Pressure Variation Research Articles

Performance analysis of a novel multi-machine compensable pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system

Many pumped hydro compressed air energy storage systems suffer from large head variations in the hydraulic machinery. To address this defect, this study proposes a multi-machine compensable pumped hydro compressed air energy storage system and reveals its operational, energy, exergy, and economic performances. First, the energy, exergy, and economic models of the system are established. Second, the operational characteristics of each component are analyzed. Third, the energy, exergy, and economic performances of the system are presented. Finally, the impact of operating pressure on the energy and exergy performance is analyzed. The results indicate that air pressure variations of 0.300 MPa/0.256 MPa in Tank 1 are reduced to head variations of 11.0 m/12.7 m at the hydraulic machinery, respectively. Furthermore, the round-trip efficiency, exergy efficiency, and energy storage density reached were 0.672, 0.694, and 0.038 kW·h/m3, respectively. The most significant work wastage and exergy loss occurred in Tanks 1 and 2, contributing to 48.5 % and 37.5 % of the total, respectively. As the operating pressure increases, the round-trip and exergy efficiencies decrease, and the energy storage density increases. In this study, the head amplitude at the hydraulic machinery under charging and discharging conditions was reduced by nearly 2/3 and 1/2, respectively.

Association between periodic variation of air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and hospital admissions for acute occlusive mesenteric ischaemia

Referring to the intestinal ischemic injury caused by sudden interruption of the blood supply, acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a highly fatal emergency with mortality rates varying from 58 to 80%. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of temperature on AMI admission. This was a retrospective, multicentric study. The medical records of 1477 patients with verified AMI who were consecutively admitted to 3 hospitals anytime between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in the study. Distributed lag non-linear model was applied, the model was adjusted for temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, year, holiday, day of the week, time and seasonality. AMI exhibited obvious sex preference, AMI patients tended to be male (M/F ratio = 2.3:1) and in their late 50 s. Hospital admissions of acute mesenteric arterial thromboembolism (AMAT) increased significantly with high temperatures on day of exposure and lag 0–14 day. The effect curve of daily average temperature on acute mesenteric venous thromboembolism (AMVT) admission was J-shaped, and the duration of cold effect was longer, while the duration of heat effect was shorter. An increase in hospital admissions of AMVT was found above 20 °C at lag 0–30. For the first time, our study indicated that temperature is significantly associated with the risk of AMI. Although it is not possible to always avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, one should be aware of dramatic temperature fluctuations and take appropriate precautions.

Thermal transfer performance and flow instability analysis of direct steam generation for parabolic trough solar collectors

Parabolic trough solar direct-steam-generation (DSG) technology is the enabling technologies to achieve low carbon future. However, actual inlet boundary and flow boiling instabilities pose challenge to safe operation. In this paper, the coupled optical-thermal-flow pattern model for DSG loops is built utilizing conservation equations, separated flow model and Lagrangian method. The heat transfer performance, hydrodynamic characteristics and two-phase flow law of the loop are discussed under the coupled variation of direct radiation intensity (DNI), mass flow (m), inlet temperature (Tin) and inlet pressure (Pin). The correlation between multi-condition, thermodynamic characteristics and flow instability is analyzed. The results show that increasing Pin, Tin and DNI have almost no effect on the intermittent state. The percentage of annular flow only remained stable (about 84.8%) when the steam mass was 1. Increasing DNI and Tin did not effectively improve the flow heat transfer, while increasing Pin worsened the flow heat transfer and increased the probability that the annular flow would turn into stratified flow but could reduce the pressure drop and the fluid vapor-liquid density difference and stabilizes its hydrodynamic properties. The simultaneous increase in m not only weakens this effect and strengthens the heat transfer, but also permanently reduces the probability of stratified flow. The higher the Pin, Tin and DNI, the lower the flow instability of the DSG system. Manual operation is recommended to prevent the system having flow instability in the morning due to the lower solar radiation intensity and inlet temperature when the system is started in the morning.

