Particle Motion Research Articles

The mechanism of small wear particles entrainment in friction under boundary lubrication

When the lubricating oil flowing between the contact surfaces contains simulated wear particles, it is considered that there is a high possibility for the particles to enter between the contact surfaces if the particles are present on the disk side in a friction test between a fixed ball and a rotating disk. For particles with a diameter of 0.8 μm, it has been previously shown that the entrainment frequency changes with the outside oil film thickness, but the effect of the disk material on the amount of particle deposition and the visualization of particle movement direction due to vortices generated between the contact surfaces had not been performed. In this study, by using SiO2 disks and sapphire disks with different Hamaker constants, the effect on the amount of particle deposition in front of the contact surfaces was experimentally clarified by changing the van der Waals forces acting between the particles and the disks. Additionally, assuming that vortices generated in the oil film between the contact surfaces move the particles to the disk surface side, the flow direction of the lubricating oil was visualized using Navier-Stokes simulation.

Dissipation Effects in the Tea Leaf Paradox

The Tea Leaf Paradox (TLP) describes unsteady fluid motions which help entrain and deposit suspended particles at the center of rotation. Various applications depend on the TLP for particle separations—spanning orders of magnitude in length scales—making it an important problem in fluid mechanics. Despite papers describing the phenomenon, the efficacy of particle separation using the TLP remains unclear as to the relative importance of, for example, hydrostatics, particle-fluid density ratio, wall friction, liquid bath aspect ratio and the rotation speed. The dynamics involved are notably complex and require a careful tuning of each variable. In this study, we have investigated the role of the limit of the aggregation dynamics in rotational flows within 3D-printed vessels of various sizes in tandem with particle imaging to probe the dissipation effects on the particle motions. We have found that the liquid bath aspect ratio limits how much aggregation may occur for a particle-fluid density ratio greater than unity (e.g., ρp/ρf>1), where ρp is the density of the particle and ρf is the ambient fluid density.

AHKASH: a new Hybrid particle-in-cell code for simulations of astrophysical collisionless plasma.

We introduce Astrophysical Hybrid-Kinetic simulations with the flash code ([Formula: see text]) - a new Hybrid particle-in-cell (PIC) code developed within the framework of the multiphysics code flash. The new code uses a second-order accurate Boris integrator and a predictor-predictor-corrector algorithm for advancing the Hybrid-kinetic equations, using the constraint transport method to ensure that magnetic fields are divergence-free. The code supports various interpolation schemes between the particles and grid cells, with post-interpolation smoothing to reduce finite particle noise. We further implement a [Formula: see text] method to study instabilities in weakly collisional plasmas. The new code is tested on standard physical problems such as the motion of charged particles in uniform and spatially varying magnetic fields, the propagation of Alfvén and whistler waves, and Landau damping of ion acoustic waves. We test different interpolation kernels and demonstrate the necessity of performing post-interpolation smoothing. We couple the turbgen turbulence driving module to the new Hybrid PIC code, allowing us to test the code on the highly complex physical problem of the turbulent dynamo. To investigate steady-state turbulence with a fixed sonic Mach number, it is important to maintain isothermal plasma conditions. Therefore, we introduce a novel cooling method for Hybrid PIC codes and provide tests and calibrations of this method to keep the plasma isothermal. We describe and test the 'hybrid precision' method, which significantly reduces (by a factor [Formula: see text]) the computational cost, without compromising the accuracy of the numerical solutions. Finally, we test the parallel scalability of the new code, showing excellent scaling up to 10,000 cores.

Advancing particle forces and motion dynamics in centrifugal concentrator based on flow field simulation

ABSTRACT The forces and motion state of particles within the fluid domain of the Knelson concentrator have long been a focal point for researchers. Presently, Stokes’ flow laws are commonly employed as the basis for theoretical calculations. However, this approach somewhat deviates from reality due to challenges in determining the Reynolds number of particles in the centrifugal force field during practical work. Additionally, the relationship between the Reynolds number and the drag coefficient remains undetermined in certain ranges. This study presents a high predictive relationship curve, obtained using fitting software, to supplement and rectify the limitations in the existing relationship. Leveraging fluid simulation software, this research determines the Reynolds number of particles of different sizes and densities within the fluid, offering a methodological reference for similar flow field problems. A new drag coefficient function is proposed and validated for the Reynolds number range of 1 to 20, addressing a gap in existing theoretical models. The simulation results indicate that under the suitable separation conditions of −0.074 + 0.02 mm particles, the concentrate particles overcome the flushing effect of the reverse washing water and move in the opposite direction to the fluid. This advancement not only improves the theoretical framework but also offers significant academic and practical value by enhancing the efficiency of particle separation in the Knelson concentrator.

