Forced Flow Research Articles

Innovative design of a suspended large-span exhibition hall roof in Wuzhen, China

The 2019 Light of Internet Expo main exhibition hall in Wuzhen, China has an innovative roof system combining beam strings, multi-span suspended beams and redundant wind-resisting cables, covering an area of 90 m × 211 m. The suspended 200 mm deep beams form an undulating roof of 35.5 m to 48 m in span length. The novel design, which efficiently combines architectural aesthetics and structural force flow, needed to be completed and built in just 7 months for the exhibition. This paper focuses on structural design issues such as form finding, shape optimisation and structural analysis.

CSIG-27. FLUID SHEAR STRESS ACTIVATES A MECHANO-METASTATIC CASCADE TO PROMOTE MEDULLOBLASTOMA METASTASIS

Abstract Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Dissemination of MB cells into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood initiates metastasis in the central nervous system, which significantly worsens patient prognosis. Disseminated MB cells survive the nutrient-deprived CSF environment and are subjected to fluid shear stress (FSS) by CSF flow. Whether and how FSS contributes to MB metastasis is completely unknown. We computationally simulated FSS dynamics in MB patients using MRI-informed CSF flow models. Based on CSF flow rates and force magnitudes in patients, we engineered two FSS application systems: (1) an orbital shaker system that applies FSS to large populations of cells, and (2) a microfluidic system compatible with live-cell and high-resolution imaging. By applying physiologically relevant FSS to MB cells, we discovered that FSS-treated MB cells metastasize more frequently and form larger metastatic tumors along the spinal cords of mice. Mechanistically, FSS induces actomyosin contraction, which promotes cell clustering, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) localization at the cell surface, and GLUT1-dependent glucose uptake. FSS elevates intracellular calcium through mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2, which is required for FSS-induced actomyosin contraction, cell clustering, and GLUT1 activity. Genetically perturbing PIEZO2 or pharmacologically inhibiting GLUT1 robustly suppresses MB metastasis in mice. Collectively, we discover that MB cells perceive FSS, define an FSS-activated mechano-metastatic cascade, and demonstrate that this cascade is clinically targetable to mitigate MB metastasis.

Exploring the three-dimensional space with modular concrete shells: Form-finding, design and structural analysis

Thin concrete shells can span large distances thanks to their structural efficiency, following the optimum force flow. Despite the efficient use of material of well-designed shells, their construction suffers from labor-intensive and time-consuming fabrication techniques. This research therefore proposes a design method for the facilitated manufacturing of freeform shell structures. The manufacturing process has been considered from the design phase on, by generating an extensive range of different shell configurations based on a limited set of form-found modules and thus formworks. The challenge was to define which curved module geometries, after assembly, lead to the largest variety of freeform surfaces. More than sixty configurations resulted from a set of four modules only. This paper will discuss the form-finding process as well as the geometrical arrangement using tessellation patterns for the achievement of those modular configurations, going from domed to undulating shell shapes. In order to evaluate the structural efficiency of the shapes, twenty modular configurations were selected and analyzed under self-weight, using finite element simulations. To conclude, a prototype of one modular base element has been built, using a reusable casting wax in combination with a grid shell box, as the main parts of the formwork. The results demonstrate the structural feasibility and limitations of the modular shell design strategy. The modular approach contributes to circularity by encouraging reuse and allowing various combinations with a repeating set of modules, striving as such towards resource-effective innovative shell structures.

Decomposition of the drag force in steady and oscillatory flow through a hexagonal sphere pack

We investigate steady and oscillatory flow through a hexagonal close-packed arrangement of spheres in the framework of the volume-averaged momentum equation. We quantify the friction and pressure drag based on a direct numerical simulation dataset. Using the pressure decomposition of Graham (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 881, 2019), the pressure drag can be further split up into an accelerative, a viscous and a convective contribution. For the accelerative pressure, a closed-form expression can be given in terms of the potential flow solution. We investigate the contributions of the different drag components to the volume-averaged momentum budget and their Reynolds number scaling. For steady flow, we find that the friction and viscous pressure drag are proportional to $Re$ at low Reynolds numbers and scale with $Re^{1.4}$ for high Reynolds numbers. This is close to the steady laminar boundary layer scaling. For the convective pressure drag, we find a cubic scaling at low and a quadratic scaling at high Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds stresses have a minor contribution to the momentum budget. For oscillatory flow at low and medium Womersley numbers, the amplitudes of the drag components are similar to the steady cases at the same Reynolds number. At high Womersley numbers, the drag components behave quite differently and the friction and viscous pressure drag are relatively insignificant. The drag components are not in phase with the forcing and the superficial velocity; the phase lag increases with the Womersley number. This suggests that new models beyond the current quasisteady approaches need to be developed.