Fluid responsiveness in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients: a post hoc analysis of the HEMOPRED study.

Optimal fluid management in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is challenging due to risks associated with both circulatory failure and fluid overload. The performance of dynamic indices to predict fluid responsiveness (FR) in ARDS patients is uncertain. This post hoc analysis of the HEMOPRED study compared the performance of dynamic indices in mechanically ventilated patients with shock, with and without ARDS, to predict FR, defined as an increase in aortic velocity time integral (VTI) > 10% after passive leg raising (PLR). Among 540 patients, 117 (22%) had ARDS and were ventilated with a median tidal volume of 7.6 mL/kg [6.9-8.4] and a median positive end-expiratory pressure of 7 cmH2O [5-9]. FR was observed in 45 ARDS patients (39% vs 44% in non-ARDS patients, p = 0.384). Reliability of dynamic indices to predict FR remained consistent in ARDS patients, though with different thresholds. Collapsibility index of the superior vena cava (ΔSVC) showed the best predictive performance in both ARDS (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.763 [0.659-0.868]) and non-ARDS (AUC = 0.750 [0.698-0.802]) patients. A right to left ventricle end-diastolic area ratio > 0.8 or paradoxical septal motion were strongly linked to the absence of FR (> 80% specificity). FR was not associated with intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (47% vs. 46%, p = 1). However, hypovolemia, defined as an aortic VTI increase > 32% during PLR (median increase in patients with a partial SVC collapse) was independently associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.355 [1.077-1.705], p = 0.011), as well as pulse pressure variation (OR = 1.014 [1.001-1.026], p = 0.034). Performance of dynamic indices to predict FR appears preserved in ARDS patients, albeit with distinct thresholds. Hypovolemia, indicated by a > 32% increase in aortic VTI during PLR, rather than FR, was associated with ICU mortality in this population.

Integrated Thermomechanical Analysis of Tires and Brakes for Vehicle Dynamics and Safety

The accurate prediction of tire and brake thermomechanical behavior is crucial for various applications in the automotive industry, including vehicle dynamics analysis, racing performance optimization, and driver assistance system development. The temperature of the brakes plays a crucial role in determining the performance of rubber by altering its temperature. This change impacts the rim and the air within the tire, leading to variations in temperature and tire pressure, which consequently affect the vehicle’s overall performance. Traditionally, these components have been modeled separately, neglecting the crucial thermal interaction between them, thereby losing a lot of important information from the outside that influences the tire. This paper presents a novel method that overcomes this limitation by coupling the thermomechanical models of the tire and brake, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their combined behavior. Therefore, the present work could be an interesting starting point to understand how a control system can be influenced by the thermodynamic of the wheel–brake system.

Assessment of fluid responsiveness after tidal volume challenge in renal transplant recipients: a nonrandomized prospective interventional study.

When applying lung-protective ventilation, fluid responsiveness cannot be predicted by pulse pressure variation (PPV) or stroke volume variation (SVV). Functional hemodynamic testing may help address this limitation. This study examined whether changes in dynamic indices such as PPV and SVV, induced by tidal volume challenge (TVC), can reliably predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing renal transplantation who receive lung-protective ventilation. This nonrandomized interventional study included renal transplant recipients with end-stage renal disease. Patients received ventilation with a 6 mL/kg tidal volume (TV), and the FloTrac system was attached for continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Participants were classified as responders or nonresponders based on whether fluid challenge increased the stroke volume index by more than 10%. The analysis included 36 patients, of whom 19 (52.8%) were responders and 17 (47.2%) were nonresponders. Among responders, the mean ΔPPV6-8 (calculated as PPV at a TV of 8 mL/kg predicted body weight [PBW] minus that at 6 mL/kg PBW) was 3.32±0.75 and ΔSVV6-8 was 2.58±0.77, compared to 0.82±0.53 and 0.70±0.92 for nonresponders, respectively. ΔPPV6-8 exhibited an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.00; P≤0.001), with an optimal cutoff value of 1.5, sensitivity of 94.7%, and specificity of 94.1%. ΔSVV6-8 displayed an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.84-1.00; P≤0.001) at the same cutoff value of 1.5, with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 76.5%. TVC-induced changes in PPV and SVV are predictive of fluid responsiveness in renal transplant recipients who receive intraoperative lung-protective ventilation.

