In-house Computer Research Articles

Composite Structural Health Prediction Using Vibroacoustic Responses via Machine Learning Techniques

This research adopted five different machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify damage in the laminated structure utilizing the vibroacoustic responses obtained via coupled finite element (FE)–boundary element (BE) solutions. Initially, the composite structural model is derived through higher-order midplane kinematics and solved to compute the fluid–structure interactions in terms of vibroacoustic values via in-house computer code. Furthermore, the exactness and effectiveness of the suggested model have been verified with experimental responses of the intact and damaged shell structure. Subsequently, the sound pressure level data have been extracted for different excitation frequencies numerically using various input parameters via the established model. First, the said ML models are trained using 1500 extracted data sets (using the customized MATLAB code) and predicted the damage using 303 datasets by setting the numerals, i.e., ‘0’ and ‘1’. A total of 1803 datasets (crack: 902 datasets; intact: 901 datasets) have been utilized for the current analysis. The current predicted responses indicate that the Random Forest Classifier is capable of providing higher accuracy (ranges between 81% and 91%) in comparison to all types of ML algorithms (Random Forest Classifier, Logistics Regression, Linear Support Vector Classified, Kernel Support Vector Machines and Artificial Neural Network) adopted. The proposed method detects and forecasts defects in the composite structures early and helps prevent adverse effects.

A Novel Diagonal-Cruciform Test Specimen to Evaluate Sheet Formability

This paper investigates the application of the recently proposed diagonal-cruciform test specimen to evaluate the formability of C11000 copper sheets. The specimen features a two-dimensional reticular structure with triangular interconnected arms that meet at a central point, aimed at enabling biaxial tension when subjected to uniaxial loading in conventional testing machines. The specimen also features a thickness reduction in the form of spherical cups at the center to ensure damage accumulation. Experimental strain loading paths were captured using digital image correlation (DIC) and analyzed with an in-house computer software to determine and plot the onsets of necking and fracture in principal strain space. Results validate the specimen's ability to induce stable biaxial strain paths in C11000 copper sheets under friction-independent conditions and without requiring complex multi-axial testing apparatuses. The overall work confirms the versatility of the diagonal-cruciform design to evaluate the formability of the C11000 copper sheets and provides insights into its applicability across other sheet materials with appropriate modifications to the inner and outer arm angles.

On the hybridization of double-flush riveting with adhesive bonding

This paper investigates the feasibility of combining the principles of a novel joining-by-forming process, known as double-flush riveting, with those of adhesive bonding to produce hybrid joints with enhanced characteristics. The study focuses on unit cells consisting of lap joints between 2 mm steel sheets, fabricated using: (i) commercial high-performance adhesives, (ii) solid rivets, or (iii) a combination of both. The experimental workplan begins with identifying the optimal conditions for surface preparation and curing to achieve sound adhesive-bonded unit cells. A similar approach is applied to double-flush riveted unit cells, focusing on the geometric variables of the process. Hybrid unit cells are constructed following a sequence that starts with adhesive bonding and concludes with double-flush riveting. Results are supported by finite element analysis using an in-house computer program and focus on the construction of the unit cells as well as destructive testing through lap-shear tests. The findings confirm that, although hybrid joints are more complex to produce due to the integration of two distinct joining processes, they ultimately provide greater joint strength making them promising solution for demanding applications where durability and reliability are paramount.

Improvement of heat transfer within solar water heater’s tubes (SWH) using nanofluids

This research offers a numerical study of steady and laminar mixed convection flow in a circular pipe as part of a flat plate solar collector, which is crossed by nanofluids. The pipe is kept at a constant wall temperature and then at a constant heat flux, which represents the solar radiation received by the pipe. The governing coupled equations are solved with the finite volume approach. Computations are carried out using an in-house computer code, which has been satisfactorily validated by comparison to previous investigations. Empirical relations are used to predict the effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids. The results are investigated using dynamic and thermal fields, with a special emphasis on the Nusselt number calculated along the active wall. They demonstrate that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles and Reynolds number improves heat transfer.

Effects of Inlet Velocity Profile on the Bubble Dynamics in a Fluidized Bed Partially Filled with Geldart B Particles

In this study, a two-dimensional computational domain featuring gas and solid phases is computationally studied for Geldart-B-type particles. In addition to the baseline case of a uniform gas-phase injection velocity, three different inlet velocity profiles were simulated, and their effects on the fluidized bed hydrodynamics and bubble dynamics have been studied. An in-house computer program was developed to track the bubbles and determine the temporal evolution of their size and position prior to their breakup. This program also provides information on the location of bubble coalescence and breakup. The gas-solid interactions were simulated using a Two-Fluid Model (TFM) with Gidaspow’s drag model. The results reveal that the bed hydrodynamics feature a counter-rotating vortex pair for the solid phase, and bubble dynamics, such as coalescence and breakup, can be correlated with the vortices’ outer periphery and the local gradients in the vorticity.

