Fluid Mixing Research Articles

Synergistic effects of multi-segmented magnetic fields, wavy-segmented cooling, and distributed heating on hybrid nanofluid convective flow in tilted porous enclosures

This study investigates the complex thermal-fluid behavior within a tilted porous enclosure filled with a Cu−Al2O3-water hybrid nanofluid, subject to segmented magnetic fields, wavy cooling segments, and distributed heat sources. The research explores the intricate interplay between geometric factors and thermal-magnetic forces to enhance heat transfer in industrial applications. The finite volume method (FVM), coupled with the SIMPLE algorithm and a TDMA solver, is employed to solve the governing transport equations. A comprehensive parametric analysis examines the effects of key dimensionless parameters: Darcy-Rayleigh number (10–104), Darcy number (10-4–10-1), Hartmann number (0–70), magnetic field angle (0°-180°), nanoparticle volume fraction (0–2 %), porosity (0.1–1.0), wavy cooler undulation height (0–0.3), magnetic segment width (0–1), number of segmental magnetic fields (0–4), and enclosure tilting angle (0°–180°). The study elucidates the physical mechanisms underlying the transition from uniform to segmented heating scenarios. Results reveal a remarkable enhancement of up to 38 % in heat transfer performance when transitioning from a conventional square enclosure to the proposed configuration with partial waviness on opposing walls. This improvement stems from increased surface area and disrupted thermal boundary layers, promoting better fluid mixing. The application of a segmented magnetic field with strategic orientation resulted in up to 26 % enhancement by modulating flow patterns and creating localized convection cells. The segmented heating generates thermal plumes that interact with the magnetic field-induced Lorentz forces, further improving thermal transport. The findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of efficient heat transfer systems in various industries, including electronics cooling, solar thermal collectors, and nuclear reactors, demonstrating significant potential for energy savings and improved thermal management through the strategic integration of hybrid nanofluids, magnetic fields, and geometric modifications in porous media applications.

Scheelite as a microtextural and geochemical tracer of multistage ore-forming processes in skarn mineralization: A case study from the giant Xintianling W deposit, South China

The Xintianling deposit is one of the largest skarn-type scheelite deposit in China. Recent discoveries of quartz-vein-type scheelite mineralization within the deposit have raised questions about its origin and the evolution of ore-forming fluids, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the ore-forming process. We investigate the microtextures, trace elements, and oxygen isotope compositions of scheelite from different stages in both skarn-type and quartz-vein-type W mineralizations. Combined with apatite geochemistry and U–Pb dating, we determine the timing of quartz-vein-type mineralization and the evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal system. Based on detailed petrological observation, three types (seven subtypes) of scheelite and two types of apatite are identified. The Mo contents and Eu/Eu* ratios of scheelite, along with the Ce/Ce* ratios of apatite indicate the oxygen fugacity of fluids during the skarn metallogenic episode is generally higher than that during the quartz-vein metallogenic episode. Furthermore, the Y/Ho ratios and REE patterns of scheelite indicate the presence of at least three significant stages of fluid influx and fluid-rock interactions throughout entire ore-forming process. The O isotope compositions of scheelite in the quartz-vein-type metallogenic episode reveal that the ore-forming fluids are originated from a magmatic source, and meteoric water was mixed into the system, leading to the precipitation of the latest stage of scheelite. The apatites closely coexist with scheelite, from the early and the late stages of quartz-vein metallogenic episode, yield consistent U–Pb ages within error of 160.4 ± 2.4 Ma and 158.4 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively, indicating a close genetic link between quartz-vein-type W mineralization and the fine-grained porphyritic biotite granite. Our study highlights the significance of pulsed fluid exsolution and the combined effects of multiple mechanisms, including fluid-rock interaction, fluid mixing, and physicochemical condition changes, in the formation of large W deposits.