Effect of electrostatic force and thermal radiation of viscoelastic nanofluid flow with motile microorganisms surrounded by PST and PHF: Bacillus anthracis in biological applications

Current studies have a significant application in various fields; motile microorganism, such as bacteria, can be used for targeted drug delivery. This is because they can be engineered to carry drugs to specific locations in the body. For example, bacteria can be modified to express genes that code for targeting ligands, which are molecules that bind to specific receptors on cells. This could help to prevent the bacteria from multiplying and causing disease. The main aim of the current work is to perform the numerical analysis of three-dimensional radiative, steady viscoelastic nanofluids flow towards an exponentially stretchable porous surface. The impact of nth-order chemical reaction and motile microbes are also disclosed looks at how multiple slips affect the Buongiorno model for magnetohydrodynamic viscoelastic nanofluids with radiation across a permeable stretched sheet. The appropriate suitable are used to transform nonlinear partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. The numerical solution of the resulting system of equations is handled numerically by employing the bvp4c algorithm built-in MATLAB Software which comes of three-stage Lobatto IIIa formula. Dimensionless values such as temperature, concentration, velocity, and the non-Newtonian nano-fluid density profile are explored, as are non-dimensional numbers such as the local Nusselt, local friction coefficient, Sherwood, and motile microbe. Present results signifies enhancement in the temperature profiles as well as the thickness of the thermal boundary layer by increasing Brownian motion (Nb) and thermophoresis parameters (Nt), whereas decrement is noted against the viscoelastic parameter (K). As the value of the magnetic parameter ranges 0.0≤M≤ 0.2 the relative increment noted in skin friction coefficient is about 1.9 %, while decrement is found in curves of velocity field. Our findings are compared with the data available in the literature and found to be in good consensus.

A comparative study of the cutting efficiency of diamond rotary instruments with different grit sizes with a low-speed electric handpiece against zirconia specimens

The use of zirconia in dentistry has increased. However, little attention has been given to the difficulty experienced by clinicians when cutting zirconia restorations intraorally. Evidence for which grit size and type of rotary instrument is best for cutting zirconia intraorally is lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to identify the most efficient diamond rotary instrument grit size for cutting zirconia intraorally. Efficiency was measured by comparing the cutting depth of each rotary instrument into zirconia, analyzing zirconia specimens for surface damage after cutting, and measuring instrument deterioration. Thirty zirconia specimens of the same measurements were used as test specimens and cut with 30 diamond rotary instruments with different grit sizes. An electric handpiece was used with constant force (1.7N), speed (40 000rpm), time (1min), and water flow rate (25mL/min) to produce comparative data. The mean cutting efficiency values were compared by analysis, and the median values were compared by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (α=.05). Each test was followed up with pair wise comparisons of the mean or median values if significance was indicated. The greatest cutting depth was achieved with a fine-grit instrument with a mean cutting depth of 5.79mm compared with 4.54mm for the coarse-grit instrument (P=.032). The greatest damage to zirconia was done by the coarse- and supercoarse-grit instruments (both 33%), with no substrate damage by the superfine-, fine-, and medium-grit instruments. The greatest instrument deterioration was found on the supercoarse rotary instruments (9.05%). With only 3 exceptions, the power calculations were all sufficient and above 83%. The fine grit rotary instrument (between 40 and 50µm) was the most efficient, achieving the greatest cutting depth, with no detectable macroscopic damage to the zirconia and minimal instrument deterioration.

