wall and reducing the local heat transfer. Turbulent kinetic energy distributions are also investigated, pointing out the presence of intense areas that better match with regions of minimum equilibrium temperature than maximum velocity zones. This suggests the presence of local turbulent unsteadiness and three-dimensional phenomena, which contributes significantly to cooling enhancement.

Epigenetic age acceleration in follicular fluid and markers of ovarian response among women undergoing IVF.

Are markers of epigenetic age acceleration in follicular fluid associated with outcomes of ovarian stimulation? Increased epigenetic age acceleration of follicular fluid using the Horvath clock, but not other epigenetic clocks (GrimAge and Granulosa Cell), was associated with lower peak estradiol levels and decreased number of total and mature oocytes. In granulosa cells, there are inconsistent findings between epigenetic age acceleration and ovarian response outcomes. Our study included 61 women undergoing IVF at an academic fertility clinic in the New England area who were part of the Environment and Reproductive Health Study (2006-2016). Participants provided a follicular fluid sample during oocyte retrieval. DNA methylation of follicular fluid was assessed using a genome-wide methylation screening tool. Three established epigenetic clocks (Horvath, GrimAge, and Granulosa Cell) were used to predict DNA-methylation-based epigenetic age. To calculate the age acceleration, we regressed epigenetic age on chronological age and extracted the residuals. The association between epigenetic age acceleration and ovarian response outcomes (peak estradiol levels, follicle stimulation hormone, number of total, and mature oocytes) was assessed using linear and Poisson regression adjusted for chronological age, three surrogate variables (to account for cellular heterogeneity), race, smoking status, initial infertility diagnosis, and stimulation protocol. Compared to the median chronological age of our participants (34 years), the Horvath clock predicted, on an average, a younger epigenetic age (median: 24.2 years) while the GrimAge (median: 38.6 years) and Granulosa Cell (median: 39.0 years) clocks predicted, on an average, an older epigenetic age. Age acceleration based on the Horvath clock was associated with lower peak estradiol levels (-819.4 unit decrease in peak estradiol levels per standard deviation increase; 95% CI: -1265.7, -373.1) and fewer total (% change in total oocytes retrieved per standard deviation increase: -21.8%; 95% CI: -37.1%, -2.8%) and mature oocytes retrieved (% change in mature oocytes retrieved per standard deviation increase: -23.8%; 95% CI: -39.9%, -3.4%). The age acceleration based on the two other epigenetic clocks was not associated with markers of ovarian response. Our sample size was small and we did not specifically isolate granulosa cells from follicular fluid samples so our samples could have included mixed cell types. Our results highlight that certain epigenetic clocks may be predictive of ovarian stimulation outcomes when applied to follicular fluid; however, the inconsistent findings for specific clocks across studies indicate a need for further research to better understand the clinical utility of epigenetic clocks to improve IVF treatment. The study was supported by grants ES009718, ES022955, ES000002, and ES026648 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and a pilot grant from the NIEHS-funded HERCULES Center at Emory University (P30 ES019776). RBH was supported by the Emory University NIH Training Grant (T32-ES012870). N/A.

Stochastic models in the under-resolved simulations of spray formation during high-speed liquid injection

In the under-resolved simulation of the high-speed liquid injection into stagnant air, the attention in subgrid-scale models is focused on events of intense gradients of the velocity in turbulent flow, i.e., on effects of intermittency. Three typical flows are considered—the in-nozzle flow, primary atomization zone, and secondary atomization of spray droplets. In the simulation of the first two flows, the filtered Navier–Stokes equations are forced by stochastic processes with properties which incorporate the statistical physics of fluid acceleration at the high Reynolds number—in this way we update the under-resolved acceleration. In the case of in-nozzle flow, the proposed stochastic subgrid acceleration model is combined with wall-damping function, and the ability in prediction of the velocity statistics is demonstrated. In the simulation of primary atomization, the approach with stochastic subgrid acceleration is combined with the volume of fluid method. This leads to intensification of the interface dynamics, resulting in additional corrugation, with more intense shearing and stretching of liquid structures are observed. Thereby, the experimental profiles of the time-averaged liquid volume fraction distribution for four different axial locations are rather well predicted. The secondary atomization of droplets is simulated by a new stochastic model for the breakup rate along the droplet path. To this end, the breakup rate is expressed as a function of turbulent viscous dissipation which evolves along the droplet path according to the proposed stochastic process. Preliminary assessment performed against the recent experiments shows the correct predictability of this model and its low sensibility to the grid density.