The Phase Distribution Characteristics and Interphase Mass Transfer Behaviors of the CO2-Water/Saline System under Gathering and Transportation Conditions: Insights on Molecular Dynamics.

In order to investigate the interphase mass transfer and component distribution characteristics of the CO2-water system under micro-scale and nano-scale transport conditions, a micro-scale kinetic model representing interphase mass transfer in the CO2-water/saline system is developed in this paper. The molecular dynamics method is employed to delineate the diffusion and mass transfer processes of the system's components, revealing the extent of the effects of variations in temperature, pressure, and salt ion concentration on interphase mass transfer and component distribution characteristics. The interphase mass transfer process in the CO2-water system under transport conditions can be categorized into three stages: approach, adsorption, and entrance. As the system temperature rises and pressure decreases, the peak density of CO2 molecules at the gas-liquid interface markedly drops, with their aggregation reducing and their diffusion capability enhancing. The specific hydration structures between salt ions and water molecules hinder the entry of CO2 into the aqueous phase. Additionally, as the salt concentration in water increases, the density peak of CO2 molecules at the gas-liquid interface slightly increases, while the density value in the water phase region significantly decreases.

A multivariate and wavelet-based analysis on the wall pressure fluctuations for propellers in ground effect

This study, conducted at the University of Bristol’s aeroacoustic facility, explores the aeroacoustic characteristics of a 10-inch APC propeller in pusher configuration within ground effect conditions. Tested at a rotational speed of 7000 r/min, the propeller’s performance was evaluated at varying distances from the ground. Wall pressure fluctuations near the propeller were measured at eight radial points, complemented by far-field acoustic measurements. Consistent with previous research, distinctive thrust and torque behaviours were observed when operating both in and out of ground effect. Notably, a significant noise increase of approximately 5 dB was observed on the ground’s reflected side, while a reduction of about 14 dB was detected on the shielded side. Higher-order statistical analysis such as skewness and kurtosis revealed substantial effects of tip vortex impingement in ground effect conditions. This study applies two-point statistics and the Corcos model to analyze propeller-induced wall pressure fluctuations. The coherence function effectively captures the intricate dynamics of pressure variations across different spatial locations and frequencies. This approach offers novel insights into the behaviour of boundary layers and flow-induced pressures in the context of propellers operating in the ground effect. Wavelet decomposition was utilized to differentiate the influences of the boundary layer and the acoustic field. This comprehensive analysis highlights the intricate dynamics of propeller operation in ground effect, contributing valuable insights to the field of aeroacoustic research.

Unsteady flow and thermal dynamic performance of pre-compression characteristics in variable-speed scroll compressors

In the suction process of scroll compressors, a special thermodynamic phenomenon occurs, known as pre-compression, which significantly affects the inhalation capacity, volumetric efficiency, and thermal characteristics of scroll compressors. To explore its generation and impact, unsteady flow field distributions of the pre-compression phenomenon were obtained by numerical simulations. The pressure variation of the pre-compression phenomenon in air was analyzed, and the power consumption caused by pre-compression during the working process was investigated. Study results indicated that the pre-compression phenomenon is mainly produced by the geometric structure and operating features of the scroll compressor. The initial angle of the pre-compression phenomenon decreases by 31° as the rotational speed ranges from 3000 to 7000 r/min. The generation of the pre-compression phenomenon induces eddies in the suction chamber. Additionally, it was demonstrated that during the suction process, mass flow rate increases owing to the pre-compression phenomenon. The study is helpful for analyzing the suction process and improving operating efficiency of scroll compressors.