Experimental study on interaction between the internal solitary wave and a hydrofoil based on the spectral proper orthogonal decomposition

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) are a well-known phenomenon of water motion in the ocean, and their strong shear flow has a non-negligible harm to underwater marine engineering structures. To clarify the variation law of flow field and force during the interaction between ISW and common marine engineering structures-hydrofoils, in this paper, the spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) method is introduced into the ISW problem for the first time. The advantage of this method is that it can display the flow field information in the frequency domain, and we obtained the flow field structure in the frequency domain during the whole flow process and mode 1 at the primary frequency with this method. We also obtained the time evolution flow field and force data through the particle image velocimetry technology and force sensor. The results show that the characteristics of flow field described by time domain and frequency domain show good consistency. According to the analyses results, we divide the flow process into low-frequency steady state and high-frequency disturbance. Most notably, we use the SPOD method to find that the sub-peak threshold of the flow frequency is surprisingly consistent with the sub-peak threshold of the force frequency. The main modes and frequency information of the flow field obtained by the SPOD method can provide valuable guidance for hydrofoil structures to avoid and predict ISW hazards in actual marine engineering operations.

Airflow Dynamics and Aeolian Sand Transport Across a Beach‐Climbing Dune‐Clifftop Dune System

AbstractThis study presents an analysis of wind flow and sediment transport from the beach up a 50 m high, long (130 m), steep (mean slope 26°) climbing dune and across a 1.5 m high max, 85 m long and 17.5 m wide clifftop dune 30 km south of Dakhla in Morocco, NW Africa, during highly oblique incident wind conditions. Multiple 2D sonic and cup/vane anemometers and sand traps were utilized for measurements. Flow steering was significant on the upper climbing dune. Flow deceleration occurred near the dune toe, and topographic forcing of flow was considerable on the upper slopes of the climbing dune. Near‐surface flow steadiness (CVU1, CVU0.25) on the climbing dune straight slope segment was low and constant. The distance upslope over which the airflow reached a speed comparable to that on the beach increases as the incident wind speed increases. The greatest flow acceleration and speed‐up was observed at the cliff edge reaching 250% at 1 m height and 220% at 0.25 m height for the lowest incident wind speed class (4–5 m/s). The sand transport rate declined from the beach to the climbing dune toe and lower slope, but at the uppermost section of the climbing dune was 4 times higher than in the beach for the 7–8 m/s incident wind speed. Sand in aeolian transport was generally finer than surface sand, with the mean grain size increasing up the slope. A comparison of the sand transport data collected with sand transport models, and the effects of slope on Aeolian transport are also examined.

Study of the Motion Performance of Marine Current Power Plant Turbine Floaters Due To Ocean Current Forces under Moored Conditions

Indonesia targets carbon emissions to reach 0% in 2060 and is replaced by optimizing the use of renewable energy sources. Indonesia as an archipelago country, with the potential of thousands of straits can be utilized as a source of ocean currents as a source of electrical energy. The electricity generated is obtained from a turbine rotor that rotates due to the force of the ocean current flow. To support the turbine rotor to move in the sea, a floating support structure is needed. In this study, a trimaran tipe support structure is used where on the left and right sides are installed 2 (pieces) turbine rotors @ 50 kW each, so that the total has a capability of 200 kW (@4 x 50 kW). The novelty of this study is the utilization of Trimaran technology in marine current power generation turbines, which has good stability, low resistance, and a wider deck area rather than monohull structures. A numerical study using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to calculate the program. The results showed that the floater only moves backward and then is pulled forward with a small amplitude of movement in the X-direction, while those on the Y and Z axes are insignificant. The turbine floater can be immediately stabilized and the turbine rotor will rotate due to the force of the ocean current received. Therefore, in this study, the marine current turbine using trimaran type is showing good ability to survive in Indonesian waters even in high current areas.

