Hybrid Analytical-numerical Approach Research Articles

Enhancing flammable gas dispersion and explosion prediction: A novel hybrid analytical-numerical approach with exploCFD

The analysis of explosion consequences involves two primary approaches: analytical methods and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Analytical methods offer a simplified one-dimensional model of overpressure, while CFD provides a more detailed numerical analysis capturing asymmetric and inhomogeneous overpressure distribution. However, CFD simulations can be computationally demanding and require additional sub-grid models to enable calculations to be carried out in realistic timeframes. Both approaches have large irreducible uncertainty. The hybrid analytical-numerical approach aims to simplify and speed up the calculation process, yet producing results that remain within this irreducible uncertainty. This study describes the theoretical basis and demonstrates the successful implementation of the hybrid methodology in exploCFD for predicting flammable gas dispersion and explosions with special focus on hydrogen. The methodology combines analytical source terms with numerical simulations, capturing the inhomogeneity of explosion overpressure distribution in realistic explosion cases, and gas release dispersion cases, which can only be achieved by taking obstacles and obstructions into account. We then compare the predictions of exploCFD with dispersion and explosion experiments with experimental results, with a special focus on Hydrogen. The focus on hydrogen utilization in recent years necessitates the development of predictive capabilities to assess the consequences of hydrogen-fuelled accidents in industrial facilities due to its unique properties. The methodology exhibits good agreement with experiment, for maximum and transient overpressure readings as well as dispersion concentrations. The study demonstrates that exploCFD's hybrid methodology is well-suited for modeling flammable gas releases, particularly hydrogen, and simulating explosion events resulting from the ignition of premixed gas clouds. This approach offers a superior alternative to more time-consuming and costly purely numerical methods, as well as crude analytical methods still in use today.

Dynamics of a single trapped ion in a high-density medium: A stochastic approach

Based on the Langevin equation, a stochastic formulation is implemented to describe the dynamics of a trapped ion in a bath of ultracold atoms, including an excess of micromotion. The ion dynamics is described following a hybrid analytical-numerical approach in which the ion is treated as a classical impurity in a thermal bath. As a result, the ion energy's time evolution and distribution are derived from studying the sympathetic cooling process. Furthermore, the ion dynamics under different stochastic noise terms is also considered to gain information on the bath properties' role in the system's energy transfer processes. Finally, the results obtained from this formulation are contrasted with those obtained with a more traditional Monte Carlo approach.

Combining integral transform and a generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties to quantify model-parameter and model uncertainties in computational structural dynamics: The stochastic GITT method

The current work combines the generalized probabilistic approach of uncertainties recently developed by Soize (2010)—with the generalized integral transform technique in order to take into account two types of uncertainties: (i) model-parameter uncertainties and (ii) model uncertainties induced by modelling errors. The generalized integral transform technique (or GITT) is a powerful meshless hybrid analytical-numerical approach based on eigenfunction expansions to solve systems of partial differential equations and has been progressively advanced during the last three decades. The current work advances the state-of-the-art of the GITT approach by rigorously taking into account both model-parameter uncertainties and model uncertainties to improve the predictive accuracy of computational models developed in the context of computational structural dynamics. The developed stochastic GITT method is flexible enough to handle parametric and non-parametric probabilistic methods to quantify both types of uncertainties. It is applied to the governing equations derived with the extended Hamilton’s variational principle for predicting the in-plane and out-of-plane bending vibrations of a slender flexible structure connected to a rotating rigid shaft, resembling many complex engineered structures. Stochastic dynamic analyses in both time- and frequency-domains under both types of uncertainties are firstly carried out. Finally, stochastic model updating is carried out with the maximum likelihood and Bayesian statistical methods in order to construct both the optimum prior stochastic models of uncertainties and the posterior stochastic model of model-parameter uncertainties, using the first natural frequencies as observed data.

Hybrid analytical-numerical optimization design methodology of acoustic metamaterials for sound insulation

Acoustic metamaterials are becoming promising solutions for many industry applications, but the gap between theory and practice is still difficult to close. This research proposes an optimization methodology of acoustic metamaterial designs for sound insulation that aims to start bridging this gap. The proposed methodology takes advantage of a hybrid analytical-numerical approach for computing the sound transmission loss of the designs efficiently. As a result, the implementation of optimization techniques on numerical model designs becomes practically possible. This is exemplified with two test cases: (i) optimization of the sound transmission loss of a single gypsum board panel and (ii) optimization of the noise reduction of outdoor HVAC units. Two resonator designs, one used previously for sound radiation in flat panel speakers and the other for enhancing the sound transmission loss at the mass-air-mass resonance of double panels, are here optimized for the two test cases. This shows how an existing resonator can be adapted for new purposes, thus making the design of acoustic metamaterials efficient. The optimized metamaterials outperform the original designs as well as traditional approaches to sound insulation.