Experimental study on the influencing factors of particles jetting behavior in train sanding adhesion enhancement

Sanding is the most widely used adhesion enhancing measure for trains. However, the motion of adhesion enhancement particles is vulnerable to interference from complex operating environment resulting in reduced efficiency. This work focused on the effect of sanding device parameters (sand delivery hose, air pressure and sand-blasting gun) on particles jetting behavior and particles utilization rate based on the train sanding process simulation detecting equipment. Results show that the particles utilization rate gradually improves with jetting velocity increasing and diffusion angle decreasing. Jetting velocity increases with the increase in the air pressure, nozzle diameter of sand-blasting gun and installation angle of sand delivery hose. While jetting diffusion angle decreases with the increase in the delivery hose diameter and outlet diameter of sand-blasting gun. Sanding flow rate is susceptible to the air pressure. The regression models of influencing factors on particles jetting behavior are performed for prediction and optimization.

A novel formula for calculating repulsive forces in horizontally aligned nonferrous cylindrical particles within an Eddy current separator

Eddy Current Separation (ECS) stands as a highly efficient recycling technology crucial for separating nonferrous particles from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This process relies on repulsive forces induced by eddy currents as particles traverse the variable magnetic field of a rotating magnetic drum. Achieving optimal separation in this multifaceted process demands a careful selection of magnetic drum parameters. This study focuses on modeling the repulsive forces acting on diverse nonferrous particle shapes, with a particular emphasis on horizontally oriented cylindrical particles, and exploring their trajectories under various adjustable parameters. The effectiveness of the separator is intimately governed by these repellent magnetic forces. Our numerical model comprehensively accounts for the key magnetic and mechanical forces shaping particle movement. Through a dedicated Matlab program, simulations of trajectories are conducted, dissecting the influence of parameters such as separation angle, number of poles, electromagnetic drum velocity, and particle sizes. The findings, elucidated in detailed diagrams, offer a profound understanding of each parameter's impact, crucial for optimizing ECS processes.

Investigation of the correlation between nozzle structure and particle motion during shot peening using the PIV method

Investigation of the correlation between nozzle structure and particle motion during shot peening using the PIV method

Partially invariant solution with an arbitrary surface of blow-up for the gas dynamics equations admitting pressure translation

We applied a method of symmetry reduction to the gas dynamics equations with a special form of the equation of state. This equation of state is a pressure represented as the sum of a density and an entropy functions. The symmetry Lie algebra of the system is 12-dimensional. One, two and three-dimensional subalgebras were considered. In this article, four-dimensional subalgebras are considered for the first time. Specifically, invariants are calculated for 50 four-dimensional subalgebras. Using invariants of one of the subalgebras, a symmetry reduction of the original system is calculated. The reduced system is a partially invariant submodel because one gas-dynamic function cannot be expressed in terms of the invariants. The submodel leads to two families of exact solutions, one of which describes the isochoric motion of the media, and the other solution specifies an arbitrary blow-up surface. For the first family of solutions, the particle trajectories are parabolas or rays; for the second family of solutions, the particles move along cubic parabolas or straight lines. From each point of the blow-up surface, particles fly out at different speeds and end up on a straight line at any other fixed moment in time. A description of the motion of particles for each family of solutions is given.

Influence of Central Coke Ratio on the Internal State of Blast Furnace

Central coke charging (CCC) is a widely used burden distribution method for blast furnaces (BFs). Adjusting the central coke ratio can change the burden temperature field and affect the smooth operation of BF. This study presents a coupled physical and mathematical model, incorporating particle motion, gas flow, and heat transfer between the burden and gas in two 5500 m3 BFs. The central coke ratios of the blast furnace A (BFA) and blast furnace B (BFB) is 15% and 20%, respectively. The root positions of the cohesive zone in the BFA and BFB are in the lower part of the stack and bosh zones, respectively. In the central area of the BF, the gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature of the BFB are higher. In the edge area of the BF, the gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature of the BFA are higher. The actual top gas temperature and gas pressure verify the accuracy of the proposed model. This model investigates the influence of the central coke ratio on the position of the cohesive zone, gas flow rate, gas temperature, and burden temperature, providing a cost‐effective method for studying the effect of the burden distribution matrix on the internal state of the BF.

