Pure Conduction Research Articles

Comprehensive effective thermal conductivity correlation and fast model for the melting of a phase change material inside a horizontal shell-and-tube unit

The effective thermal conductivity is a robust alternative to include the effect of natural convection during the melting of a phase-change material, while solving only the energy equation. With this approach, significant time savings may be obtained, maintaining satisfactory accuracy. However, it remains unclear how well the existing equations predict the enhanced conductivity for horizontal shell-and-tube heat exchangers, particularly in terms of accurately estimating the liquid fraction. In this paper, a simplified model for the melting of a phase-change material is developed based on the pure conduction formulation while considering natural convection. The model was solved using the finite volume method and implemented in Python. A previously validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to calculate the enhanced conductivity, which was then applied to the simplified model. The simplified model was found to be 3500 times faster than the CFD model, with a maximum deviation of only 8.2%. Subsequently, existing correlations to predict the effective thermal conductivity were assessed. The results for the liquid fraction predictions indicated maximum deviations ranging from 33.6% to 144.8%, for predictors developed under melting conditions, and from 35.6% to 231.1%, for equations developed without considering phase-change. Further, new correlations, spanning all melting regimes, were proposed, revealing maximum deviations of 17.73% and 10.24% for the different scenarios evaluated. Therefore, the new correlations demonstrated to be the preferred choice to obtain more accurate models for the melting of phase-change materials inside horizontal shell-and-tube units.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of binary solid-solid phase change materials with integrated heat pipe and aluminium foam based heat sink for thermal management of electronic systems

Phase change material (PCM) is widely utilised in thermal management systems (TMS), however its low thermal conductivity inhibits performance. Heat pipe and porous materials are incorporated into PCM due to their high thermal conductivities to form a hybrid system that substantially enhances PCM's heat transfer capability. This study investigates experimentally and numerically, the cooling performance of heat sink by integrating aluminium foam and heat pipe (HP) with binary Neopentyl glycol (NPG)/Trihydroxy methyl-aminomethane (TAM) solid-solid phase change material (SS_PCM) obtained at 90/10 wt% (N9T1), 70/30 wt% (N7T3) and 50/50 wt% (N5T5). Compared to pure NPG thermal conductivity, N9T1, N7T3, and N5T5 samples demonstrated relative enhancement ratios of 0.017, 2.46, and 2.84. Different heat sink configurations are examined at three constant power levels 15, 17 and 19 W for the same charging period of 10000 s to determine the optimal cooling arrangement. During the charging period, hybrid cooling (PCM-Foam-HP) system with fan in contrast to an empty sink achieved the highest temperature reduction of 58.31 %, 58.99 % and 59.89 % at power levels of 15, 17 and 19 W, respectively. N9T1, N7T3 and N5T5 combinations lowered temperature by 4.6 %, 5.9 % and 10.8 %, respectively, when compared to NPG. Furthermore, all configurations performed better at lower heat generation rates by extending the safe operational period (SOP).The investigation concluded that N5T5 SS_PCM-aided heat sinks with integrated aluminium foam and heat pipe with fan reduced temperatures the most and performed best in all aspects. Finally, the experimental results for TMS were numerically validated using COMSOL software.

Defect Structure, Oxygen Ion Conduction, and Conducting Mechanism in Ruddlesden-Popper Sr3Zr2-xMxO7-0.5x (M = Ga, Y, In).

Ruddlesden-Popper (RP)-structured materials based on transition metals with a variable valence, such as Fe, Mn, Ni, and so on, have been well documented for their potential of being used as electrodes in solid-oxide fuel cells. However, RP materials with pure or dominant ionic conduction are rare. Here, a series of Zr-based RP materials Sr3Zr2-xMxO7-0.5x (M = Ga, Y, In) with electrical conductivity as high as 3.25 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 900 °C in air was reported, which represents the highest conductivity for the Zr-based RP materials and is comparable to that of the recently reported In-based RP oxide-ion conductors, such as NdBaInO4-based and La2BaIn2O7-based materials. Under low oxygen partial pressure (pO2), the doped samples show pure ionic conducting behaviors without n-type electronic conductivity. The defect formation energies, local structure around the oxygen vacancies, and oxide-ion-conducting mechanism of the acceptor-doped Sr3Zr2O7-based materials were studied for the first time. The results revealed a two-dimensional oxide ion migration characteristic within the perovskite slabs. This work therefore provides a good reference for developing new oxide-ion conductors in the Zr-based RP-structured materials.