Immune-to-Detuning Wireless In-Body Platform for Versatile Biotelemetry Applications.

In-body biotelemetry devices enable wireless monitoring of a wide range of physiological parameters. These devices rely on antennas to interface with external receivers, yet existing systems suffer from impedance detuning caused by the substantial differences in electromagnetic properties among various tissues. In this paper, we propose an immune-to-detuning in-body biotelemetry platform featuring a novel tissue-independent antenna design. Our approach uses a novel slot-patch conformal antenna integrated into a flexible polyimide printed circuit board containing the device circuitry and encapsulated within a 17.7mm[Formula: see text]8.9mm biocompatible shell. The antenna is synthesized and optimized using a hybrid analytical-numerical approach and, then, characterized numerically and experimentally in terms of impedance stability. The proposed platform shows stable impedance, whereas operating in any mammalian tissue as well as in air. The system is optimized for the 434-MHz industrial, scientific, and medical band and can easily be returned for any MedRadio band in the 401-457-MHz spectrum. Ultrarobust impedance characteristics were achieved. Without any modifications, the proposed biotelemetry platform can be used, for instance, as an ingestible for humans or as an implantable for a wide range of animals: from rodents to cattle.

Hybrid analytical-numerical approach for investigation of differential effects in normal and cancer cells under electroporation.

Electroporation has offered important biomedical applications in electrochemotherapy, tissue ablation and gene editing recently. Time and computation efficient analytical and numerical models should be developed to understand the differential effects of electroporation on normal and cancer cells. In this work, we present a hybrid analytical–numerical approach to investigate the behavior of normal and cancer cells under electroporation. We have compared the human breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and non-tumorigenic human breast cell (MCF-10A) under electroporation in terms of change in transmembrane voltage and pore formation on cell surface. The effects of electric pulse time, amplitude and membrane conductivity variation are analyzed in a systematic manner. To accelerate the calculation of transmembrane voltage, we have introduced a simple Multilayer Electric Potential Model (MEPM) which calculates the potential distribution across the cell analytically. The MEPM calculates electric potential distribution across a biological cell sandwiched between two semi-circular electrodes held at fixed potential, by solving the Laplace's equation over an equivalent planar, multilayer geometry. The MEPM model is then used in a Finite Element Method (FEM) based numerical model of electroporation. Transmembrane voltage and pore density for electroporated MCF-10A are estimated to be 1.31 V and 2.98 × 1013 m−2 respectively, and for MCF-7 the estimated values are 0.53 V and 1.93 × 1014 m−2, respectively. Our results suggest that under electroporation, the cancer cell's membrane get much more permeabilized than its counterpart normal cell even at small values of transmembrane voltage. This work provides a theoretical basis for further experimental exploration of electroporation process in cancer therapy, and serves as a design tool for performance optimization.

Robust Ultraminiature Capsule Antenna for Ingestible and Implantable Applications

Progress in implantable and ingestible wireless biotelemetry requires versatile and efficient antennas to communicate reliably from a body. We propose an ultraminiature 434 MHz antenna immune to impedance detuning caused by varying electromagnetic properties of the surrounding biological environment. It is designed for a standard input impedance of 50 Ω. The antenna is synthesized and miniaturized using a hybrid analytical-numerical approach, and then optimized to conform to the inner surface of a 17 mm long biocompatible encapsulation (7 mm diameter). The substrate is 50 μm thick. The capsule antenna is analyzed both in simplified and anatomically realistic heterogeneous phantoms. It remains matched at common implantation sites and through the whole gastrointestinal tract. Enhanced robustness allows using the antenna for a wide range of in-body applications. Computed reflection coefficients and radiation performance both show good agreement with measurements. The far field is characterized with the direct illumination technique using an analog fiber optic link. The realized gain (measured max. value -19.6 dBi) exceeds the counterparts by about 3 dBi. The proposed antenna contributes to the further development of a new generation of miniature in-body devices that involve complex and dense integration of sensors, logic, and power source.

Low-loss gears precision planetary gearboxes: reduction of the load dependent power losses and efficiency estimation through a hybrid analytical-numerical optimization tool

In the field of robotics, extremely accurate gearboxes are mandatory in order to ensure the adequate precision required by the automatic processes. For these applications, planetary gearboxes represent one of the most attractive solutions because they ensure high reduction ratios in a compact solution. However, their compactness and high power density, imply some thermal limitations. In order to overcome this problem, new gear designs have been studied by a hybrid analytical-numerical approach in order to reduce the power dissipation and, consequently, the operating temperatures. The efficiency increase is obtained mainly by a reduction of the module of the gears. This, together with other modifications of the tooth form (pressure angle, profile shift, etc.), allows to reduce the relative sliding between the tooth flanks that causes the power loss maintaining at the same time an adequate load carrying capacity. Low-loss gears have already been studied by other authors on bigger gears. Furthermore, by means of dedicated CFD simulations performed with an especially developed tool based on the open-source code OpenFOAM®, it has been shown that the sliding optimized design has a positive impact also on the churning power losses. The global winning in terms of reduction of the gear meshing power losses can be assessed in about 50%, depending on the reduction ratio. The new design has been validated by means of experimental tests performed in the internal laboratory of the company. The results have fully validated both the numerical approach and the new design.

