Fluid Flow Research Articles

Experimental investigation and thermodynamic analysis of application of hybrid nanofluid in a parabolic solar trough collector.

In this research, thermal modeling has been done to investigate the effect of nanofluid on the performance of the linear parabolic collector. Therminol vapor/liquid phase fluid (VP-1) has been used as a base fluid; iron oxide nanoparticles have been used to produce mono-nanofluid; and iron oxide multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite has been used as nanoparticles to produce hybrid nanofluid. The fluid flow inside the absorber tube of the collector is assumed to be turbulent. The results show that when hybrid nanofluid and mono-nanofluid are used, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the collector are higher than those for the conditions of using the base fluid, but their amount is slightly lower with the use of hybrid nanofluid than when the working fluid is mono-nanofluid. According to the obtained results, the highest energy efficiency of the linear parabolic collector using nanofluid and mono-nanofluid is 70.2% and 70.4%, respectively, and the highest exergy efficiency is 35.7% and 35.9%, respectively. Despite this, the friction coefficient of mono-nanofluid compared to hybrid nanofluid was obtained on average about 9% higher. The results showed that the criterion for evaluating the performance of the collector (hydrodynamic thermal efficiency) when hybrid nanofluid is used is more than when mono-nanofluid is used.

Fluid flow at the Loppa High results from the seabed laboratory and test site

Fluid flow at the Loppa High results from the seabed laboratory and test site

Impact of Motile Microorganisms and Chemical Reaction on Viscoelastic Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluid with Thermal Radiation Subjected to Exponentially Stretching Sheet Amalgamated in Darcy-Forchheimer Porous Medium

Impact of Motile Microorganisms and Chemical Reaction on Viscoelastic Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluid with Thermal Radiation Subjected to Exponentially Stretching Sheet Amalgamated in Darcy-Forchheimer Porous Medium

MHD Radiative Casson Fluid Flow with Ramped Influence through a Porous Media via Constant Proportional Caputo Approach

MHD Radiative Casson Fluid Flow with Ramped Influence through a Porous Media via Constant Proportional Caputo Approach

On quantification of equivalent permeability tensor in sparsely fractured rock masses

The work presented in this paper is focused on the assessment of hydraulic conductivity in sparsely fractured rocks. Different simplified methodologies are used, including Oda's notion of permeability tensor as well as pipe network models, and the results are compared with those generated by a more accurate approach, which incorporates a constitutive law with embedded discontinuity (CLED). Several numerical examples involving fluid flow in the presence of discrete fracture networks are provided, and the estimates of principal values as well as eigenvectors of the equivalent conductivity tensor are compared for all methodologies employed. It is demonstrated that the predictions corresponding to pipe-network model, enhanced by the graph theory algorithm, are fairly consistent with CLED approach, particularly in terms of assessing the orientation of principal directions of permeability. A simple pragmatic procedure is therefore suggested for defining the anisotropic equivalent hydraulic conductivity operator.

Numerical simulations of dam-break flows of viscoplastic fluids via shallow water equations

Abstract This paper presents simulations of dam-break flows of Herschel–Bulkley viscoplastic fluids over complex topographies using the shallow water equations (SWE). In particular, this study aims to assess the effects of rheological parameters: power-law index (n), consistency index (K), and yield stress ($$\tau _{c}$$ τ c ), on flow height and velocity over different topographies. Three practical examples of dam-break flow cases are considered: a dam-break on an inclined flat surface, a dam-break over a non-flat topography, and a dam-break over a wet bed (downstream containing an initial fluid level). The effects of bed slope and depth ratios (the ratio between upstream and downstream fluid levels) on flow behaviour are also analyzed. The numerical results are compared with experimental data from the literature and are found to be in good agreement. Results show that for both dry and wet bed conditions, the fluid front position, peak height, and mean velocity decrease when any of the three rheological parameters are increased. However, based on a parametric sensitivity analysis, the power-law index appears to be the dominant factor in dictating fluid behaviour. Moreover, by increasing the bed slope and/or depth ratio, the wave-frontal position moves further downstream. Furthermore, the presence of an obstacle is observed to cause the formation of an upsurge that moves in the upstream direction, which increases by increasing any of the three rheological parameters. This study is useful for an in-depth understanding of the effects of rheology on catastrophic gravity-driven flows of non-Newtonian fluids (like lava or mud flows) for risk assessment and mitigation. Graphical abstract