The Permian Watershed tungsten deposit (northeast Queensland, Australia): fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints

The Watershed scheelite deposit is located in an extinct fore-arc basin in the Mossman Orogen of North Queensland. This fore-arc region comprises multiply deformed, Ordovician–Silurian metasedimentary rocks of the Hodgkinson Formation, and it was intruded by Carboniferous–Permian granites of the Kennedy Igneous Association. At Watershed, the Hodgkinson Formation includes strongly deformed skarn-altered conglomerate, psammite and slate units, which record four deformation events that evolved from ductile (D1–3) to brittle–ductile (D4). Early, D1–2 scheelite mineralisation in Carboniferous monzonite and skarn-altered conglomerate formed during regional prograde metamorphism, which reached upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies conditions. Permian, D4 scheelite mineralisation was deposited in transtensional, shear-related veins, vein haloes and skarn-altered conglomerate during retrograde, lower greenschist facies metamorphism. During D4, four stages of retrograde alteration (retrograde stages 1–4) affected the rocks. Fluid inclusion assemblages in retrograde stage 2, vein scheelite and quartz are characterised by a low-salinity H2O–NaCl ± CH4 fluid (XCH4 <0.01, 1.4–8.0 wt% NaCleq). The fluid inclusions show evidence for fluid mixing between a low (∼0 wt% NaCleq) and a medium (<8 wt% NaCleq) saline fluid. Scheelite mineralisation P–T conditions were determined at ∼300 °C and 1–1.8 kbar (i.e. a depth of 3.7–6.7 km), indicative of a high geothermal gradient (35–75 °C/km), which was likely caused by the heat from the Permian granites. The presence of pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite in D4 veins (retrograde stage 4), plus graphite and methane in the fluid inclusions in scheelite, indicates reduced mineralisation conditions. Oxygen isotope compositions (δ18OVSMOW) of retrograde stage 2 scheelite (+3.8 to +7.3‰), plagioclase (+7.0 to +11.8‰) and quartz (+12.6 to +15.5‰) indicate a fluid temperature of 306 ± 56 °C with δ18OVSMOW values between +4.7 and +8.3‰. Retrograde stage 3 muscovite δDVSMOW (−73.4 to −62.7‰) and δ18OVSMOW (+11.5 to +13.2‰) values were used to calculate the O–H isotopic compositions of the fluids in equilibrium with the minerals at various possible temperatures (250–300 °C). The results are consistent with a metamorphic origin for the mineralising fluid. Sulfur isotope compositions (δ34SCDT between −2.5 and +2.8‰) for vein-hosted, retrograde stage 4 sulfides indicate that sulfur could have come from seawater or seawater sulfate, which is consistent with the local geology, even though this range overlaps with magmatic sulfur isotope compositions. Metamorphic fluids probably originated from devolatilisation reactions in the Hodgkinson Formation during prograde metamorphism. Permian intrusions acted as heat source enhancing metamorphic fluid flow and metal transport.

Contemporary and Conventional Passive Methods of Intensifying Convective Heat Transfer—A Review

The ever-increasing demand for effective heat dissipation and temperature control in industrial and everyday applications highlights a critical research problem. The need for development is not only in terms of providing thermal comfort to humans but also forms the basis for the efficient operation of machines and equipment. Cooling of industrial machinery and household electronic equipment is a crucial element in any manufacturing process, and the planning and design of appropriate cooling systems continues to be an integral part of the machine design and construction process. Manufacturers aim to maximize performance while minimizing size and weight. This article reviews widely used passive methods to enhance heat transfer, focusing on their effectiveness in improving convective heat transfer. The techniques examined include surface modifications and advanced materials like foamed metals and nanostructured coatings, which influence turbulence and heat transfer coefficients. The key findings demonstrate that surface roughness, perforated fins, and twisted tapes enhance fluid mixing but may increase flow resistance. The review underscores the significance of these passive methods in optimizing cooling system efficiency across various applications. Despite the variety of techniques available, many areas, especially those involving laser beam modifications, remain underexplored, indicating a need for further research in this field.