A prospective birth cohort study on the association between gestational blood pressure and neurodevelopment in 2-year-old children

Objective: To investigate the association between gestational blood pressure and neurodevelopment in 2-year-old children. Methods: Based on the"Wuhan Healthy Baby Birth Cohort", 3 754 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in this study. Based on multiple blood pressure measurements during pregnancy, the mean, cumulative, and variability of blood pressure throughout the entire pregnancy and each trimester were calculated. Blood pressure variability was evaluated using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variability (CV), and variability independent of mean (VIM). Follow-up testing of neurodevelopment in infants and young children at the age of two was conducted to obtain the Mental Development Index (MDI) and the Psychomotor Development Index (PDI). The multivariate linear regression and generalized estimation equation were used to analyze the association between gestational blood pressure data and neurodevelopmental index. Results: The age of 3 754 pregnant women was (29.1±3.6) years, with a pre-pregnancy BMI of (20.9±2.7) kg/m² and a gestational age of (39.3±1.2) weeks. The birth weight of 3 754 children was (3 330.9±397.7) grams, and the birth length was (50.3±1.6) centimeters. The results of the multivariate linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, the mean blood pressure, cumulative blood pressure, standard deviation of blood pressure, coefficient of variation of blood pressure, independent blood pressure variability of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure throughout pregnancy were negatively associated with the MDI and PDI scores of 2-year-old children. The analysis results of the generalized estimation equation showed that after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, the average systolic blood pressure in the first, second, and third trimesters was negatively associated with MDI/PDI. The negative association between cumulative blood pressure and MDI/PDI was only found in the first trimester. The negative association between blood pressure variation during pregnancy and MDI/PDI was mainly concentrated in the second and third trimesters. Conclusion: There is a negative association between gestational blood pressure and the neurodevelopmental index of 2-year-old children.

Impaired Peripheral Vascular Function Following Ischemic Stroke in Mice: Potential Insights into Blood Pressure Variations in the Post-Stroke Patient.

High systolic blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability after the onset of ischemic stroke are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One of the key determinants of blood pressure is arteriolar size, determined by vascular smooth muscle tone and vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor substances that are released by the endothelium. The aim of this study is to outline alterations in vasomotor function in isolated peripheral arteries following ischemic stroke. The reactivity of thoracic aortic segments from male C57BL/6 mice to dilators and constrictors was quantified using wire myography. Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired after ischemic stroke (LogIC50 Sham = -7.499, LogIC50 Stroke = -7.350, p = 0.0132, n = 19, 31 respectively). The vasodilatory responses to SNP were identical in the isolated aortas in the sham and stroke groups. Phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction was impaired in the aortas isolated from the stroke animals in comparison to their sham treatment counterparts (Sham LogEC50= -6.652 vs. Stroke LogEC50 = -6.475, p < 0.001). Our study demonstrates that 24 h post-ischemic stroke, peripheral vascular responses are impaired in remote arteries. The aortas from the stroke animals exhibited reduced vasoconstrictor and endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, while the endothelium-independent vasodilatory responses were preserved. Since both the vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor responses of peripheral arteries are impaired following ischemic stroke, our findings might explain increased blood pressure variability following ischemic stroke.