Energy of acceleration of a perfect unbounded fluid surrounding an arbitrary moving rigid body

Energy of acceleration of a perfect unbounded fluid surrounding an arbitrary moving rigid body

Numerical simulations of bubbly flows in a vertical periodic channel

In this study, numerical simulations of bubbly flows in an infinitely long vertical channel were performed. Generally, the upper and lower boundaries of such channels are simplified as periodic boundary conditions. Unlike horizontal channel flows, the presence of gravity in the streamwise direction complicates the establishment of periodic boundary conditions. Therefore, a specialized treatment is required to prevent fluid acceleration. Here, we developed a novel treatment for the imposition of periodic boundaries and proposed a new microbubble model to consider the surface tension effect of microbubbles. To detect each bubble in the flow field, we implemented a bubble identification algorithm, which facilitates a thorough statistical analysis of bubble number, size, and spatial distribution. Validation tests were conducted, and good agreement was achieved between our results and reference data. We also confirmed that the results obtained with periodic boundaries are consistent with those achieved without them. Finally, we simulated the evolution of rising bubble swarms in a quiescent liquid. The method presented here contributes to the numerical simulations of bubbly flows in industrial systems, including oil-gas transportation, bubble columns, and nuclear reactors.

Accelerations of large inertial particles in turbulence

Understanding the dynamics of material objects advected by turbulent flows is a long-standing question in fluid dynamics. In this perspective article we focus on the characterization of the statistical properties of non-interacting finite-sized massive spherical particles advected by a vigorous turbulent flow. We study the fluctuations and temporal correlations of particle accelerations and explore their behaviours with respect to the particle size and the particle mass density by means of fully resolved numerical simulations. We observe that the measured trends cannot be interpreted as the simple multiplicative combination of the two dominant effects: the spatial filtering of fluid accelerations and the added-mass–adjusted fluid-to-particle density ratio. We argue that other hydrodynamical forces or effects, e.g., preferential flow sampling, have still a significant role even at the largest particle sizes, which reach here the integral scale of turbulence.

Nanoengineering of Porous 2D Structures with Tunable Fluid Transport Behavior for Exceptional H2O2 Electrosynthesis.

Precision nanoengineering of porous two-dimensional structures has emerged as a promising avenue for finely tuning catalytic reactions. However, understanding the pore-structure-dependent catalytic performance remains challenging, given the lack of comprehensive guidelines, appropriate material models, and precise synthesis strategies. Here, we propose the optimization of two-dimensional carbon materials through the utilization of mesopores with 5-10 nm diameter to facilitate fluid acceleration, guided by finite element simulations. As proof of concept, the optimized mesoporous carbon nanosheet sample exhibited exceptional electrocatalytic performance, demonstrating high selectivity (>95%) and a notable diffusion-limiting disk current density of -3.1 mA cm-2 for H2O2 production. Impressively, the electrolysis process in the flow cell achieved a production rate of 14.39 mol gcatalyst-1 h-1 to yield a medical-grade disinfectant-worthy H2O2 solution. Our pore engineering research focuses on modulating oxygen reduction reaction activity and selectivity by affecting local fluid transport behavior, providing insights into the mesoscale catalytic mechanism.