The Design and Optimization of Additively Manufactured Radial Compressor of a Miniature Gas Turbine Engine

Abstract This paper presents a multidisciplinary design methodology for a single-stage radial compressor of a small-scale gas turbine jet engine. The entire engine, producing more than 600 N thrust with an engine diameter of less than 30 cm, will be manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM) in a single piece. Therefore, it is crucial to pinpoint the design limitations that may arise due to the AM methods. The preliminary design calculations are carried out in the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI's) in-house centrifugal compressor off-design (CCOD) code. The detailed design and optimization studies coupled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the radial compressor by using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method with an Adjoint solver in the VKI's in-house computer aided design and optimization (CADO) tool. In the final design, a large increase in thrust is obtained and the manufacturing constraints are satisfied.

Exploring Digital Gingival Shade Matching in Students.

To study the degree of accuracy in gingival shade matching of undergraduate students using a computer application. In total, 76 undergraduate dental students' gingival shade selection abilities were evaluated using an in-house developed computer application. A total of 15 intraoral gingival photographs and 21 pink gingival color porcelain samples were used. The environmental conditions were standardized, and no time limit was set for answering in the computer application. Fourteen gingival color samples (66.6%) were not useful for representing the studied gingival shades. Not all natural gingival colors studied were represented within the 50.50% acceptability limits of the pink samples. There were no statistically significant differences between men and women in terms of "hit" percentages. The highest correlation coefficient (in absolute value) was for the L* coordinate (the darker the gingiva in the picture, the higher the hit rate for choosing the "ideal" shade tab); however, none of the linear correlation coefficients were statistically significant. Not all colors provided in the pink ceramic system were useful for subjective gingival selection. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female dental students in gingival color perception. The L* coordinate was the only one that influenced the correct perception of gingival color by dental students, and it did so more in women than in men.

Nonlinear Geometrical Effect on Deflection Characteristics of Fiber/Metal Laminates

The deflection behavior of the fiber-metal laminated structures is envisaged in this research using higher-order deformation kinematics and large (finite) deformations of geometries via Green–Lagrange strain. The panel governing equation is derived using variational principle and solved numerically considering the nonlinear finite element (FE) steps. The necessary responses are obtained using in-house MATLAB computer code and compared with an in-house simulation model (prepared in ANSYS) and experimental data (using in-house experimental set-up). The results are verified and agree with the published data available in the open domain. The proposed model results show better consequences compared to the simulation results. The detailed responses are computed for the variable geometrical conditions (i.e. aspect ratio, end support, side-to-thickness ratio), loading and stacking sequences, including the metal layer placing. The inferences indicate the importance of nonlinearity in the framework of a higher-order kinematic model for analysing the metal laminated structure.

Ultrasound-based assessment of the expression of inflammatory markers in the rectus femoris muscle of rats.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of skeletal muscles are related to their health status and functional capacity, but they still provide limited information on muscle composition during the inflammatory process. It has been demonstrated that an alteration in muscle composition or structure can have disparate effects on different ranges of ultrasonogram pixel intensities. Therefore, monitoring specific clusters or bands of pixel intensity values could help detect echotextural changes in skeletal muscles associated with neurogenic inflammation. Here we compare two methods of ultrasonographic image analysis, namely, the echointensity (EI) segmentation approach (EI banding method) and detection of selective pixel intensity ranges correlated with the expression of inflammatory regulators using an in-house developed computer algorithm (r-Algo). This study utilized an experimental model of neurogenic inflammation in segmentally linked myotomes (i.e., rectus femoris (RF) muscle) of rats subjected to lumbar facet injury. Our results show that there were no significant differences in RF echotextural variables for different EI bands (with 50- or 25-pixel intervals) between surgery and sham-operated rats, and no significant correlations among individual EI band pixel characteristics and protein expression of inflammatory regulators studied. However, mean numerical pixel values for the pixel intensity ranges identified with the proprietary r-Algo computer program correlated with protein expression of ERK1/2 and substance P (both 86-101-pixel ranges) and CaMKII (86-103-pixel range) in RF, and were greater (p < 0.05) in surgery rats compared with their sham-operated counterparts. Our findings indicate that computer-aided identification of specific pixel intensity ranges was critical for ultrasonographic detection of changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators in neurosegmentally-linked skeletal muscles of rats after facet injury.