Boil-Off Gas Generation in Vacuum-Jacketed Valve Used in Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank

The boiling point of liquid hydrogen is very low, at −253 °C under atmospheric pressure, which causes boil-off gas (BOG) to occur during storage and transport due to heat penetration. Because the BOG must be removed through processes such as re-liquefaction, venting to the atmosphere, or incineration, related studies are required to estimate the heat transfer of storage and transport devices and to improve insulation to reduce BOG generation. In this study, a vaporization analysis was performed on a vacuum-jacketed valve used in liquid hydrogen storage and transport devices to calculate the amount of BOG generation considering the flow characteristics at the vena contracta and the saturation temperature. At a pressure of 1 bar in the liquid hydrogen storage tank, the maximum fluid flow velocity and minimum static pressure occurred at the vena contracta, with values of 62.9 m/s and −0.4 bar, respectively, and the BOG generation rate was estimated as 0.132 m3/h, where the saturation temperature was minimized at 19.3 K. Furthermore, through case studies, when the pressure in the liquid hydrogen storage tank increased to 1.5 and 2 bar, the static pressure and saturation temperature decreased, and the BOG generation rate increased to 0.221 and 0.283 m3/h, respectively.

Comparison of Fluid Flow and Tracer Dispersion in Four-Strand Tundish under Fewer Strand Casting and Sudden Blockage of Strand Conditions

Comparison of Fluid Flow and Tracer Dispersion in Four-Strand Tundish under Fewer Strand Casting and Sudden Blockage of Strand Conditions

Congenital/Primitive Hydrocephalus: Classification, Clinical Aspects, and Rehabilitation Approach

AbstractHydrocephalus is a heterogeneous disorder of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow that leads to abnormal enlargement of the brain ventricles. The prevalence of infant hydrocephalus is approximately one case per 1,000 births. Hydrocephalus occurs due to an imbalance between the production and the absorption of CSF. The causes of hydrocephalus secondary to CSF overproduction are papilloma of the choroid plexus and rarely diffuse hyperplasia of the villi. All the other hydrocephalus forms are secondary to obstruction to normal CSF reabsorption and are also known as obstructive hydrocephalus. According to the location of obstruction, obstructive hydrocephalus can be defined as communicating, when caused by extraventricular obstruction of the CSF flow or decreased resorption of CSF distal to the fourth ventricle in the cisterns of the base or in the subarachnoid spaces, or as not communicating, in case of intraventricular obstruction to fluid flow. There is a third category, common in preterm infants, called external hydrocephalus which is secondary to delayed development of arachnoid function. Hydrocephalus leads to an increase in intraventricular pressure because of the lack of the mechanism regulating the homeostasis of the CSF flow. Increased intraventricular pressure is responsible for the clinical symptoms in affected child. Clinical presentation varies with age. In the neonatal period, prolonged or frequent apneic or bradycardic events, increasing head circumference, presence of sunsetting eyes or upward gaze palsy, evidence of full or tense anterior/posterior fontanelle, and splayed cranial sutures are signs of increased intracranial pressure. In infants, the most common signs are progressive macrocephaly, irritability, nausea/vomiting, headache, gait changes, and regression of developmental milestones. The extent of brain damage depends on the cause that led to hydrocephalus, the patient's age, and the rapidity of onset. The surgical treatment modalities consist of endoscopic ventriculostomy of the third ventricle and ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial CSF shunt.