Numerical simulations of the interactions between counterflowing density currents

The collision and interactions between counterflowing density currents frequently occur in nature and engineering practices along the coastal regions. However, the mechanisms and implications of these interactions remain an active research area. In this study, we developed a high-resolution numerical model to simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics of symmetric and asymmetric colliding saline density currents. The aim was to understand the interaction mechanisms, quantify collision parameters, and provide baseline physical insights into the implications of such interactions. The direct numerical simulations reveal that when equal height counterflowing saline density currents collide, the dynamic characteristics of the resulting flow depend on the density difference between the colliding currents, collaborating experimental results. The interaction process initiated mixing and significant vertical motion in the resulting mixed fluid, which attained a maximum rise height of approximately twice that of the colliding currents, thereby enhancing the vertical motion of hypersaline fluid in the ambient column. While the extent of mixing at the collision boundary increases with increasing asymmetry between the colliding currents, a relationship is observed between the buoyancy ratio of the colliding currents and the maximum rise height of the vertically displaced fluid. Given that desalination operations require effective dispersion of brine into the marine environment to minimize local impacts, understanding the collision dynamics of counterflowing saline currents would facilitate improved engineering design and implementation of environmentally compliant coastal management strategies.

Fabrication of Patterned Magnetic Particles in Microchannels and Their Application in Micromixers.

Due to the extremely low Reynolds number, the mixing of substances in laminar flow within microfluidic channels primarily relies on slow intermolecular diffusion, whereas various rapid reaction and detection requirements in lab-on-a-chip applications often necessitate the efficient mixing of fluids within short distances. This paper presents a magnetic pillar-shaped particle fabrication device capable of producing particles with planar shapes, which are then utilized to achieve the rapid mixing of multiple fluids within microchannels. During the particle fabrication process, a degassed PDMS chip provides self-priming capabilities, drawing in a UV-curable adhesive-containing magnetic powder and distributing it into distinct microwell structures. Subsequently, an external magnetic field is applied, and the chip is exposed to UV light, enabling the mass production of particles with specific magnetic properties through photo-curing. Without the need for external pumping, this chip-based device can fabricate hundreds of magnetic particles in less than 10 min. In contrast to most particle fabrication methods, the degassed PDMS approach enables self-priming and precise dispensing, allowing for precise control over particle shape and size. The fabricated dual-layer magnetic particles, featuring fan-shaped blades and disk-like structures, are placed within micromixing channels. By manipulating the magnetic field, the particles are driven into motion, altering the flow patterns to achieve fluid mixing. Under conditions where the Reynolds number in the chip ranges from 0.1 to 0.9, the mixing index for substances in aqueous solutions exceeds 0.9. In addition, experimental analyses of mixing efficiency for fluids with different viscosities, including 25 wt% and 50 wt% glycerol, reveal mixing indices exceeding 0.85, demonstrating the broad applicability of micromixers based on the rapid rotation of magnetic particles.

Forced convection heat transfer in AlSi7Mg lattice structures fabricated by additive manufacturing

The thermal-hydraulic performance of lattice structures with different topologies and relative densities was investigated. AlSi7Mg sandwich panels cored with vertical fin, pyramidal, and tetrahedral lattices were fabricated using additive manufacturing. Four different relative densities (7.5 %, 10 %, 12.5 %, and 15 %) were considered for each lattice core. The experiment was conducted under constant heat flux and steady-state forced convection. Results showed that increasing relative density led to an increase in the average Nusselt number by 3.2–12.5 % in the vertical fin, 23.8–56.4 % in the pyramidal lattice, and 38.8–46.9 % in the tetrahedral lattice. To evaluate the efficiency of different topologies, the average Nusselt number was compared at a fixed pumping power. The pyramidal lattice exhibited the best performance among the test samples, followed by the tetrahedral lattice. The numerical analysis was performed to gain further insights into the heat transfer mechanisms involved. As the relative density increased, an increase in both the maximum fluid velocity and turbulent kinetic energy was observed in all test samples. The numerical results demonstrate that the observed improvement in thermal-hydraulic performance with increasing relative densities in experiments is attributable to the enhanced momentum of the fluid and turbulent mixing.