Oscillatory one-roll and two-roll solutions in laminar viscoelastic Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a square cavity

Rayleigh-Bénard convection in square closed cavities filled with Oldroyd-B fluid was studied using OpenFOAM-based RheoTool. For the RBC in Newtonian fluids, the transition always occurs from conduction to steady state convection with increasing Rayleigh number (Ra). On the other hand, the viscoelastic fluids may also show the transition from conduction to oscillatory convection. Further increase in Ra may result in a steady state convective solutions. It is further noted that the behavior is similar to Newtonian fluids for larger values of viscosity ratio (B). Considering the abovementioned different flow behavior at different values of the parameters, it is noted that there are five different types of solutions possible for the viscoelastic fluids viz. pure conduction (PC), one roll periodic oscillations (ORPO), one roll steady state (ORSS) convection, two roll periodic oscillations (TRPO), simultaneous one and two roll steady state convection. Therefore, a bifurcation diagram in the parametric space of Ra and B is presented, depicting these five regions corresponding to each type of solution. The boundaries of these regions have been identified by numerical simulation. Note that all these regions exist in the laminar flow regime, and the transition to turbulence is not considered here. Interestingly, at low values of B, as one increases Ra, it is seen that the ORSS region is sandwiched between ORPO and TRPO. The likely reason for this interesting behavior is explained. Moreover, representative solutions in each region in terms of isotherms, streamlines, and vector plots have been included to demonstrate the dynamics of each delineated region.

Ultrahigh-mobility microbial cytochrome nanowires generate power from humidity.

Mixed electronic-ionic conductors are crucial for various technologies, including harvesting power from humidity in a durable, self-sustainable, manner unrestricted by location or environment1,2. Biological proteins have been proposed as mixed conductors for 50 years3,4. Recently, Geobacter sulfurreducens pili filaments have been claimed to act as nanowires to generate power5,6. Here, we show that the power is generated by G. sulfurreducens-produced cytochrome OmcZ nanowires that show 20,000-fold higher electron conductivity than pili7. Remarkably, nanowires show ultrahigh electron and proton mobility (>0.25 cm2/Vs), owing to directional charge migration through seamlessly-stacked hemes and a charged, hydrogen-bonding surface, respectively. AC impedance spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements using four-probe van der Pauw and back-gated field-effect-transistor devices reveal that humidity increases carrier mobility by 30,000-fold. Cooling halves the activation energy, thereby accelerating charge transport. Electrochemical measurements identify the voltage and mobilities required to switch pure electronic conduction to mixed conduction for power generation. The high aspect ratio (1:1000) and hydrophilic nanowire surface captures moisture efficiently to reduce oxygen reversibly, generating large potentials (>0.5 V) necessary to sustain high power. Our studies establish a new class of biologically-synthesized, low-cost and high-performance mixed-conductors and identify key design principles for improving power output using highly-tunable electronic and protein structures.

Redox Stability and Electrical Properties of a Series of Novel Quadruple Dopant BIMEVOX: Bi2V1−4x(CuNiNbTi)xO5.5−δ

Bi2VO5.5‐based materials are well‐known oxide ion conductors owing to their exceptionally high ionic conductivity. However, their poor phase and redox stabilities under a reducing atmosphere hinder their practical application as electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells. Here, a series of novel quadruple metal‐doped bismuth vanadium system materials Bi2V1−4x(CuNiNbTi)xO5.5−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) are prepared through a traditional solid state reaction method, aiming to enhance the phase and redox stability under reducing atmosphere. The results reveal that multiple‐metal‐doping can stabilize the tetragonal phase of Bi2VO5.5 to room temperature and show good phase and structural stabilities under inert or high oxygen partial pressure atmospheres, as well as pure oxide ion conduction which is slightly lower than that of the parent material. However, under a reducing environment, the Bi2V1−4x(CuNiNbTi)xO5.5−δ materials would still undergo a phase decomposition, yielding elemental bismuth impurity, and introducing strong electronic conduction. Thus, how to improve the phase and redox stabilities under the reducing atmosphere of the Bi2VO5.5‐based materials is still the endeavor direction in the future.