A meshless model for three-dimensional direct numerical simulation of local scour around cylinder bridge foundation

A meshless local scour model for cylinder bridge foundation based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is proposed in this paper. Differing from the traditional Eulerian mesh model used for monopile local scour, it overcomes the high requirements of mesh quality and density for capturing large deformations at the fluid interface. Unlike the transient sediment erosion SPH model used for dam-break, sediment flushing, and water jet, the meshless approach is innovatively applied to the continuous simulation of bridge local scour under steady flow conditions. The present SPH model is established based on the SPH multi-phase fluid model, integrating a classical fluid model combined with numerical stabilization algorithms to govern water particle motion and a sediment model from Zhang et al. (2024) to govern sediment evolution, and tests a new scheme for boundary treatment in the model based on DualSPHysics. Furthermore, a novel scour visualization method that aims at extracting both visible and actual bed surfaces from discrete particles is proposed. The model is validated through comparison with rigid bed and live bed experiments, demonstrating favorable agreement in terms of flow and scour simulation. Importantly, the model results reveal a discrepancy between the elevation of the post-scour visible bed surface derived from the conventional Eulerian mesh model and experimental data, compared to the actual bed surface unaffected by water flow erosion. This indicates the necessity for incorporating a safety margin in foundation design when utilizing experimental results to determine the maximum scour depth.

Digital One-Step Competitive Detection of a Small Molecule in Synthetic and Environmental Waters.

Optical methods for single-molecule analysis hold the promise of accurate, sensitive, and rapid detection of target molecules. Here, we demonstrate the efficiency of such an approach for the competitive detection of small molecules in water. Our biosensing method is based on a combination of a single-DNA biochip for the parallelization of tethered particle motion real-time measurements with antibodies and modified targets as molecular competitors. The antibodies are coupled to the particles tethered to the surface by a long DNA bearing in its middle the molecular competitor bound to the antibodies. Competitive target binding leads to a detectable conformational change of the DNA tethers from looped to unlooped in proportions related to the target concentration. We thus managed to detect fluorescein, chosen as a model of a target molecule, in freshwater of various qualities, from solutions prepared with ultrapure water to more complex matrices such as river water and wastewater treatment plant effluent samples. Similar dose-response curves were obtained under these various conditions in a wide range of concentrations from nanomolar to micromolar with a limit of detection around 2 nM.

Quantum mechanics emerging from complex Brownian motions

The connection between the Schrödinger equation and Einstein's diffusion theory based on the Brownian motion of independent particles is well known. However, in contrast to diffusion theory, quantum mechanics theory has suffered controversial interpretations due to the counterintuitive concept of wavefunction. Here, while we confirm there is no difference in the mathematical form of these two equations, we derive the imaginary version of displacement. Using the diffusion theory of particles in a medium, as simple as it is, we describe that quantum mechanics is just an elegant and subtle equation to describe the probability of all the trajectories that a particle can take to propagate in time by a predictive wavefunction. Therefore, information on the position of particles through time in quantum theory is embedded in the wavefunction, which predicts the evolution of an ensemble of individual Brownian particles.

Design Optimization and Experimentation of Triple-Head Gradually Reducing Spiral Precision Fertilizer Apparatus