Enhancing thermal efficiency in twisted tri-lobe double pipe heat exchangers via integrated CFD and AI approaches

Industrial energy efficiency relies on precise heat exchanger design. Engineers aim to enhance heat transfer while minimizing pressure drop. Twisted tube Double Pipe Heat Exchangers (DPHEs) excel, inducing secondary flows that disrupt boundary layers and enhance fluid mixing. This investigation aims to provide insights into the relationships among specific factors and the thermal performance of a DPHE with twisted tri-lobe tubes, utilizing water as the working fluid. This is accomplished by employing an approach that integrates computational fluid dynamics with an artificial neural network, coupled with a single-objective genetic algorithm. Data inquiry was facilitated using response surface methodology, considering five design variables including the Reynolds numbers of the outer and inner twisted tubes, outer and inner twist ratios, and twisting direction. The simulation employed the turbulent k-ω shear-stress transport model, and the governing equations were solved using the finite volume method. The results underscored the efficacy of the developed multi-approach algorithm in maximizing the Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC) both within the specified domain (10000 ≤ Re ≤ 20000 & 5≤twist ratio≤20) and beyond the domain (5000 ≤ Re ≤ 50000 & 2.5≤twist ratio≤25) of design variables. In the specified domain, a PEC of 1.16 was achieved, demonstrating the algorithm's effectiveness. Furthermore, the proposed method, extrapolated to the data space, yielded a noteworthy improvement in PEC of 16.35 %. In both domains, the optimized set of design variables for maximizing the PEC comprised a minimum outer Reynolds number, maximum inner Reynolds number, maximum outer twist ratio, and minimum inner twist ratio.

Orbits, Spirals, and Trapped States: Dynamics of a Phoretic Janus Particle in a Radial Concentration Gradient.

A long-standing goal in colloidal active matter is to understand how gradients in fuel concentration influence the motion of phoretic Janus particles. Here, we present a theoretical description of the motion of a spherical phoretic Janus particle in the presence of a radial gradient of the chemical solute driving self-propulsion. Radial gradients are a geometry relevant to many scenarios in active matter systems and naturally arise due to the presence of a point source or sink of fuel. We derive an analytical solution for the Janus particle's velocity and quantify the influence of the radial concentration gradient on the particle's trajectory. Compared to a phoretic Janus particle in a linear gradient in fuel concentration, we uncover a much richer set of dynamic behaviors including circular orbits and trapped stationary states. We identify the ratio of the phoretic mobilities between the two domains of the Janus particle as a central quantity in tuning their dynamics. Our results provide a path for developing optimum protocols for tuning the dynamics of phoretic Janus particles and mixing fluid at the microscale. In addition, this work suggests a method for quantifying the surface properties of phoretic Janus particles, which have proven to be challenging to probe experimentally.

Influence of solid cylinders on fluid flow and thermal analysis in a curved channel with constant magnetic field

The current study explores the numerical simulation of constant mixed convection heat transfer and fluid flow within a channel, driven by the inlet velocity. The investigation focuses on a curved irregular channel where the presence of three differently sized circular obstacles introduces an unpredictable element to the heat transfer process. For the two-dimensional physical scenario, mathematical equations are formulated to analyze velocity and temperature. Employing appropriate dimensional variables, the coupled partial differential equations are transformed into dimensionless form. Subsequently, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is employed to simulate the results for non-dimensional physical parameters such as Reynolds number, Richardson number, Hartmann number, nanoparticles' volume fraction, and various states of the circular obstacles on heated lines, flow structure, velocities, and temperatures at mean positions generating isotherms, streamlines, velocity, and temperature profiles for various parameter increments. The analysis reveals significant influences of Reynolds number (Re) and heated circular obstacles on the temperature profile, manifesting as heated lines within the system. The analysis brings to light the substantial impacts of nanoparticles on the temperature profile at both the vertical and horizontal mean positions. An elevated Hartmann number signifies a more robust magnetic field than viscous forces. A heightened magnetic field can hinder fluid movement and modify the patterns of heat transfer. Based on the graphical results, we infer that temperature differences tend to arise between strata as the Richardson number increases, leading to a heightened and more evident stratification.