Investigation on the Extent of Retrograde Condensation of Qianshao Gas Condensate Reservoir Using PVT Experiments and Compositional Reservoir Simulation

In the development of the Qianshao (QS) gas condensate reservoir, it is crucial to consider the phenomenon of retrograde condensation. Understanding the condensate saturation distribution with respect to time and space within the reservoir is essential for planning and implementing effective strategies for the future development of the QS gas condensate reservoir. In this paper, various PVT experiments (including reservoir oil recombination, flash separation, constant composition expansion, and constant volume depletion) were conducted to study the PVT properties and phase behavior of QS gas condensate fluid. Based on experimental data, our in-house PVT computation package was used to determine the appropriate EOS model parameters for the QS gas condensate. A four-step reservoir fluid characterization procedure and workflow for gas condensate reservoirs was developed. Furthermore, by analyzing the pressure-temperature phase envelope, the maximum possible condensate saturation in the QS well area was estimated to be around 3%. Numerical reservoir simulation models were developed using both the EOS model and actual reservoir engineering data. These simulation models were specifically designed to replicate the retrograde condensation process that occurs during production, taking into account both vertical and horizontal wells. By simulating the production process, these single-well reservoir simulation models enable us to quantitatively evaluate the condensate saturation and its distribution over space and time within a specific control area around a single well. Reservoir simulation results show that the condensate build-up around vertical and horizontal wells is quite different. For a vertical well, the maximum condensate oil saturation (30%) around the wellbore is located approximately 5 to 6 m from the well’s center. In contrast, the horizontal well model demonstrates a maximum condensate saturation of no more than 1.5%. This information is crucial for making informed decisions regarding the effective development and management of the QS gas condensate reservoir.

Frequency-Domain 3D Computer Program for Predicting Motions and Loads on a Ship in Regular Waves

The development of an in-house computer program for determining the motions and loads of advancing ships through sea waves in the frequency domain, is described in this paper. The code is based on the potential flow formulation and originates from a double-body code enhanced with the regular part of the velocity potential computed using the pulsing source Green function. The code is fully developed in C++ language with extensive use of the object-oriented paradigm. The code is capable of estimating the excitation and inertial radiation loads or arbitrary incoming wave frequencies and incidence angles. The hydrodynamic responses such as hydrodynamic coefficients, ship motions, the vertical shear force and the vertical bending moment are estimated. A benchmark container ship and an LNG carrier are selected for testing and validating the computer code. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental data which demonstrate the acceptable compliance for the zero speed whereas there are some discrepancies over the range of frequencies for the advancing ship in different heading angles.

Effects of velocity, thermal and concentration slips on the entropy generation of nanofluid over an inclined sheet

PurposeThis paper aims at studying numerically the entropy generation of nanofluid flowing over an inclined sheet in the presence of external magnetic field, heat source/sink, chemical reaction along with slip boundary conditions imposed on an impermeable wall.Design/methodology/approachA suitable similarity transformation technique has been used to convert the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The ODEs are then solved simultaneously using the finite difference method implemented through an in-house computer program. The effects of different controlling parameters such as magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, chemical reaction parameter, Reynolds number, Brinkmann number, Prandtl number, velocity slip parameter, temperature slip parameter and the concentration slip parameter on the entropy generation and Bejan number have been discussed comprehensively through the relevant physical insights for the first time.FindingsThe relative strengths of the irreversibilities due to heat transfer, fluid friction and the mass diffusion arising due to the change in each of the controlling variables have been delineated both in the near-wall and far-away-wall regions, which may be helpful for a better understanding of the thermo-fluid dynamics of nanofluid in boundary layer flows. The numerical results obtained from the present study have also been validated with results published in open literature.Originality/valueThe effects of different controlling parameters such as magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, chemical reaction parameter, Reynolds number, Brinkmann number, Prandtl number, velocity slip parameter, temperature slip parameter and the concentration slip parameter on the entropy generation and Bejan number have been discussed comprehensively through the relevant physical insights for the first time.

Numerical Reconstruction of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Layers

Flooding and dehydration reduce stability and power performance in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) plays a crucial role in facilitating reactant gas transport and removing product water from the electrode. To suit various PEMFCs, GDLs with different shapes have been commercialized. The impact of the GDL structure on the surface-tension-driven water transport behavior remains poorly understood. However, this is one important aspect that can be controlled by proper design. In this study, the GDL performance is investigated by comparing curved and straight carbon fibers within the region. Specifically, an image-processing method extracts porosity, domain size, and fiber diameter from an experimental image-based GDL reconstruction. These parameters are utilized by in-house developed computer codes to stochastically reconstruct curved and straight carbon fiber GDLs, respectively. The real and reconstructed GDLs are compared in terms of pore size distribution, tortuosity, and permeability. Liquid transport in these GDLs and corresponding gas channels is simulated using a volume of fluid method in OpenFOAM 7.0.Figure 1(a) presents the T-shaped simulation domain and top view of three GDLs. Figure 1(b) displays the Cumulative Density Function (CDF) of the pore size distribution for the three GDLs, revealing that the main difference between the three GDLs lies in the pore diameter range of 10-30 µm. Upon completion of the research program, we aim to identify the influence of fiber shape on the GDL transport properties as well as the water behavior inside them. Figure 1