Development of a local wall concentration model for the design of single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) systems with viral vector surrogates

Recent advances in the use of viral vectors for gene therapy has created a need for efficient downstream processing of these novel therapeutics. Single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) can potentially improve final product quality via reductions in shear, and it can increase manufacturing productivity via simple implementation into continuous/intensified processes. This study investigated the impact of variations in pressure and flow rate along the length of the membrane on overall SPTFF performance. Constant-flux filtration experiments at feed fluxes from 14 to 420 L/m2/h (Reynolds numbers <20) were performed using Pellicon® 3 TFF cassettes with fluorescent nanoparticles as model viral vectors. The location of nanoparticle accumulation shifted towards the filter outlet at high conversion and was also a function of the permeate flow configuration. These phenomena were explained using a newly developed concentration polarization model that predicts the distribution in local wall concentration over the length of the membrane. The model accurately captured the observed nanoparticle accumulation trends, including the effects of the permeate flow profile (co-current, divergent, or convergent flow) on nanoparticle accumulation within the SPTFF module. Nanoparticle accumulation at moderate conversion was more uniform using convergent flow, but nanoparticle accumulation at 80 % conversion (5x concentration factor) can be minimized using a divergent flow configuration. The local wall concentration model was also used to evaluate the critical flux by assuming that fouling occurs when the nanoparticle concentration at any point along the membrane surface exceeds 15 % by volume. These results provide important insights for the design and operation of SPTFF technology for inline concentration of viral vectors.

Rate-and-state friction of epidote gouge under hydrothermal conditions and implications for the stability of subducting faults under greenschist metamorphic conditions

Epidote is a common hydrous mineral present in subduction zones subject to greenschist metamorphic conditions – and potentially an important control on the fault stability-instability transition observed under greenschist facies. We explore controls on this transition through shear experiments on simulated epidote gouge at temperatures of 100–500 °C, effective normal stresses of 100–300 MPa and pore fluid pressures of 30–75 MPa. We use rate-and-state friction to define these controls of temperature, effective stress and pore fluid pressure on gouge stability. Experimental results indicate that the epidote gouge is frictionally strong (μ ∼ 0.73) and the frictional strength is insensitive to variations in temperature or pressure. With increasing temperature, the epidote gouge exhibits a first transition from velocity-strengthening to velocity-weakening at sub-greenschist conditions (T < 100 °C) before transitioning to velocity-strengthening under greenschist metamorphic conditions (T > 300 °C). Elevating the pore fluid pressure or decreasing the effective stress promotes unstable sliding. The transition in gouge rheology at varied temperatures and pressures is explained by the competition between granular flow-induced gouge dilation and pressure solution-induced gouge compaction. Our results demonstrate that the rate-and-state frictional stability of epidote gouges support the potential for a fault stability-instability-stability transition for subduction under greenschist metamorphic conditions.

Tuning Electrode and Separator Sizes For Enhanced Performance of Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitors

AbstractAn electrical double‐layer capacitor (EDLC) comprises two porous electrodes sandwiching an electrolyte‐permeable separator, which prevents the electrodes from short‐circuiting. While previous studies have mainly focused on electrolyte and electrode properties of EDLCs, the device configuration in terms of electrode and separator sizes received less attention, with separators often simplistically modelled as infinitely large reservoirs of ions. Herein, we investigate how the relationship between electrode and separator thicknesses impacts EDLC charging. We find that the assumption of bulk reservoir holds only under specific conditions. Moreover, we identify a tradeoff between stored energy density and pressure variations within the separator, potentially jeopardizing the EDLC durability. We also explore the influence of ionic liquid additives on EDLC charging. While prior research has shown that trace amounts of uncharged additives with strong electrode affinity can significantly enhance energy storage, we observe this effect as negligible for electrodes and separators of comparable sizes. Instead, we show how to optimize EDLC performance by fine‐tuning the concentration of additives and separator‐to‐electrode size ratio to maximize stored energy density.

Analysis of Early-Stage Behavior and Multi-Parameter Early Warning Algorithm Research for Overcharge Thermal Runaway of Energy Storage LiFePO4 Battery Packs

Overcharging of lithium-ion batteries may lead to severe thermal runaway (TR) incidents, resulting in significant economic losses and safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to research early warning methods for TR behavior in overcharged lithium batteries. This study initially conducted overcharging experiments on LiFePO4 battery packs under different initial charging states and charging rates, analyzing variations in temperature, voltage, and inter-group pressure during overcharging. The TR process was divided into three stages: non-overcharged, early, and middle. Based on this, temperature change rate, pressure change rate, and voltage were extracted as input feature parameters, and the Mean Shift algorithm was employed for stage identification and classification of overcharging experiments on LiFePO4 battery packs. According to experimental results, the algorithm achieved an accuracy of over 96% in stage identification and classification of TR in overcharged lithium batteries, accurately determining the current stage of TR and providing a reliable and effective solution for preventing TR in overcharged lithium batteries.