Spatiotemporally controlled microvortices provide advanced microfluidic components

Microvortices are emerging components that impart functionality to microchannels by exploiting inertia effects such as high shear stress, effective fluid diffusion, and large pressure loss. Exploring the dynamic generation of vortices further expands the scope of microfluidic applications, including cell stimulation, fluid mixing, and transport. Despite the crucial role of vortices' development within sub-millisecond timescales, previous studies in microfluidics did not explore the modulation of the Reynolds number (Re) in the range of several hundred. In this study, we modulated high-speed flows (54 < [Formula: see text] < 456) within sub-millisecond timescales using a piezo-driven on-chip membrane pump. By applying this method to microchannels with asymmetric geometries, we successfully controlled the spatiotemporal development of vortices, adjusting their behavior in response to oscillatory flow directions. These different vortices induced different pressure losses, imparting the microchannels with direction-dependent flow resistance, mimicking a diode-like behavior. Through precise control of vortex development, we managed to regulate this direction-dependent resistance, enabling the rectification of oscillatory flow resembling a diode and the ability to switch its rectification direction. This component facilitated bidirectional flow control without the need for mechanical valves. Moreover, we demonstrated its application in microfluidic cell pipetting, enabling the isolation of single cells. Consequently, based on modulating high-speed flow, our approach offers precise control over the spatiotemporal development of vortices in microstructures, thereby introducing innovative microfluidic functionalities.

Experimental and numerical investigation of heat sinks constructed by anisotropic 3-D Turing patterns

Heat dissipation is a critical issue for various engineering applications such as electronic devices, turbine blades and batteries. Existing heat sink structures contained inherent shortages in geometric flexibility which prevented further development of heat dissipation technologies. This study proposed a self-organized design method for heat sinks inspired by Turing Patterns (TP) in nature morphogenesis. The biomimetic structures were parametrically controlled with the aid of reaction-diffusion equations in terms of feature size, feature density, structural morphology and structural orientation. The metallic selective laser melting (SLM) technology was adopted to fabricate the three-dimensional (3-D) heat sinks. Experimental and numerical evaluations were conducted to compare TP structures with traditional pin-fin (PF) arrays baselines. Results showed substantial advantages of the TP structures in regulating flow field and enhancing height-wise fluid mixing. The thermal performance factor (TPF) of TP structures is approximately 45 % higher than traditional PF structures with similar feature sizes. The globally averaged magnitude of height-wise velocities of TP structure is around 2.4 times larger than that of PF structures due to the existence of the threshold-like and bridge-like structures. With the aid of three-dimensional structures, full utilization of the coolant was achieved to further increase the heat transfer intensity, while a high synergic level was formed within the flow field and temperature field to reduce the pressure drop. The design method proposed in this study demonstrated strong capability in tuning three-dimensional flow field and is expected to provide new insights to the heat transfer area that faces nonuniform thermal conditions and inhomogeneous flow conditions.

Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence in strongly coupled dusty plasmas

The turbulence mixing initiated by the Rayleigh–Taylor instability has been reported in a two-dimensional (2D) strongly coupled dusty plasma system using classical molecular dynamics simulation. The entire evolution cycle, including the initial equilibrium, the instability, turbulent mixing, and, finally, a new equilibrium through the thermalization process, has been demonstrated via the respective energy spectra. The fully developed spectrum follows the Bolgiano-Obukho k−11/5 scaling at smaller wavenumbers, a characteristic 2D buoyancy-driven turbulent flow feature. At higher wavenumbers, the energy spectrum E(k)∝k represents the thermalization of the system and is a characteristic feature of 2D Euler turbulence. At longer timescales, the system reflects the Kolmogorov scale of k−3. Moreover, strong coupling slows the turbulent mixing process, though the final state is a complete thermalized system. Our results also help us to understand the thermalization process in Yukawa fluids, other strongly coupled plasma families, and turbulent mixing in low Reynolds number fluids.