Gate-Tunable Asymmetric Quantum Dots in Graphene-Based Heterostructures: Pure Valley Polarization and Confinement

We explore the possibility of attaining valley-dependent tunnelling and confinement using proximity-induced spin-orbit couplings (SOCs) in graphene-based heterostructures. We consider gate-tunable asymmetric quantum dots (AQDs) on graphene heterostructures and exhibiting a C3v and/or C6v symmetry. By employing a tight-binding model, we explicitly reveal a pure valley confinement and valley signal in AQDs by streaming the valley local density, leading to valley-charge separation in real space. The confinement of the valley quasi-bound states is sensitive to the locally induced SOCs and to the spatial distribution of the induced AQDs; it is also robust against on-site disorder. The adopted process of attaining a pure valley-Hall conductivity and confinement with zero charge currents is expected to provide more options towards valley-dependent electron optics.

Simulation of CuO-water nanofluid flow for cooling of solar photovoltaic module

The importance of studying photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems is underscored by their potential to harness both solar thermal and photovoltaic energy simultaneously, making them a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. The integration of a PVT system allows for enhanced energy conversion and utilization of available resources. In the context of the broader field of renewable energy, understanding and optimizing PVT systems contribute to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly power generation solutions. The introduction of CuO nanoparticles proves beneficial, contributing to an overall improvement in system performance. Throughout this exploration, the aim is to provide insights into the intricate dynamics of PVT systems under varying conditions, emphasizing the impact of key parameters on system efficiency and performance. Examining PVT systems, this study focuses on a rectangular duct equipped with a turbulator featuring rectangular cuts. The simulation considers the flow of CuO-H2O within the channel and accounts for pure conduction within the layers, employing the finite volume method with a validation test for accuracy. The mesh size has been optimized for computational efficiency. In this context, the study investigates variations in cell temperature (T PV) and efficiency components (electrical (η PV), thermal (η th), overall (η PVT)) concerning key variables: wind speed (V w (0.4, 1, 1.4 m/s)), incident irradiation (G (730, 830, 930 W/m2)), inlet velocity (0.08, 0.1, 0.12 m/s), volume fraction of CuO (ϕ = 0, 0.018). Introducing the turbulator improves T PV uniformity by about 20.43%. With increased incident irradiation in the presence of the turbulator, η PV, η th, and η PVT values enhance by approximately 1.02%, 8.18%, and 4.99%, respectively. Specifically, at G = 930 W/m2, the turbulator installation leads to a 4.35% increase in η PVT. However, certain variables demonstrate contrasting effects. Increased wind speed results in a 3.63% decrease in η PVT for tubes equipped with a turbulator. Conversely, intensifying the inlet velocity leads to an augmentation of η PVT by around 3.19%, coupled with a notable 16.34% improvement in the uniformity of T PV.

Phases, stabilities, and oxide ion conductions of multiple lanthanide and tungsten co–doped δ-Bi2O3-based materials: From low to high configuration entropy