Operation parameters study on the performance of PEMFC based orthogonal test method

By selecting five key operational parameters—inlet temperature, operating temperature, anode humidity, cathode humidity, and operating pressure—and using PEMFC power density, membrane temperature difference, and membrane water content as performance indicators, simulations were conducted using 3D CFD modeling and orthogonal experiments to identify the most significant factors influencing PEMFC performance and determine the optimal operational parameter combination. The results show that working pressure has the most significant impact on PEMFC performance. Pressure variations cause significant changes in diffusion and heat conduction within the PEMFC. When the working pressure increases from 1.0 MPa to 3.0 MPa, the power density increases by approximately 11.2 %, but the temperature difference within the membrane increases by about 30.5 %. The difference between operating temperature and inlet temperature directly leads to changes in the temperature difference within the membrane. Moreover, changes in operating temperature greatly affect the water content within the proton exchange membrane, which in turn impacts the PEMFC's power density. When the operating temperature increases from 60 °C to 100 °C, the water content within the membrane decreases by approximately 50.5 %, and the power density decreases by 60.4 %. By optimizing the combination of operating parameters using a comprehensive scoring method, the temperature difference within the membrane can be controlled at 27.78 °C while ensuring the power density is increased to 0.92 W/cm2.

Episodic fluid charging and mixing triggers calcite-bearing agates in the Permian Emeishan Basalt, SW China

ABSTRACT Agate, a distinctive form of banded chalcedony, derives its characteristic appearance from the deposition of silica and the presence of impurities. A significant variety of agate-bearing calcite was identified in the Permian Emeishan Basalt located in the southwestern Sichuan Basin. This calcite-bearing agate provides valuable insights into the complex interplay and evolution of fluids and minerals. This study aims to provide a detailed description and analysis of the microscopic textural and geochemical characteristics of the agate, while elucidating the sequence of mineral deposition, fluid properties, and the genetic mechanism underlying its formation. The findings reveal that the agate primarily consists of lamellar calcite and banded chalcedony, exhibiting a variety of textures, thicknesses, and colours. Through the analysis of the transformation and precipitation of epidote and allanite, and the identification of four types of calcites and five micro-silica textures, it has been confirmed that the early stage of fluid in geodes involved the mixing of meteoric water with post-magmatic hydrothermal fluid. The middle and late stages involve the mixing of magmatic-hydrothermal fluid with organic-acid fluid. The charging of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids and the generation of hydrocarbons from organic matter cause fluctuations in SiO2 concentration, pH, and crystallization rates, contributing to the diversity of silica minerals, such as chalcedony and quartz. The interlayered growth observed between chalcedony and calcite is attributed to secondary metasomatism, which occurs after the dehydration and transformation of chalcedony due to increasing temperatures. Notably, the internal texture of the agate is somewhat influenced by pressure variations caused by the episodic charging of the fluid.