In order to solve the problems of existing spiral fertilizer apparatuses, such as the variation in cavity filling rate with rotational speed, fluctuation of fertilizer discharge flow, and inability to discharge fertilizer precisely, a triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is designed, which gradually compresses fertilizer particles through the triple-head reducing fertilizer spiral structure to achieve complete cavity filling and uniform fertilizer discharge. The main factors that affect the particle motion state and the structural size of the spiral fertilizer through theoretical analysis are determined, and its theoretical fertilizer discharge amount and rotational speed are calculated. Using EDEM (Discrete Element Method Software 2022) to establish a simulation model of a single-head gradually reducing fertilizer apparatus, the spiral lead reduction percentage x1, spiral diameter reduction percentage x2, and rotational speed x3 are determined as experimental factors, and the filling rate μ and spiral torque Yaverage are used as experimental indicators to conduct a simulation study on the secondary universal rotation combination design experiment. The results show that when the rotational speed is 95 r/min, the spiral lead reduction percentage is 60.00~73.21%, the spiral diameter reduction percentage is 86.55~97.05%, the filling rate μ is greater than 95%, and the spiral torque Yaverage is less than 16 N·m. In order to further improve the uniformity of fertilizer discharge and ensure the controllable accuracy of fertilizer discharge, comparative verification experiments are conducted on single-, double-, and triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer discharge devices and ordinary spiral fertilizer discharge devices. The results show that the precision of the gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is better than that of the ordinary spiral fertilizer apparatus. Moreover, it is determined that the three-head style performed best. The triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is also validated by randomly adjusting six rotational speeds. The experiment results show that the average deviation of the fertilizer discharge flow rate of the fertilizer apparatus from the preset value is 3.16%. The two have a minor deviation, and the fertilizer precision is high. Precise control of the amount of fertilizer discharged can be achieved by adjusting the rotational speed, and the research can provide a specific reference for the improved design and precise control of the spiral fertilizer apparatus.

Impact of Fenton aging on the incipient motion of microplastic particles in open-channel flow

Upon entering the environment, Microplastics (MPs) experience aging processes that modify their properties and integrity. Previous methods for predicting the incipient motion of MPs have been validated using pristine plastics, which do not account for the effects of aging. This can lead to uncertainties in both quantification and characterization. This study investigates the effect of aging on the incipient motion of MPs with different bed roughness (smooth and rough beds) and MP properties (e.g., grain sizes and densities) in an open-channel flow. Five types of MPs were subjected to four different degrees of aging using the Fenton reagent, and their incipient velocities were tested on beds with two distinct roughness. The results suggest that the incipient velocity of MPs increases linearly with aging. However, this increase is not uniform across different particles and bed roughness. Upon comparing various commonly employed sediment incipient velocity equations, experimental results are in agreement with Ruijin Zhang's equation as the most precise. The parameters in Ruijin Zhang's equation are modified to enhance its applicability for predicting the incipient velocity of aged MPs. This study provides novel insights into the incipient motion of aged MPs in an open-channel flow, highlighting the intricate interaction between aged MP characteristics and bed roughness.

Observational signature of QPOs with particle motion around non-commutative Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by perfect fluid dark matter

We analyze the orbital and oscillatory motion of test particles in the vicinity of a non-commutative black hole submerged in perfect fluid dark matter and derive analytical solutions for the specific angular momentum and radial profiles of energy. Using the effective potential approach, we discuss the stability of circular orbits. Furthermore, we calculate the innermost stable circular orbits. The effective force acting on particles has also been discussed. We find the expressions for frequencies of radial and latitudinal harmonic oscillations as a function of the black hole mass and the model’s parameters. The key features of quasi-periodic oscillations of test particles near the stable circular orbits in an equatorial plane of the black hole are discussed. Furthermore, Periastron precession has been discussed. We demonstrate that the parameters of the model have a strong influence on particle motion around black holes. By using the observational data of four different X-ray binary systems GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564, XTE J1859+226, and GRS 1915+105, within the scope of Monte Carlo Markov Chain, we constrain the involved parameters α and β. It is necessary to mention that our presented investigations through graphical behavior are viable with required physical behavior.

Orbital motion, epicyclic oscillations, and collision of particles around conformally coupled charged black hole

The orbital and oscillatory motion of test particles around a non-rotating, conformally coupled charged black hole with scalar hair is studied in this work. The impact of the black hole parameters on particle motion is investigated. The stable circular orbits, specific angular momentum, and radial profiles with specific energy are computed using an analytical approach. We discuss the stability of circular orbits using the effective potential technique. We also compute the effective force and innermost stable circular orbits around a conformally connected charged black hole with scalar hair. In addition, we display the trajectories of particles around a conformally connected charged black hole with scalar hair and numerically integrate the equations of motion for the test particle. Additionally, we determine the formulae for the frequencies of latitudinal and radial harmonic oscillations about the mass of the black hole and the model’s parameters. The main characteristics of quasi-periodic oscillations close to stable circular orbits in the black hole’s equatorial plane are examined for test particles. Furthermore, the Periastron precession process is explored. We show particle motion around black holes strongly depends on the model parameters. It is important to note that the graphical behavior describing our findings is viable.