Enhancing mixing efficiency of a circular electroosmotic micromixer with cross-reciprocal electrodes

Enhancing mixing efficiency in microscale processes for sensitive biomedical, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications is crucial, particularly when operating under low-velocity constraints. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various factors on microfluidic mixing within a circular mixing chamber micromixer, utilizing electroosmotic principles. The governing equations are solved numerically using the finite element technique-based solver. This research examines the effects of microchamber diameter (D), inlet velocity (uo), alternating current (AC) voltage amplitude (ϕo), and AC frequency (f) on fluid mixing dynamics. Several key findings are noted from this study. The reduction of the circular microchamber diameter decreases the linear distance between cross-reciprocally placed microelectrodes, resulting in increased electroosmosis force and mixing efficiency. The voltage amplitude within the specified range shows increased mixing efficiency when fluid species are combined at appropriate velocity and AC frequency. The highest mixing efficiency of 98.84% is achieved with the following parameters: flow velocity (uo) of 150 μm/s, AC frequency of 4 Hz, voltage amplitude of 500 mV, and microchamber diameter of 20 μm. At a frequency of 12 Hz and voltage amplitude of 500 mV, the mixing efficiency exceeds 94.66% across a wide range of input velocities (100–200 μm/s), enabling versatile control in microfluidic devices. The nonlinear interaction between electroosmotic flow and microchamber geometry significantly contributes to this enhanced mixing efficiency. These results demonstrate the potential for optimizing microfluidic mixing processes through careful parameter tuning, particularly in applications requiring high efficiency at low flow rates. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for designing more effective microfluidic systems in various scientific and industrial fields.

Upstream and Downstream Processes of rFVIII Recombinant Protein Manufacturing in Respect to Fluid Flow, Mixing, Heat and Mass Transfer

The intrinsic blood coagulation pathways depend heavily on factor VIII, a glycoprotein cofactor. Hemophilia A, an X-linked dominant disease, is treated with FVIII, a very complex therapeutic protein commercially available. It is currently one of the most extensive and significant coagulation factors. Two isolated plasma and recombinant lyophilized FVIII concentrates are used to treat hemorrhagic illness in hemophilia A sufferers. Plasma-extracted products separated from humanoid blood can be substituted with recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) products, which are free of both humanoid and carnal proteins and transcribed in eukaryotic cells. In regard to fluid flow, mixing, heat, and mass transfer phenomena, the upstream and downstream manufacturing processes of rFVIII will be briefly reviewed in this publication.

Simulation of the effect of the structure and location of non-closed droplet microchannel on flow/ thermal performance

In order to investigate the effects of geometric parameters and flow modes on the fluid flow morphology, resistance and heat transfer effect in the non-closed droplet pin fin array, in this manuscript, a numerical simulation has been conducted under Re = 100–700 with different pin fin heights (Hp = 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm) and pin fin densities (β = 0.046, 0.059, 0.072), with different flow directions under heat flux (10 W/cm2 – 50 W/cm2) studied as well. It is discovered that increasing the height and density of the non-closed droplet pin fin increases the interference with the fluid, resulting in a greater flow resistance phenomenon. However, the enhancement of turbulence not only exacerbates the flow instability in microchannels, but also further promotes the mixing of hot and cold fluids, making the internal temperature distribution more uniform. In which way, the effect of optimizing heat transfer performance achieves. In addition, as q > 20 W/cm2, the overall heat transfer capacity of flow direction B (the tip of the pin fin as upstream fluid direction) is better than that of flow direction A (the cavity of the pin fin upstream as upstream fluid direction). When q = 30 W/cm2, there is a process transferring from single-phase flow to two-phase flow along with the direction of working fluid flow in the microchannel. Under this condition, the local maximum heat transfer coefficient is 15,502.4 W/(m2·K) in flow direction A and 16,094.8 W/(m2·K) in flow direction B. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation concludes that the channel flow/thermal performance is the best with Hp = 0.7 mm, β = 0.046.