Heat transfer rate and thermal energy analysis of MHD powell-eyring fluid in a permeable medium

This study is of significant importance as it focuses on exploring the intricate dynamics of viscous dissipation over a layered stretching surface in the context of MHD free and forced convective flow influenced by Powell-Eyring fluid. The primary aim of this research is to analyze the impact of heat emission and immersion phenomena on the flow, and to achieve this, conformable transformations of similarity have been pragmatic to adapt the governing equations from a set of non-linear PDE's into ODE's. The research methodology employed in this study involves numerical analysis using a 4th order Runge-Kutta formulation, implemented through MATLAB. The study precisely examines the stimulus of different flow constraints on velocity and temperature profiles. The outcomes of this investigation are presented through graphical representations, providing a comprehensive view of the flow characteristics. Furthermore, this study goes beyond the basic analysis by presenting important engineering metrics, the Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficient, explicitly across dissimilar variables. In conclusion, the findings of this research reveal as the Eyring-Powell fluid velocity profile rises, the temperature profile decreases, while the temperature profile rises with rising radiation.

Experimental Study on the Flow Field, Force, and Moment Measurements of Submarines with Different Stern Control Surfaces

Flow field performance tests of submarine models with cross-rudder and X-rudder stern control surfaces were conducted to study X-rudders’ performance in non-uniform flow fields. The tests compared performance parameters such as resistance, lateral steering force, yaw moment, stern velocity field, and flow field inhomogeneity coefficient under low- and high-speed conditions. The test results show that, at low speed, the resistance of the X-rudder submarine is smaller than that of the cross-rudder one at the same rudder angle. In contrast, at high speed, the resistance of the cross-rudder submarine is smaller than that of the X-rudder submarine. Under low- and high-speed conditions, the X-rudder’s lateral steering force and yaw moment are larger than those of the cross rudder at the same rudder angle. The superiority of the maneuverability of the X-rudder becomes more apparent with increasing rudder angle. At a rudder angle of 10°, the X-rudder’s lateral steering force and yaw moment are about two times larger than the cross rudder’s. In the small-radius area of the propeller plane, the inhomogeneity coefficient of the X-rudder is generally smaller than that of the cross rudder. This is probably because the cross-rudder stern control surfaces have fixed stabilizers with flaps, and the X-rudder stern control surfaces are all-moving, with a small fixed part next to the submarine. This test provides a reference for designing the stern control surface of low-noise submarines.

Neocartesian Worldview

The Neo-Cartesian worldview generalizes modern physics. This worldview is based on Descartes’ identity of space and matter. According to this identity, space is matter, and matter is space, the fragments of which move relative to each other at a speed no greater than the speed of light. Explaining the equivalence of mass and energy by the existence of a flow of force on each corpuscle from the space of the Universe, the neo-Cartesian worldview creates a new paradigm in scientific knowledge aimed at overcoming the existing crisis in physics, namely at turning it into a unified theory that studies both micro- and macrophenomena.

Heat transfer modification in an unsteady laminar boundary layer subject to free-stream traveling waves

A laminar, thermal boundary layer was forced computationally by free-stream, traveling-wave velocity fluctuations and the effects on the wall heat flux and skin friction were measured as a function of the phase speed of the disturbances and the streamwise location along the developing flow. The heat flux modification due to the flow forcing was significantly higher than the corresponding skin friction enhancement, and the dependence of these two transport properties on the phase speed was qualitatively different. The skin friction modification exhibited a maximum at an optimal phase speed, which was explained in terms of the overlap of two distinct viscous layers within the boundary layer. The heat flux modification did not exhibit this maximum, although evidence was found to suggest such a maximum may occur with sufficient boundary layer development. Because the magnitude of the wall heat-flux modification scales quadratically with wave amplitude, traveling wave disturbances pose significant challenges for thermal transport measurements in periodically perturbed environments, like turbomachinery, but also new opportunities for the control of heat transfer.

On the comparison between pre- and post-surgery nasal anatomies via computational fluid dynamics

Nasal breathing difficulties (NBD) are widespread and difficult to diagnose; the failure rate of their surgical corrections is high. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enables diagnosis of NBD and surgery planning, by comparing a pre-operative (pre-op) situation with the outcome of virtual surgery (post-op). An equivalent comparison is involved when considering distinct anatomies in the search for the functionally normal nose. Currently, this comparison is carried out in more than one way, under the implicit assumption that results are unchanged, which reflects our limited understanding of the driver of the respiratory function. The study describes how to set up a meaningful comparison. A pre-op anatomy, derived via segmentation from a CT scan, is compared with a post-op anatomy obtained via virtual surgery. State-of-the-art numerical simulations for a steady inspiration carry out the comparison under three types of global constraints, derived from the field of turbulent flow control: a constant pressure drop (CPG) between external ambient and throat, a constant flow rate (CFR) through the airways and a constant power input (CPI) from the lungs can be enforced. A significant difference in the quantities of interest is observed depending on the type of comparison. Global quantities (flow rate, pressure drop and nasal resistance) as well as local ones are affected. The type of flow forcing affects the outcome of the comparison between pre-op and post-op anatomies. Among the three available options, we argue that CPG is the least adequate. Arguments favouring either CFR or CPI are presented.