In this work, a series of multiple lanthanide and tungsten co-doped fluorite structured (Bi2O3)0.95-x(Ho0.4Er0.4Tm0.4Yb0.4Lu0.4O3)x(WO3)0.05 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) and (Bi2O3)0.26(Ho0.5Er0.5Tm0.5Yb0.5O3)0.48(WO3)0.26 materials were prepared by traditional solid-state reaction method. The phases, stabilities, and electrical properties of these materials were thoroughly studied. The results revealed that under high oxygen partial pressure, CO2, or inert atmospheres, all these samples had excellent long term thermal stability and chemical stability, and the samples of (Bi2O3)0.95-x(Ho0.4Er0.4Tm0.4Yb0.4Lu0.4O3)x(WO3)0.05 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) with low or mediate configuration entropies showed pure and high oxide ion conductivities, e.g. ∼2.6 × 10−2 S/cm at 600 °C for the sample x = 0.2. Whereas, for the (Bi2O3)0.26(Ho0.5Er0.5Tm0.5Yb0.5O3)0.48(WO3)0.26 sample with high configuration entropy, pure ionic conduction occurred only within a narrow temperature range (700−750 °C) under the N2 atmosphere. Under strong reducing condition, only the high-entropy sample (Bi2O3)0.26(Ho0.5Er0.5Tm0.5Yb0.5O3)0.48(WO3)0.26 showed high phase and chemical stabilities, but would introduce strong electronic conduction rise from the reduction of the high content W6+. While for (Bi2O3)0.95-x(Ho0.4Er0.4Tm0.4Yb0.4Lu0.4O3)x(WO3)0.05 with low or mediate configuration, phase decompositions with impurities of Bi metal and HoH2 were observed under strong reducing atmosphere, accompany with obviously decreased conductivities. Therefore, we provided here a comprehensive understanding for the multiple components doped Bi2O3-based materials with configuration entropy from low to high on their phases, stabilities, and electrical properties, and suggested a new strategy for designing and stabilizing bismuth-oxide-based materials.

Exhaustive Study of Electrical Conductivity in the MNb2−x TixO6–0.5x (M = Mg, Ca, Zn; x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) Columbites

The CaNb2O6 and ZnNb2O6 columbites (Sp.gr. Pbcn) were studied as oxygen ion conductors both theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical approach included geometrical-topological analysis, bond valence site energy (BVSE) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The BVSE approach showed the possibility of pure oxygen ions diffusion with migration energies less than 0.45 eV in both compounds. However, DFT calculations indicated the possibility of diffusion of both anions and cations. The single-phases columbites were synthesized by the Pechini method for accurately determine charge carriers type and investigated by impedance spectroscopy, by the Tubandt method, which confirmed the absence of cationic conductivity, and measured the electrical conductivity as a function of oxygen partial pressures. The CaNb2O6 sample was characterized by the pure oxygen-ionic conductivity ∼2 × 10−6 S cm–1 at 800 °C (E a = 0.82 eV), while the ZnNb2O6 had a similar conductivity value due to mixed ionic-electronic contribution (E a = 0.83 eV). The electromotive force method also showed the predominance of the ionic type of conductivity in CaNb2O6, while ZnNb2O6 has a mixed conductivity with ion transport number of about 0.4. Additionally, we synthesized Ti-doped samples MNb2−x Ti x O6–0.5x (M = Mg, Ca; x = 0.1, 0.2) to study the doping effect on conducting properties.

EFFECT OF INNER BOUNDARIES GEOMETRY ON NATURALCONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER IN HORIZONTAL ANNULI

An analytical modeling of natural convection in physically-based analysis is developed for investigate free convective heat transfer in horizontal eccentric annulus between a circular outer cylinder and heated different shape inner envelope with used four models of the shapes of the inner cross section of (circular, triangular, square and hexagon inner boundary). The main objective of this paper was taking a composite model based on asymptotic solutions for three limiting cases: pure conduction, laminar boundary layer convection and transition flow convection. Laminar conditions up to Rayleigh number RaPi of 5×104 were investigated. By using data from MATLAB simulations for a wide range of two cylinder temperature difference in order to study the effects of annulus diameter ratio, Rayleigh number, and the cross section geometries of inner cylinder on the Nusslte number and the ratio of thermal conductivity. The numerical result illustrated for the circular the increasing the Rayleigh number leading to slightly increasing the non-dimensional Nusslte number with various value of annulus diameter ratio and when used the high annulus perimeter ratio (Po/Pi( about (4.5,2.6,1.6 and 1.175). There is rapid increasing in the non-dimensional ratio of thermal conductivity with increasing the Rayleigh number at the high values of (Po/Pi(, and the result showed that the non-dimensional ratio of thermal conductivity and the Nusslte number values of the (triangular, square and hexagon) less than in the case of circular inner boundary, but the hexagon model showed the Nusslte number more that than in the (triangular and square). the mathematical results compared with model developed by pervious numerical the model and data are in good agreement, with an average RMS difference of 10.6% for the circular annulus of dimensional Nusselt number (NuPi) and less than 4.9 % and 9.8% for the square inner geometry non-dimensional ratio thermal conductivity.