Hybrid modelling of sliding–sticking zones at the tool–chip interface under dry machining and tool wear analysis

Tool wear in machining processes strongly depends on the tool–chip interface. The sliding–sticking zones at this interface depend on the evolution of the local conditions of stress, velocity and temperature. Several authors have shown that because of the complexity of the tool–chip contact, the tribological conditions are not fully understood and accurate predictive models have yet to be developed. To propose a realistic model of chip formation, a hybrid analytical–numerical approach is presented in this work for the orthogonal cutting process. This simplified approach can be very useful for analysing the interaction between the chip formation process and the tribological conditions at the tool–chip interface. An analytical model is used to analyse the thermomechanical material flow in the primary shear zone, the tool–chip contact length, the local friction coefficient and the sliding–sticking zones. In addition, the temperature distribution in the chip is studied by numerical means. The effects of cutting conditions and material behaviour are evaluated. In the case of machining of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, a quantitative comparison between model and experimental results is also provided to analyse the wear process.

Analysis of tribological parameters during machining

In this paper, a hybrid analytical-numerical approach is performed for the orthogonal cutting process. The modelling of the thermomechanical material flow in the primary shear zone, the tool-chip contact length and the sliding-sticking zones are obtained from an analytical approach. In addition, the Finite Element method is used to solve the non linear thermal problem in the chip. Our aim is to propose an approach which can easily be used to identify the main parameters governing tool wear and to explain the experimental trends. The effects of cutting conditions and material behaviour on the sliding-sticking zones and on the temperature distribution along the tool-chip interface can be evaluated from this approach. It has been found that the sliding-sticking zones at the tool-chip interface strongly control the local conditions of stress, velocity and temperature

Biophysics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with periodic z-axis acceleration or abdominal compression at aortic resonant frequencies

Periodic z-axis acceleration (pGz)-CPR involves an oscillating motion of a whole patient in the head-to-foot dimension on a mechanized table. The method is able to sustain blood flow and long-term survival during and after prolonged cardiac arrest in anesthetized pigs. However, the exact mechanism by which circulation of blood is created has remained unknown. To explain the hemodynamic mechanism of pGz-CPR and to suggest some theoretically useful improvements. Computer modeling using a hybrid analytical-numerical approach, based upon Newton's second law of motion for fluid columns in the aorta and vena cavae, Ohm's law for resistive flow through vascular beds, and a 10-compartment representation of the adult human circulation. This idealized 70-kg human model is exercised to explore the effects upon systemic perfusion pressure of whole body z-axis acceleration at frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 5 Hz. The results, in turn, suggested studies of abdominal compression at these frequencies. Blood motion induced in great vessels by periodic z-axis acceleration causes systemic perfusion when cardiac valves are competent. Blood flow is a function of the frequency of oscillation. At 3.5 Hz, periodic acceleration using +/-0.6G and +/-1.2 cm oscillations induces forward blood flow of 2.1L/min and systemic perfusion pressure of 47 mmHg. A form of resonance occurs at the frequency for peak-flow, in which the period of oscillation matches the round-trip transit time for reflected pulse waves in the aorta. For +/-1.0 G acceleration at 3.5 Hz, systemic perfusion pressure is 80 mmHg and forward flow is 3.8L/min in the adult human model with longitudinal z-axis motion of only +/-2 cm. Similar results can be obtained using abdominal compression to excite resonant pressure-volume waves in the aorta. For 20 mmHg abdominal pressure pulses at 3.8 Hz, systemic perfusion pressure is 7 mmHg and forward flow is 2.8L/min. pGz-CPR and high-frequency abdominal CPR are the physically realistic means of generating artificial circulation during cardiac arrest. These techniques have fundamental mechanisms and practical features quite different from those of conventional CPR and the potential to generate superior systemic perfusion.

Forced Convection Heat Transfer to Power-Law Non-Newtonian Fluids Inside Triangular Ducts

A hybrid analytical-numerical approach based on the Generalized Integral Transform Technique is employed to simulate the laminar forced convection (hydrodynamically fully developed and thermally developing laminar flow) of power-law non-Newtonian fluids inside ducts with arbitrary shaped cross-sections. The analysis is illustrated through consideration of both right angularly and isosceles triangular ducts subjected to constant wall temperature as thermal boundary condition. Reference results for quantities of practical interest such as dimensionless average temperature and Nusselt numbers within the thermal entry region were produced for different values of power-law index and apex angles. Finally, critical comparisons are performed with results available in the literature for direct numerical and approximate approaches.