Open NASA Blade Models for Nonlinear Dynamics Simulations

Abstract This contribution presents a catalogue of open turbomachinery blade models dedicated to nonlinear dynamics simulations. Based on a specifically developed in-house computer code, three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) models and finite element (FE) models of multiple-circular-arc (MCA) NASA airfoils are generated. Both the in-house code and the models are made freely accessible online. To cover a wide range of geometries, 39 blades are considered from different stages and with different aspect ratios. It is expected that this blade catalogue will provide an opportunity for the direct comparison of recently developed methodologies relative to nonlinear vibration phenomena in turbomachines, including rubbing events and blade-tip/casing contacts. To this end, the paper also contains original results for some of the most emblematic NASA blades, with an emphasis on nonlinear interaction maps and a detailed presentation of redesign operations to mitigate high amplitude of vibrations when blade-tip/casing contacts occur.

Overview of Method of ChAracteristics based Neutron TRAnsport Code (MANTRA) and its validation

Overview of Method of ChAracteristics based Neutron TRAnsport Code (MANTRA) and its validation

Physical and Mathematical Models of Micro-Explosions: Achievements and Directions of Improvement

The environmental, economic, and energy problems of the modern world motivate the development of alternative fuel technologies. Multifuel technology can help reduce the carbon footprint and waste from the raw materials sector as well as slow down the depletion of energy resources. However, there are limitations to the active use of multifuel mixtures in real power plants and engines because they are difficult to spray in combustion chambers and require secondary atomization. Droplet micro-explosion seems the most promising secondary atomization technology in terms of its integral characteristics. This review paper outlines the most interesting approaches to modeling micro-explosions using in-house computer codes and commercial software packages. A physical model of a droplet micro-explosion based on experimental data was analyzed to highlight the schemes and mathematical expressions describing the critical conditions of parent droplet atomization. Approaches are presented that can predict the number, sizes, velocities, and trajectories of emerging child droplets. We also list the empirical data necessary for developing advanced fragmentation models. Finally, we outline the main growth areas for micro-explosion models catering for the needs of spray technology.

Numerical Simulation and Characterization of Swirl Fluid Motion through Cylindrical Chambers

Axisymmetric solution of radial, axial and tangential components of velocity of flow through a cylindrical chamber with an inflow containing swirl and outflowis investigated numerically using Finite Volume Method. An in-house developed computer code for solving the three components of velocity and pressure is developed and validated using experimental data available from literature on the problem of axial vortex breakdown of confined flow in a cylinder due to rotation of one of the end walls. The code uses a staggered approach and fractional step projection method for decoupling the velocity and pressure. The convection and diffusion terms are approximated using a second-order accurate central difference scheme. This paper discusses the characteristics features of flow such as mixing streams, streams of fluid flowing close to the solid walls (cooling streams), swirl motion and development of flow structures.

Selected Simulation and Experimental Studies of the Heat Transfer Process in the Railway Disc Brake in High-Speed Trains

The effectiveness of railway brakes strongly depends on their thermal condition. A computer simulation and experimental investigations on a full-scale dynamometric stand were chosen as an adequate analysis of the heat transfer process in brakes. The article introduces a two-dimensional, axisymmetric numerical model of the tested disc brake. Boundary conditions related to the heat generated in the friction brake and heat transferred to the environment are also presented. The transient heat transfer problem was solved using the in-house computer program of the finite element method. The article presents simulations and experimental investigations of the intensive braking of a train with an initial high speed. Temperature responses of the disc brake on the friction surface and at other selected points are shown. In addition, a thermal imaging camera was used to assess the temperature distribution on the friction surface of the disc. The results of experimental and simulation tests were preliminarily compared. Similar maximum temperature values were obtained at the end of braking with a particular discrepancy in temperature responses during the analyzed process.

A Simulated Annealing optimization technique to obtain uniform dose distribution in gamma irradiators

A Simulated Annealing optimization technique to obtain uniform dose distribution in gamma irradiators

I/O system of V-band second harmonic gyrotron for 100/200 kW operation

I/O system of V-band second harmonic gyrotron for 100/200 kW operation