Revealing Chaotic Advection Dynamics in the Chaotic Mixing of Non-Newtonian Fluids within a Stirred Tank Employing a Twisted-Punched Impeller

Revealing Chaotic Advection Dynamics in the Chaotic Mixing of Non-Newtonian Fluids within a Stirred Tank Employing a Twisted-Punched Impeller

Numerical investigations of heat transfer augmentation in a microchannel heat sink with different shaped periodic reentrant cavities on channel sidewalls

Microchannel heat sink is widely applied in high-density heat flux devices for its high efficiency in heat dissipation. However, the most effective geometrical configuration of microchannels for best heat transfer augmentation with least pump power penalty is still unknown. In this research, the heat transfer augmentation in a microchannel heat sink with different shaped periodic reentrant cavities on channel sidewalls are numerically studied. Three different kinds of channel structures are introduced, including convex quarter-circular, concave quarter-circular, and inclined shaped reentrant cavities. The comprehensive performances of the proposed microchannels are compared with that of the smooth straight channel, with respect to the pressure drop, friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and performance factor. The results indicate that the comprehensive performance of the microchannel heat sink with periodic reentrant cavities is superior to the smooth straight channel, because its reentrant cavities can strengthen the mixing of fluids and lower the pressure loss. The proposed microchannels can enhance the heat transfer by 1.7 times, reduce the pressure drop by 3.7%-22.4% at Re 648.2, with the heat transfer entropy production decreased by 15.9%-48.2%. The inclined shaped microchannel has the best overall performance factor among the three proposed channels, which achieves up to 1.59 at Re 648.2.

Numerical Investigation of Thermal Performance for Turbulent Water Flow through Dimpled Pipe

Dimples are tiny indentations on the surfaces of the body that enhance heat transfer and alter fluid flow characteristics on or within the body. Numerical investigations were conducted to analyse the heat transfer and flow characteristics in a cross-combined dimple tube in the range of Reynolds numbers from 6000 to 14000. The finite volume method recognised a novel enhancement model utilising methods for composite-form surfaces. Compared to a smooth tube working similarly, the effects significantly improve the heat transfer index, performance evaluation criteria, and friction factor. A three-dimensional simulation was conducted to clarify the underlying process by which dimples affect thermal performance. The simulation findings suggest that the dimples effectively enhance heat transfer by altering the temperature distribution and increasing the temperature gradient within the central area of the dimple section. A concave surface profile disrupts the flow and prevents the formation of a stable boundary layer, promoting the mixing of hot and cold fluids. Furthermore, the study investigates how geometric characteristics impact thermal and hydraulic efficiencies, emphasising that larger dimples improve overall thermo-hydraulic performance. Specifically, the heat transfer enhancement achieved an average increase of 17.3%, ranging from 18.03% to 38.6%, surpassing that of the traditional smooth tube.

Research on flammability of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene and its binary mixtures with flame retardants

3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R1243zf), which has good environmental and cycling characteristics, is a very promising fourth generation new working fluid. However, it is flammable, so studying its combustion characteristics and how to suppress its flammability are of great significance. Firstly, the flammability limits of three binary mixtures composed of a combustible substance (R1243zf) and three flame retardants (R245fa, R1216, and R13I1) were experimentally studied. The results showed that as the proportion of flame retardants increased, the lower flammability limit of the mixture increased, while the upper flammability limit decreased except for R245fa. The critical suppression ratios of R245fa, R1216, and R13I1 on R1243zf were 4, 0.538, and 0.538, respectively. Then, the improved group contribution method was used to predict the minimum inhibitory concentration of R1243zf, with an error of only 4.57 % compared to the experimental values. Finally, the influence of variable ambient temperature (25–100℃) on the flammability of R1243zf was studied, and the calculated adiabatic flame temperature method was used to predict the flammability limit at different temperatures. The error between the predicted values and the experimental values is only 1.7 %. The relevant results are of great significance for the safe application of R1243zf and new binary mixed working fluids.