Thermocapillary central lamella recess during droplet impacts onto a heated wall

We experimentally observe a new phenomenon, the formation of a toroidal region of lower film thickness in the center of the lamella formed during high Weber number water droplet impacts onto smooth heated walls. This region forms around the air bubble, which is entrapped during the initial impact phase at the impact center. Our study encompasses a variation of the droplet size, impact velocity, surface wettability and temperature. We show how this phenomenon can be explained considering a two-step process involving thermocapillary convection in two separate regions: The temperature gradient along the surface of the entrapped air bubble caused by heat conduction induces flow that pumps warmer liquid to the lamella-ambient interface due to the Marangoni effect. The non-uniform temperature distribution along it then causes fluid acceleration in the radial direction, depleting the fluid volume around the bubble in a self-amplifying manner. We use direct numerical simulations of a stagnant liquid film with an enclosed bubble at the wall to confirm this theory.

Mode transition mechanisms in semi-passive flapping-wing propulsion or energy extraction

To facilitate the smooth transition of operational modes in self-sustaining micro-thrusters, this study focuses on a device employing semi-passive flapping wings. Transient numerical methods are used to analyze the variation of flap energy acquisition and propulsion characteristics with pitching frequency, and the relationship between the dominant vortex structure and the force characteristics is analyzed by using the integral momentum theorem and the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method. The results indicate that, under the investigated operational conditions, with an increase in the pitching frequency, distinct wake evolution characteristics were observed. In the energy harvesting operational regime, the wake patterns manifest as 2P + mS, 2S + mS, and mS types. During the transitional phase from energy harvesting to propulsion, the wake patterns shift from 2S + mS to 2S transitional types, eventually leading to the manifestation of a reverse Karman vortex street (2S RBVK). In the propulsion operational regime, the wake patterns consist of a reverse Karman vortex street and asymmetric reverse Karman vortex street phenomena. Simultaneously, it was observed that the transition of flapping-wing performance from energy harvesting to propulsion conditions delays behind the transformation of vortex street structures. This delay is attributed to the necessity for the flapping-wing device to overcome its own resistance before generating a net effective propulsive force. The contributions of unsteady wake to thrust primarily encompass vortex thrust, thrust due to localized fluid acceleration, induced momentum force, and induced pressure force. As the pitching frequency increases, the influence of wake vortices on propulsion also intensifies. The contribution of wake vortices to flapping-wing propulsion is determined by the spatial distribution of Lamb vectors and localized fluid accelerations. The conclusions drawn from the dynamic modal analysis and reconstructed flow field analysis of wake vortices align with the findings of the investigation of wake vortices based on the integral momentum theorem.

Experimental investigation on acceleration of working fluid of heat pipe under bypass line operation

In a conventional heat pipe, the flow resistance is generated by the opposing flow of liquid and vapor across the phase-change interface. The flow resistance can impose a limitation on the heat transfer rate within the heat pipe, which can have an adverse effect on its overall efficiency. Therefore, reducing the flow resistance is essential for improving the heat transfer of heat pipe. The method of inducing a decrease in flow resistance is classified as an essential technology for improving the heat transfer performance of a heat pipe. In this study, experiments were conducted to induce operating fluid acceleration by decreasing the hydrodynamic resistance inside a heat pipe to improve thermal performance. A liquid bypass line connecting the three points of the condenser to the beginning of the evaporator was designed and installed, with four flow rate control valves attached to control the bypass flow rate at each bypass port. In this study, the working fluid acceleration was observed experimentally in bypass mode (all bypass valves opened) and normal mode (all bypass valves closed). According to the experimental results, the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipe system improved by up to 106.5% in relation to the thermal resistance. The maximum thermal load in a horizontal position increased by up to 45.8% in the bypass mode.

What makes a shear-free spherical perfect fluid be inhomogeneous with tidal effects?

This is an important and natural question as the spacetime shear, inhomogeneity and tidal effects are all intertwined via the Einstein field equations. Though many solutions with these properties exist in the literature, in this paper we identify, via a geometrical analysis, the important physical reason behind these solutions. We show that such scenarios are possible for limited classes of equations of state that are solutions to a highly nonlinear and fourth order differential equation. To show this, we use a covariant semitetrad spacetime decomposition and present a novel geometrical classification of shear-free locally rotationally symmetric perfect fluid self-gravitating systems, in terms of the covariantly defined fluid acceleration and the fluid expansion. Noteworthily, we deduce the governing differential equation that gives the possible limited equations of state of matter.