Particle motion characteristics on the rotational flow pneumatic conveying of horizontal-vertical pipeline

In this study, a rotational flow device (rotational blade) is developed and installed in the upstream of the particle inlet with the aim of improving the efficiency and capacity of pneumatic conveying. Firstly, this study analyzed the energy-saving effect of rotational flow based on the pressure drop and power consumption. The results shown that the optimal velocity can be reduced by a maximum of 18.7 % and the power consumption coefficient can be reduced by a maximum of 9.8 %. Furthermore, the distributions of particle concentration, velocity and pulsation velocity are analyzed by using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. It is found that the particle velocity and velocity pulsation intensity for rotational flow are higher, and they have the ability to enhance particle suspension. Then, the power spectrum of the particle pulsation velocity shown that the rotational flow exhibited higher peak value at lower frequencies, indicating the particles are not easily deposited at pipe bottom. Finally, the auto-correlation of particle pulsation velocity indicated that the particle motion is more stable and has a longer period at low particle concentrations. The skewness factor and probability density function of particle pulsation velocity indicated that the use of rotational blades makes the particle pulsation velocity to deviate from the Gaussian distribution.

Particle dynamics with trajectories and epicyclic oscillations around a piece-wise black hole immersed in dark matter

We investigate the dynamics of neutral test particles revolving around a non-rotating black hole immersed in dark matter DM. We derive exact solutions for the radial profiles of specific angular momentum and energy for equatorial stable circular orbits as a function of the parameters of the black hole. Using the effective potential approach, we explore the stability of these circular orbits and the effective force acting on particles in the presence of dark matter. Additionally, we examine the impact of dark matter on the innermost stable circular orbits. By numerically integrating the equations of motion, we plot the trajectories of particles around the black hole and analyze how dark matter affects these trajectories. We also calculate the analytical frequencies of radial and latitudinal harmonic oscillations as functions of the dark matter parameter for both local and distant observers. We compare these results with scenarios where dark matter is absent. Furthermore, we study the effects of dark matter on periastron precession. We present an analysis of the constraints on the dark matter and black hole mass parameters using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Our study focuses on QPOs observed in X-ray binaries, in particular, the microquasars GRO J1655-40 and XTE J1550-564, and the centers of the galaxies M82 X-1 and Sgr A⁎. We also analyze the particle collisions, discussing the center-of-mass energy of the colliding particles. Our observations reveal that the motion of particles revolving around the black hole is significantly affected by varying the model parameters.

Understanding the Energy-Saving mechanism of ceramic balls in tumbling mills

This study investigates why ceramic balls achieve superior grinding performance compared to steel balls at lower densities and lower energy consumption. Particle motion analysis shows that increasing the filling level significantly improves the velocity distribution of the grinding media. The energy input from the mill is mainly converted into the kinetic and potential energy of the media, with potential energy being dominant. As the filling level increases, the efficiency of kinetic energy conversion improves. Collisions between media and mineral particles dominate energy transfer, and lower media density enhances collision energy distribution uniformity. Reducing media density decreases grinding energy consumption while maintaining the same grinding effect.

Information Thermodynamics: From Physics to Neuroscience.

This paper provides a perspective on applying the concepts of information thermodynamics, developed recently in non-equilibrium statistical physics, to problems in theoretical neuroscience. Historically, information and energy in neuroscience have been treated separately, in contrast to physics approaches, where the relationship of entropy production with heat is a central idea. It is argued here that also in neural systems, information and energy can be considered within the same theoretical framework. Starting from basic ideas of thermodynamics and information theory on a classic Brownian particle, it is shown how noisy neural networks can infer its probabilistic motion. The decoding of the particle motion by neurons is performed with some accuracy, and it has some energy cost, and both can be determined using information thermodynamics. In a similar fashion, we also discuss how neural networks in the brain can learn the particle velocity and maintain that information in the weights of plastic synapses from a physical point of view. Generally, it is shown how the framework of stochastic and information thermodynamics can be used practically to study neural inference, learning, and information storing.