Correlation Analysis and Comparison of Adult CE-Chirp ABR Response Threshold and Pure Tone Hearing Threshold.

To study the application of CE-Chirp in the evaluation of hearing impairment in forensic medicine by testing the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in adults using CE-Chirp to analyze the relationship between the V-wave response threshold of CE-Chirp ABR test and the pure tone hearing threshold. Subjects (aged 20-77 with a total of 100 ears) who underwent CE-Chirp ABR test in Changzhou De'an Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019 were selected to obtain the V-wave response threshold, and pure tone air conduction hearing threshold tests were conducted at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz, respectively, to obtain pure tone listening threshold. The differences and statistical differences between the average pure tone hearing threshold and V-wave response threshold were compared in different hearing levels and different age groups. The correlation, differences and statistical differences between the two tests at each frequency were analyzed for all subjects. The linear regression equation for estimating pure tone hearing threshold for all subjects CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold was established, and the feasibility of the equation was tested. There was no statistical significance in the CE-Chirp ABR response threshold and pure tone hearing threshold difference between different hearing level groups and different age groups (P>0.05). There was a good correlation between adult CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold and pure tone hearing threshold with statistical significance (P<0.05), and linear regression analysis showed a significant linear correlation between the two (P<0.05). The use of CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold can be used to evaluate subjects' pure tone hearing threshold under certain conditions, and can be used as an audiological test method for forensic hearing impairment assessment.

Environmental and energy analysis for photovoltaic-thermoelectric solar unit in existence of nanofluid cooling reporting CO2 emission reduction

BackgroundIt is crucial to introduce new strategies to intensify the efficiency of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) unit. The incorporation of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) within a solar unit can notably improve its electrical performance. Additionally, modifying the properties of the cooling fluid by incorporating nano-powders proves to be an effective approach in optimizing PVT systems. MethodsThis study delves into an inventive design for a PVT unit, exploring novel techniques to boost its performance. To enhance the cooling of the PV component, two strategies were employed: 1) the implementation of a new-style turbulator, and 2) the integration of confined jets. Thus, three cases were simulated: case 1 (without any enhancement), case 2 (with the turbulator), and case 3 (employing both techniques). Additionally, the TEG layer was incorporated with the PV layers to augment overall efficiency. The testing fluid, water, was infused with SiO2 nanoparticles, and their properties were determined using a homogeneous mixture formulation. For simulating the current 3D model, the Finite Volume Method was chosen, accounting for laminar flow in fluid zones and applying the pure conduction equation for solid zones. The impacts of altering geometry, heat flux (G), inlet velocity within the tube (Vi), and jet (Vj) on performance metrics (including PV electrical (ηPV), thermoelectric (ηTE), thermal (ηth), overall electrical (ηEl), total (ηTot)) have been detailed in the results section. Significant findingsBy implementing two cooling techniques, the uniformity of panel temperature experiences a notable enhancement of about 79.96 %. With an increase in the velocity of the nanofluid within the tube, there is an approximately 1.99 % improvement in the value of ηTot. Furthermore, when Vi=0.08 m/s, the values of ηEl, and ηTot see an increase of about 3.09 % and 12.59 %, respectively, upon the installation of the jet and turbulator. An augmentation in G leads to a rise in ηTot by approximately 5.32 % and 7.32 % for cases 1 and 3, respectively. When G = 810 W/m2, incorporating a jet and turbulator in the PVT system results in improvements of about 2.64 % in ηEl, and 10.45 % in ηTot. The increment of ηTot with switching from case 1 to case 3 enhances about 24.62 % with the rise of G. Moreover, as the inlet velocity of the jet increases, the values of ηTE, ηth, and ηTot enhance by about 3.43 %, 1.87 %, and 1.06 %, respectively.