Theoretical investigation of the convective heat transfer mechanism along a cantilever shape

The present study aims to investigate the steady state mixed convection flow for a viscous incompressible fluid along a cantilever shape. The study has analyzed the impact of mixed convection boundary layer flow behavior and heat transfer characteristic of the cantilever shape. The leading equations for the said problem are the Navier-Stokes and energy equations. These leading equations are converted into ordinary differential equations using the stream function formulation, and the numerical solution is obtained using the shooting technique with BVP4C and built in MATLAB program. The impact of dimensionless parameters such as n, Pr, and λ on the velocity and temperature profile within the boundary layer of the cantilever cylinder is presented graphically. The results for velocity slope and temperature gradient under the effects of various emerging parameters are presented in tables. The study has concluded that mixed convection parameter has a significant impact on the velocity and temperature distribution, as well as on the velocity slope and temperature gradient rates along a cantilever shape geometry. The outcomes of the current study can be utilized for the design and optimization of various engineering devices involving cantilever shapes. Further, research regarding the impact of other parameters on the cantilever shape including heat transfer characteristics can be conducted using the approach presented in this study. The novelty of the current work can be claimed by saying that for reduced gravity, other forces involved in the flow model induced the fluid motion and temperature gradient.

Simultaneous influence of contact angle, capillary number, and contraction ratio on droplet dynamics in hydrophobic microchannel

Abstract In droplet-based microfluidic systems, droplet motion and behavior largely depend on fluid properties, flow conditions, and microchannel geometry. This study presents a model to predict droplet dynamics within a contraction microchannel, considering various factors, such as contact angle (θ), capillary number (Ca), and contraction ratio (C), within defined ranges, through the employment of a three-dimensional numerical simulation method. Droplets may undergo trap, squeeze, or breakup as they traverse the contraction microchannel, contingent upon the aforementioned factors. The transition from trap to squeeze is determined by the critical value of Capillary number (〖Ca〗_I). Within the squeezed regime, the contact angle influences droplet deformation and velocity within the contraction microchannel. However, when capillary number (〖Ca〗_II) in contraction microchannel increases to a specific threshold corresponding to the contraction ratio, the droplet no longer in contact with the wall and becomes independent of the contact angle, a phenomenon referred to as detachment. Moreover, the contact angle's impact on the transition of droplets from squeeze to breakup is contingent upon the microchannel's contraction ratio. This study provides a comprehensive overview of droplet behavior within microfluidic systems, offering valuable insights for the optimization and design of microsystems.

Auto‐Pressurized Multi‐Stage Tesla‐Valve Type Microreactors in Carbon Monoliths Obtained Through 3D Printing: Impact of Design on Fluid Dynamics and Catalytic Activity

AbstractThe present research exploits an innovative methodology for producing auto‐pressurized carbon microreactors with a precise and controlled structure analyzing the influence of their design on the fluid dynamics and their catalytic performance. Carbon monoliths with Tesla‐valve shape channels (Tesla, T, and modified Tesla, Tm) are synthesized through the combination of 3D printing and sol–gel process and further probed as Ni/CeO2 supports on CO2 methanation. The experimental results and mathematical modeling corroborated the improved performance obtained through the complex design compared to a conventional one. In addition to chaotic fluid flow induced by the deviation in flow direction, which improves the reagents‐active phase interaction, local pressure increases due to convergence of flows may enhance the Sabatier reaction according to Le Châtelier's principle. Conversely to straight channels, T and Tm are not affected by flow rate and presented chemical control. Tesla‐valve with curved angle (Tm) improved the mass transfer, achieving higher conversion and ≈30% reaction rate increase regarding right angle (T). Thus, this auto‐pressurized multi‐stage Tesla‐valve monolith opens the gate to design specific and advanced functional materials for multitude chemical reactions where not only the reactant‐active phase contact can be maximized but also the reaction conditions can be controlled to maximize the reaction kinetics.