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Water Flow Effect on a Temporary Pier with Three Columns in Series

In order to ensure the safety of temporary piers during bridge construction, it is necessary to analyze the water flow effects on temporary piers during flood periods. Based on the practical engineering of a new bridge in Jiangxi province, a three-dimensional numerical model was established using the Reynolds Time Average Navier–Stokes equation (RANS) and SST k-ω turbulence model to simulate the flow force on three-column temporary piers in series. The stress state of the temporary pier was obtained under different flow velocities and submergence depths. The distribution characteristics of the flow field around the temporary pier and the flow force characteristics acting on the temporary pier were analyzed and compared with the monitoring measurement data and the Morison equation calculation data. The results indicate that the local flow was accelerated on both sides of the temporary pier, but the local acceleration effect along the river flow direction was weakened. The flow velocity of the water around the temporary pier decreases with the increasing of river depth. The pressure on the outer surface of the temporary pier is basically negative pressure, except for the positive pressure on the upstream side. The absolute value of the negative pressure on both sides is much greater than the positive pressure on the upstream side. As the submergence depth and flow velocity increase, the pressure in each area gradually increases. The pressure distribution of the upstream pier is basically symmetrical, while the pressure distribution of the middle and downstream piers is asymmetric due to the influence of the vortex shedding from the front pier, resulting in a change in the water flow incidence point. The turbulence intensity in each region of the flow field shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the depth of the water flow. The drag coefficient and lateral force coefficient of the temporary pier are basically not affected by the inflow velocity, but the resistance and lateral force increase with the increase in submergence depth and inflow velocity.

Atomization efficacy of a novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) versus the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized non-inferiority clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare the atomization efficacy of a novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) versus the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in nebulizing a combination of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol for treatment of stable moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA randomized, parallel, non-inferiority study was conducted. A total of 64 stable COPD patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Each the experimental group received nebulized Combivent (Compound Ipratropium Bromide Solution) with CVS-100, while the control group received Combivent with M102. Lung ventilation function was measured before and 30 min after nebulization, and the difference in percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of predicted value (FEV1%pred), the forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF50%), the forced expiratory flow at 75% (FEF75%), the mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was evaluated. The non-inferiority margin for the lower 95% confidence limit was set at 3.5%. ResultsThe lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for the difference in FEV1%pred between the two groups was −1.83357, which was greater than −3.5. No significant differences were found in FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25∼75%, MVV before and after nebulization between the two groups. ConclusionThe novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) was found to be non-inferior to the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in terms of the change in FEV1%pred from baseline after nebulization. Similar results were observed for all other measures of efficacy.

Effects of body postures on respiratory muscle force and coughing in healthy people

The respiratory muscle force determines the intensity of cough force. A greater cough force for cleaning the airways is essential for preventing and managing pneumonia. Body posture can affect the onset of aspiration pneumonia. However, the effects of body posture on the respiratory muscle and cough forces remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore the influence of the four body postures on respiratory muscle force, cough pressure, subjective ease of coughing, and pulmonary function in healthy individuals. Twenty healthy individuals were included in this study. Body postures were 0-degree supine, 30- and 60-degree semi-recumbent, and 90-degree sitting. The maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, maximal cough pressure, subjective ease of coughing, and pulmonary function, including peak expiratory flow, were evaluated. We set the measured values in the supine posture to 100% and showed the relative values. The 60-degree posture showed stronger inspiratory (125.1 ± 3.9%, mean ± standard error [SE]) and expiratory (116.4 ± 3.0%) muscle force, cough pressure, more subjective ease of coughing, and greater peak expiratory flow (113.4 ± 3.0%) than the supine posture. The sitting posture also showed greater inspiratory muscle force and peak expiratory flow than the supine posture. The correlation coefficient for the 60-degree posture showed that the maximal inspiratory pressure was moderately correlated with the maximal expiratory pressure (r = 0.512), cough pressure (r = 0.495), and peak expiratory flow (r = 0.558). The above findings suggest the advantage of keeping a 60-degree posture and avoiding the supine posture to generate a greater cough force in the prevention and management of pneumonia.