Pressure effects on the ionic transport properties of LiNH2

A pressure-induced abnormal transition from mixed ionic and electronic conduction to pure ionic conduction was found in LiNH2. The energy required for Li+ ion migration increased with increasing pressure.

Accelerating melting time in a triplex tube heat exchanger thermal energy storage unit with micro-channels

This article studies optimal conditions to maximize heat transfer efficiency within a triplex tube heat exchanger (TTHX) filled with phase-change material. In this context, micro-channels (MCs) incorporated into TTHX for the first time for acceleration melting time. A two-dimensional numerical model has been developed, and pure conduction and natural convection are both simulated. The Reynolds numbers range from 1 to 100. The types of temporal velocity profiles into micro-channels were uniform, step, elliptic, sinusoidal, and power. The effect of gravity states, namely no gravity, with gravity, and (MCHE), has been studied with different numbers of microchannels (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14). The results showed that there was no variation in melting duration observed when increasing the Re number from 50 to 100. Thus, the maximum reduction in melting period occurred at Re = 50. Moreover, sinusoidal velocity profiles were more effective and could help the process finish sooner. In addition, micro channel tube exchanger (MCTE) fitted or equipped with 10 micro-channels has an optimum condition considering pressure drop and complete melting time. Using the sinusoidal profile reduced the total fusion time by 325 s compared to uniform flow (8.47 % reduction). This indicates that the sinusoidal profile is an effective way to reduce the melting period.

Crustal Conditions Favoring Convective Downward Migration of Fractures in Deep Hydrothermal Systems

AbstractCooling magma plutons and intrusions are the heat sources for hydrothermal systems in volcanic settings. To explain system longevity and observed heat transfer at rates higher than those explained by pure conduction, the concept of fluid convection in fractures that deepen because of thermal rock contraction has been proposed as a heat‐source mechanism. While recent numerical studies have supported this half a century old hypothesis, understanding of the various regimes where convective downward migration of fractures can be an effective mechanism for heat transfer is lacking. Using a numerical model for fluid flow and fracture propagation in thermo‐poroelastic media, we investigate scenarios for which convective downward migration of fractures may occur. Our results support convective downward migration of fractures as a possible mechanism for development of hydrothermal systems, both for settings within active zones of volcanism and spreading and, under favorable conditions, in older crust away from such zones.

Hearing Loss in Older People With Schizophrenia: Audiologic Characteristics and Association With Psychosocial Functioning

The severity and impact of hearing deficits among adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may become increasingly relevant with advancing age. This study evaluated hearing ability and associated psychosocial functioning among older adults aged 50-70. Cross-sectional analysis. Four outpatient psychiatry clinics in New York City. Individuals aged 50-70 years with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Unaided pure tone air conduction audiometry conducted using a portable audiometry system determined the pure tone average (PTA) hearing threshold across four frequencies: 500, 1k, 2k, and 4k Hz. Better ear PTA defined the hearing threshold. Audiometry data retrieved from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aided interpretation of sample hearing loss rates. Standard measures evaluated psychiatric symptoms, perceived impact of hearing impairment, loneliness, and quality of life. Among audiometry completers (N = 40), 35% (n = 14) demonstrated subclinical hearing loss (16-25 dB) and 35% (n = 14) had mild or worse hearing loss (≥26 dB). Rates were higher than expected based on age-based population data. Those who perceived hearing handicap rated it moderate (12.2%) or severe (7.3%); those who perceived tinnitus rated the impact as mild to moderate (12.2%) or catastrophic (2.4%). Neither psychiatric symptoms nor interviewer-rated quality of life was associated with hearing ability. Greater loneliness was significantly correlated with worse audiologic performance (r = 0.475, p <0.01) and greater perceived hearing handicap (r = 0.480, p <0.01). Identifying the need for hearing loss treatment among aging adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders is important given the potential implications for social functioning, cognitive, and mental health.