STAR-CCM+ simulation of debris bed formation in the unheated DEFCON-S experiment

In a severe accident of light-water reactor, molten corium can be formed and discharged into the reactor cavity. If the resulting debris bed is not adequately cooled, it could threaten the containment integrity by causing a molten core-concrete interaction. This study analyzes a non-heating debris bed formation experiment of DEFCON-S using the STAR-CCM+ code. Relevant CFD models are established to reflect the interaction between particles and fluids to describe the particle behavior and flow of fluids. The shape and size of debris bed are predicted through the CFD calculation. The rolling resistance becomes an important parameter in this simulation. The prediction with the default values of STAR-CCM+ forms a spread shape of particle bed compared to the experimental result. The shape of debris bed obtained with modified rolling resistance coefficients gives consistency with the DEFCON-S experiment, having a deviation in diameter of 4.6 % and a deviation in height of 3.8 %.

Experiments and numerical modelling of secondary flows of blood and shear-thinning blood analogue fluids in rotating domains

AbstractThe transition from concentric primary flow to non-tangential secondary flow of blood was investigated using experimental steady shear rheometry and numerical modelling. The aims were to: assess the difference in secondary flow in a Newtonian versus shear-thinning blood analogue; and measure the secondary flow in the blood. Both experiments and numerical modelling showed that the transition from primary to secondary flow was the same in a Newtonian fluid and a shear-thinning blood analogue. Experiments showed whole blood transitioned to secondary flow at lower modified Reynolds numbers than the Newtonian fluid; and transition was haematocrit dependent with higher RBC concentrations transitioning at lower modified Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that modelling blood as a purely shear-thinning fluid does not predict the correct secondary flow fields in whole blood; non-Newtonian effects beyond shear-thinning behaviour are influential, and incorporating effects such as multiphase contributions and viscoelasticity, yield stress and thixotropy is necessary.

Investigating Non-Newtonian Fluid Behavior in Hydrocyclones Via Computational Fluid Dynamics

Expert researchers examine complex patterns of pressure, viscosity, and velocity in a CFD study of viscoelastic food inside hydrocyclones to obtain a detailed grasp of particle behavior and fluid dynamics. Velocity profiles show how fluids and particles flow through the hydrocyclone in complex ways, while pressure distributions show where high and low pressure is found, regions that are critical for maximizing separation efficiency. Furthermore, the analysis of viscosity fluctuations clarifies the intricate relationship between fluid rheology and flow dynamics, providing information on how food's viscoelastic characteristics affect particle trajectories and separation efficiency. Utilizing this comprehensive examination, scientists hope to optimize the design and functioning parameters of the hydrocyclones, which will in turn improve the efficacy and efficiency of particle separation procedures in viscoelastic food solutions. This will ultimately lead to improvements in food processing technology and product quality. Researchers look into the impact of geometric elements on flow patterns and separation efficiency in addition to these characteristics, such as hydrocyclone size and inlet configurations. Additionally, they investigate how different operating parameters, such rotational speed and flow rate, affect how well the hydrocyclone handles viscoelastic food items. Through the integration of these complex analyses, researchers hope to create all encompassing models that can precisely forecast and optimize the behavior of viscoelastic food flows inside hydrocyclones, opening the door to improved process control and food sector product quality.

Engineering of polydisperse porous media for enhanced fluid flows through systematic topology tuning via differentiable direct numerical simulation

Engineering of polydisperse porous media for enhanced fluid flows through systematic topology tuning via differentiable direct numerical simulation

Vibration characteristics of a cylindrical sandwich shell with an FG auxetic honeycomb core and nanocomposite face layers subjected to supersonic fluid flow

In this paper, the flutter analysis is studied for a cylindrical sandwich shell subjected to external supersonic fluid flow. The sandwich shell consists of a re-entrant auxetic honeycomb (AH) core made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) which is covered with two polymeric face layers enriched with either carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), or graphene oxide powders (GOPs). The volume fraction (percentage) of the ceramic phase in the functionally graded auxetic honeycomb (FGAH) core varies from zero at the inner surface to one at the outer one based on either power-law function (P-FGM), exponential function (E-FGM), or sigmoid function (S-FGM). It is assumed that the nanofillers are distributed uniformly inside the face layers. The first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and the piston theory are employed to provide the mathematical models of the shell and the aerodynamic pressure, respectively. The governing equations and boundary conditions are derived via Hamilton’s principle. An exact solution is performed in the circumferential direction via harmonic trigonometric functions (sine and cosine) and an approximate solution is performed in the axial direction utilizing the differential quadrature method (DQM). The natural frequencies and corresponding damping ratios are attained through the presented semi-analytical solution and the impacts of several factors on the natural frequencies and the critical aerodynamic pressure of the shell are examined. These factors the type of the FGM, the material index, and inclined angle of the cells in the FGAH core, the thickness of the FGAH core, the type and mass fraction of the nanofillers in the nanocomposite face layers, and boundary conditions.