Impact of industrial pollution on children's lungs: A comparative analysis of pulmonary function in critically polluted and non-polluted areas in western India

BackgroundAir pollution is a pressing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Children living near industrialized and critically polluted areas (CPAs) face heightened health risks due to their developing respiratory systems. This study aimed to assess the impact of industrial pollution on children's lung function in a CPA in western India. MethodologyThe study evaluated 362 children studying in 5th to 7th standard from both a CPA and a relatively non-polluted area (NPA) for comparison. Ambient and indoor air quality measurements were taken, and pulmonary function tests were conducted to assess lung health. Group difference and regression analysis were performed with SPSS 26.0. ResultsThe CPA group showed significantly higher air pollution levels and a higher prevalence of obstructive and restrictive patterns in pulmonary function compared to the NPA group. The findings also revealed that children residing in CPA exhibited a significant decline of 530 ml forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25–75%), and a reduction of 3.9% FEV1/FVC ratio when compared to children residing in relatively NPA. ConclusionWhile this study's cross-sectional design has limitations, it provides valuable evidence of the impact of air pollution on children's lungs in a semi-urban industrialized area. To mitigate these health risks, integrating respiratory health check-ups, including pulmonary function tests, in existing health programs, like Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), is recommended for early detection and intervention. Implementing initiatives such as enhancing green belts around schools and continuous air quality monitoring will be crucial.

Heat and Mass Transfer On MHD Flow Problems with Hall and Ion Slip Effects On Exponentially Accelerated Plate

We in this paper intended to investigate heat and mass transfer for MHD free convective flow for exponentially accelerated plate. The effects of Ion slip and Hall are studied considering variable temperatures, concentration, and angle of inclination. We applied finite element analysis for solving governing equations. Flow velocity, concentration and temperature’s graphical profiles are examined for non-dimensional parameters. Flow reversal is prevented due to magnetic field, is observed. Velocity experiences retarding effect due to angle of inclination, this helps in acknowledging drag force in seepage flow.

Cities (r)evolution in the smart era: smart mobility practices as a driving force for tourism flow and the moderating role of airports in cities

PurposeThe significance of smart mobility practices in shaping cities from a smart perspective has grown in recent years, influencing policies and the choices made by inhabitants. This transformation has led to the emergence of novel services and strategies, creating a new, vibrant and highly personalised urban environment that caters to the needs and preferences of both local residents and visitors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of smart mobility practices on tourism flows in cities, considering the moderating effect of airport activities on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachUsing a generalised method of moments estimation and focusing on 20 Italian cities over an eight-year period, the authors highlight the current relationship between smart mobility practices and tourism flows. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that the yearly advancement of airports positively moderates this relationship.FindingsThe findings indicate a significant relationship between smart mobility practices in modern cities and tourism inflows because they influence the development of tourism services and emerging trends such as smart tourism and smart destinations. Furthermore, airport activities as a proxy for city openness play a crucial role in this link. The study shows that airports have an incremental impact on tourism and on the relationship between tourism and sustainable practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this quantitative approach include the focus on a single country, the challenge of measuring the development of smart mobility practices due to a lack of standardised variables and the need for future research to expand the sample to different countries in relation to tourism inflows.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for policymakers and governance in their task of effectively coordinating internal smart mobility practices and managing incoming tourism flows.Social implicationsThis study has social implications, highlighting the need for policymakers and governance to address the societal impacts of smart mobility practices and tourism inflows, ensuring inclusive and sustainable outcomes for local communities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature as one of the first attempts to examine the interplay between smart mobility practices in smart cities and tourism flows. Furthermore, it emphasises the role of airports in this relationship, highlighting how the interaction between these variables benefits both stakeholders.