Treatment and Slip Effect on MHD Blood Flow through a Stenotic Artery: A Mathematical Model

Theoretical study of the treatment and slip effect on Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) blood flow through a stenotic artery where the porous wall and the boundary slip at the wall of the artery have a significant effect on the blood flow was investigated. The magnetic field is applied radially on the stenotic region of the artery with blood flowing axially. Dimensionless governing equations was solved using Frobenius series method to obtain a solution for the velocity of the blood flow, blood concentration, wall shear stress, fluid acceleration and the volumetric flow rate. The Results showed that, an increase in the chemical reaction increased the blood viscosity causing a decrease in the blood velocity, acceleration and shear stress at the wall but increases the volumetric flow rate of the blood. Increased slip at the wall with stenosis decreases the blood velocity, acceleration and volumetric flow rate but causes an increase in the wall shear stress.

Numerical simulations of the effect on twisted spacer filaments on biofouling and scaling in the feed channel of reverse osmosis membrane modules

Overcoming biofouling and scaling in membrane-based separation processes is significant as it affects the permeate quality. In the present study, the effect of biofouling (on membrane only, spacer only, membrane as well as spacer) and scaling on the velocity field, pressure variation, solute residence time distribution and water flux in the reverse osmosis feed channel consisting of twisted spacer filaments is presented using numerical simulations. The twisted spacer filaments caused fluid mixing, which enhanced membrane performance. The biofouling on spacer filaments and/or membrane surfaces and scaling resulted in a narrower effective area for fluid flow, thus causing fluid acceleration and higher pressure drop. The study of solute residence time distribution for biofouling revealed that the breakthrough time decreased with residence time due to fluid acceleration. The observations of solute tracer movement revealed that the solute advection pattern broadened when the feed time for the solute tracer was increased. An irregular and heterogeneous pattern of solute tracer movement was observed in the reverse osmosis feed channel with biofouling which enhanced the flow dispersion and acceleration. The effect of feed temperature on the biofouling pattern was also observed. Biofouling reduced with temperature because the increased feed temperature improved biomass mobility. The water flux in the computational domain containing spacer with scaling was higher compared to the computational domain containing spacer with biofouling because biofouling reduced the membrane porosity, diffusion coefficient and increased flow resistance. The present study concludes that the twisted spacer can effectively reduce biofouling and scaling with improved water flux in reverse osmosis membrane modules.

Bubble–particle collisions in turbulence: insights from point-particle simulations

Bubble–particle collisions in turbulence are central to a variety of processes such as froth flotation. Despite their importance, details of the collision process have not received much attention yet. This is compounded by the sometimes counter-intuitive behaviour of bubbles and particles in turbulence, as exemplified by the fact that they segregate in space. Although bubble–particle relative behaviour is fundamentally different from that of identical particles, the existing theoretical models are nearly all extensions of theories for particle–particle collisions in turbulence. The adequacy of these theories has yet to be assessed as appropriate data remain scarce to date. In this investigation, we study the geometric collision rate by means of direct numerical simulations of bubble–particle collisions in homogeneous isotropic turbulence using the point-particle approach over a range of the relevant parameters, including the Stokes and Reynolds numbers. We analyse the spatial distribution of bubble and particles, and quantify to what extent their segregation reduces the collision rate. This effect is countered by increased approach velocities for bubble–particle compared to monodisperse pairs, which we relate to the difference in how bubbles and particles respond to fluid accelerations. We found that in the investigated parameter range, these collision statistics are not altered significantly by the inclusion of a lift force or different drag parametrisations, or when assuming infinite particle density. Furthermore, we critically examine existing models and discuss inconsistencies therein that contribute to the discrepancy.