Acceleration the solidification process of cold-thermal storage/nanoparticles using finned container: A numerical study

To expedite discharging rate, the curved container is equipped with fin in present study and base PCM (phase change material) was mixed with Al2O3 nano-powders. Galerkin based numerical approach is applied to model the mathematical model which includes two equations. The grid is adapted with the location of the solid front. The homogeneous mixture of nanomaterial has been utilized. The model is validated according to numerical published work. The solidification process primarily relies on pure conduction, a reasonably accurate approximation confirmed during the validation step using empirical data. Introducing nanoparticles expedites the process due to enhanced conduction capabilities. It is crucial to monitor the processing time, which has been meticulously recorded for each scenario. A comparative graph has been presented to illustrate this. Contours have been depicted at different time intervals to demonstrate the influence of loading additives on the system. As the diameter of nano-powders rises, the period alters from 2.19s to 1.8s and 2.28s. The discharging time for pure water is 2.48s which is reduced about 27.52% with loading nanoparticles.

Effect of natural convection on charging of phase change materials in graded metal foam: Pore-scale simulation

Open-cell metal foams (MFs) possess exceptional thermal conductivity and are often utilized to enhance the phase transition efficiency of phase change materials (PCMs) that have insufficient thermal conductivity. The movement of energy within MFs during phase transition is influenced by natural convection and heat conduction. In this study, pore-scale numerical simulation (PNS) was employed to study the effect of natural convection on the phase transition of graded MFs (positive gradient foam-PGF, homogenous foam-HF, and negative gradient foam-NGF). Simplified tetrakaidecahedron cells were used for PNS to capture the primary geometric features of MFs. Results have shown that natural convection significantly influences the phase transition process of PCMs. Compared to pure thermal conductivity, the full melting times (FMTs) of PCMs in PGF, HF, and NGF were reduced by 85.2% - 88.3% when natural convection was considered. Furthermore, the integrated average temperature response rates of PCMs in PGF, HF, and NGF, considering natural convection, were improved by 378.4%, 301.9%, and 342.5%, respectively. The presence of natural convection resulted in a gradient in the phase interface distribution and temperature field. The PNS method proved useful in illustrating the influence of metallic ligaments on phase interface and temperature distributions.

Noise-induced hearing loss in the contralateral ear during otologic and neurotologic surgeries

ObjectiveNoise-induced hearing loss in the non-surgical ear during otologic/neurotologic surgery has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in hearing that may occur in the contralateral (i.e., non-surgical) ear after various otologic/neurotologic surgeries due to noise generated by drills. We hypothesized that otologic/neurotologic surgeries, longer in duration, would suggest longer drilling times and result in decreased hearing in the contralateral ear as evidenced by a change post-operative pure tone air conduction thresholds when compared to pre-operative thresholds. MethodsA retrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center. Adult patients (18–75 years old) who underwent otologic/neurotologic surgeries from May 1, 2016 through May 1, 2021 were considered for inclusion. Surgeries included vestibular schwannoma resection (translabyrinthine, middle cranial fossa, or retrosigmoid approaches), endolymphatic sac/shunt and labyrinthectomy for Meniere's disease, and tympanomastoid surgery for middle ear pathology (e.g., cholesteatoma). Patient characteristics obtained through record review included age, sex, surgical procedure, pre-operative and post-operative audiometric thresholds and word recognition scores (WRS) for the contralateral ear, and duration of surgery. ResultsNo significant differences were observed for change in audiometric thresholds in the contralateral ear for any surgery when considering individual frequencies. Additionally, no significant change in WRS was observed for any surgical approach. ConclusionsThe risk of hearing loss in the non-surgical ear during various otologic/neurotologic surgeries appears to be minimal when measured via routine clinical tests.