Thermodynamic performance assessment of the four-step copper-chlorine cycle in hydrogen production and compression

Rapidly increasing global energy demands requires sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Hydrogen emerges as a promising energy carrier due to its high energy density and minimal environmental impact, mainly when produced via thermochemical cycles like the Copper Chlorine (CuCl), which makes use of low-grade waste thermal energy for hydrogen production in an environmentally friendly manner. This study integrates hydrogen production using the Cu-Cl cycle and hydrogen compression systems crucial for establishing robust hydrogen infrastructure. Following hydrogen generation, the study examines the thermodynamic analysis of compressing hydrogen to higher pressures. Parametric variations in compression, including inlet and outlet pressures and the number of stages, are analyzed to optimize energy efficiency and exergy performance. Energy efficiency of around 47.05% is obtained for the 4-step Cu-Cl cycle. The integrated step showed a notably high exergy efficiency of 98.48%. Other key findings include a 35% increase in energy efficiency with five compression stages for an inlet pressure increment from 15 to 30 bars, and a 12% efficiency decrease when varying outlet pressure from 500 to 800 bars. Exergy efficiency shows a 17% improvement with increased compression stages under constant inlet pressure but a 4% decline when varying outlet pressure with a five-stage configuration. These findings highlight the critical role of efficient compression systems in enhancing hydrogen storage and distribution for sustainable energy applications.

Comparative study on rolling resistance force in tire-ice interaction with a variation of tread rubber compound

Abstract The complex phenomenon involved in the tire-ice interaction can be better understood by studying the tire and ice properties. A significant force at the contact patch is the rolling resistance force. To study the effect of tire characteristics on rolling resistance forces, data collected from a free-rolling tire can be used as there is no tractive or braking torque applied to the wheel and thus the data representing the longitudinal forces is only related to resistive forces viz. friction and rolling resistance force. Although a lot of research and literature has been developed for tire-ice interaction over the years, there is a significant lack of work in the subsection of free-rolling tires specifically to study the effect of ice parameters on rolling resistance forces. To fulfill the aim of this study, several sets of experiments for 16 winter tires of 8 different rubber compounds in free-rolling conditions were conducted. The experimental data was compared with predictions of 4 well-known formulations from the literature. Based on the findings and the relative error between the predicted and measured values, it was proposed that the high error percentage could be due to the variation in the viscoelastic properties of the tread rubber. The longitudinal force generated during those tests would thus be a combination of frictional forces due to adhesion between the tread rubber and its viscoelastic nature in addition to the contribution from the remaining sections of the tire. The data collected from the experiments and results from implementing the existing models to obtain frictional force will further help in analyzing the relation between the rolling resistance force with variation in normal load, inflation pressure, and change in camber angle once a generic formulation considering the rubber compound effects is incorporated. Another significant finding of this work is that formulations in literature used for finding the rolling resistance coefficient of radial passenger car tires were found to highly underestimate the coefficient when compared to the equivalent coefficient of friction found from experimental results. The future scope may include the development of a model which will incorporate the viscoelastic properties, especially the loss moduli and loss tangent to evaluate the coefficient of friction and rolling resistance force in the free-rolling condition of a winter tire on ice as the rolling resistance losses are found to be highly correlated to these two properties.

Research on a new pressure pulsator

Pulsators are widely used to study the dynamic characteristics of liquid flow components. However, it is difficult to adapt the existing actuators to the excitation requirements under high pressures, low temperatures, and toxic media. This study describes the design of a novel pressure pulsation device and presents the results of simulations and experimental tests. The flow field is simulated under a series of working conditions, and the effects of the rotation speed, flow rate, inlet pressure, and gap between the rotor and stator on the peak-to-peak amplitude, spectral amplitude, and flow resistance coefficient of the actuator outlet are analyzed. A prediction model for the corresponding parameters is developed using multiple linear regression. In high-pressure (20 MPa) hydraulic pipeline tests, the excitation device can generate pulsating flow with peak-to-peak amplitudes of more than 7 MPa in the time domain and 2 MPa in the frequency domain. The upstream and downstream regions of the internal flow field are periodically joined and detached by the blade rotation, which results in periodic variations in flow velocity and pressure. The relative error between the model predictions and the three-dimensional simulation and experimental values is less than 7%, satisfying industrial requirements. This work facilitates a solution to the problem of dynamic excitation when analyzing the response characteristics of fluid equipment in high-pressure pipelines and provides a method for forecasting actuator output effects.