Density, Viscosity, Refractive Index, Speed of Sound, Molar Volume, Isobaric Thermal Compressibility, Excess Gibbs Activation for Fluid Flow, and Isentropic Compressibility of Binary Mixtures of Methanol with Anisole and with Toluene at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa

Density, viscosity, refractive index, and ultrasonic velocity were measured for the pure materials anisole, methanol, and toluene, and for the binary mixtures: methanol—anisole and methanol—toluene. Excess molar volume VE, isobaric thermal compressibility α, excess Gibbs activation energy for fluid flow ΔGE*, and excess isentropic compressibility κSE were calculated from the measured quantities. For both binary mixtures VE and κSE were <0 while Δn > 0 and ΔGE* > 0 over the entire mole fraction composition range. Anisole mixtures exhibited more negative values for VE and κSE while more positive values were displayed for Δn and ΔGE* compared to toluene mixtures. For Δη, negative values were observed at low alcohol concentrations but positive values at high alcohol concentrations for both systems.

Self‐Degrading Molecular Organogels: Self‐Assembled Gels Programmed to Spontaneously Liquefy after a Set Time

AbstractGels are used in the oilfield. For example, during oil recovery, organogels are pumped underground into fractures within oil‐bearing rock, so as to block fluid flow. However, after several days, the gels must be degraded (liquefied) to enable oil extraction through the fractures. To degrade gels, ‘degrading agents’ as well as external stimuli have been examined. Here, a concept is demonstrated that avoids external agents and stimuli: self‐degrading organogels based on the self‐assembly of molecular gelators. The gels are a) extremely robust (free standing solids) at time t = 0 and (b) degrade spontaneously into a sol after a set time t = tdegr that can be minutes, hours, or days. These properties are achieved by combining two readily available molecules — the organogelator (1,3:2,4)‐dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) and an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid, HCl) — in an organic solvent. DBS self‐assembles into nanoscale fibrils, which connect into a 3‐D network, thereby gelling the solvent. The acid type and concentration set the value of tdegr at a given temperature. Degradation occurs because the acid slowly hydrolyzes the acetals on DBS, thereby converting DBS into small molecules that cannot form fibrils. DBS gels with a pre‐programmed “degradation clock” can be made with both polar and non‐polar organic solvents. The concept can be a game‐changer for oil recovery as it promises to make it safer, more efficient, and sustainable.

The Blasingame method considering the effect of inter-well interference in a circular homogeneous closed reservoir

The Blasingame method is a valuable tool for analysing the diminishing production challenge in the presence of variable bottomhole pressure and diverse production conditions. It is essential to highlight that the Blasingame method views the closed reservoir as the outer boundary condition for its model. This paper introduces the concept of the equivalent well control radius and formulates the Blasingame method based on the fluid flow characteristics inherent in twin-well production, taking into account the influence of inter-well interference. This study provides an in-depth analysis of production variations in reservoirs with inter-well interference by examining Blasingame type-curve definitions of the dimensionless parameters. Additionally, it investigates key factors impacting production, including neighbouring wells’ production, distance, and opening time: variations in all three parameters lead to different levels of interference between wells, which manifests itself in the regularised production integral derivative curve with different lengths and heights of convexity. Numerical simulations employing orthogonality are conducted to validate the reliability of this method. The results of these simulations offer theoretical support for the precise evaluation of reservoirs facing similar challenges.