Surface Airflow Research Articles

Regional differences in the grain size characteristics of surface sediments from typical barchan dunes in arid zones

The grain size characteristics of aeolian sediments are the combined result of sand sources, regional airflow regimes, dune morphology, etc., and are essential for understanding the formation and evolution of barchan dunes. Based on field investigations and laboratory experimental data, in this paper, we explored differences in the grain size characteristics of the surface sediments of barchan dunes at the southeastern edge of the Taklimakan Desert (TKLM-SE), the western (QB-W) and southern parts of the Qaidam Basin Desert (QB-S), the sand belt connecting the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert (BT-B), and their responses to sand sources, dune morphology, and wind regimes. The main results were as follows: (i) The mean grian size distribution patterns of the windward slope toe to the leeward slope toe through the dune crest/ridge varied with different transects of the barchan dunes and different deserts, showing four types including gradually fining (GF), gradually coarsening (GC), coarsening followed by fining (CF), and fining followed by coarsening (FC). The patterns were GF and CF in the TKLM-SE; GF, GC, and FC in the BT-B; GF, GC, and CF in the QB-W; and GF in the QB-S. (ii) The interdune sediments provided the source material for the formation and development of barchan dunes and their grain size varied in different deserts. The interdune sediments were composed of gravel and very fine sand in the TKLM-SE, while they were composed of medium and fine sand in the QB-W, QB-S, and BT-B. (iii) The windward side of the barchans varied with different wind directions, and dune height affected dune surface airflow velocity and direction, changing the pattern of grain size distribution on the dune surface. The wind regime over a ten-day or half-month scale could explain the variance in the grain size distribution patterns better than that on an annual scale. (iv) Grain size characteristics of dune surface sands changed with dune shape due to changes in the surface airflow velocity and direction and the sediment-carrying capacity of the airflow. With an increasing ratio of dune height to dune width, the grain size of the dune crest sands became coarser. These results help advance our understanding of the grain size characteristics of barchan dunes and regional variabilities in their patterns.

Imaging-based measurement of lunar dust velocity and particle size.

This paper introduces an optical-mechanical system designed for the dynamic detection and analysis of lunar dust, typically characterized as particles under 20micrometers on the lunar surface. The system's design is both compact and lightweight, aligning with the payload constraints of lunar exploration missions. It is capable of real-time tracking and recording the motion of lunar dust at various altitudes, a crucial capability for understanding the environmental dynamics of the lunar surface. By capturing images and applying sophisticated algorithms, the system accurately measures the velocity and size of dust particles. This approach significantly advances the quantitative analysis of lunar dust, especially during agitation events, filling a critical gap in our current understanding of lunar surface phenomena. The insights gained from this study are not only pivotal for developing theoretical models of lunar surface air flow disturbances and dust movement but also instrumental in designing effective dust mitigation and hazard avoidance strategies for future lunar missions, thereby enhancing both scientific knowledge and the engineering applications in lunar exploration.

Structure Optimization and Data Processing Method of Electronic Nose Bionic Chamber for Detecting Ammonia Emissions from Livestock Excrement Fermentation.

In areas where livestock are bred, there is a demand for accurate, real-time, and stable monitoring of ammonia concentration in the breeding environment. However, existing electronic nose systems have slow response times and limited detection accuracy. In this study, we introduce a novel solution: the bionic chamber construction of the electronic nose is optimized, and the sensor response data in the chamber are analyzed using an intelligent algorithm. We analyze the structure of the biomimetic chamber and the surface airflow of the sensor array to determine the sensing units of the system. The system employs an electronic nose to detect ammonia and ethanol gases in a circulating airflow within a closed box. The captured signals are processed, followed by the application of classification and regression models for data prediction. Our results suggest that the system, leveraging the biomimetic chamber, offers rapid gas detection response times. A high classification prediction accuracy, with a determination coefficient R2 value of 0.99 for single-output regression and over 0.98 for multi-output regression predictions, is achieved by incorporating a backpropagation (BP) neural network algorithm. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the electronic nose, based on an optimized bionic chamber combined with a BP neural network algorithm, in accurately detecting ammonia emitted during livestock excreta fermentation, satisfying the ammonia detection requirements of breeding farms.

Modeling and Analysis of the Drying Process of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes Based on Non-Steady-State Drying Kinetics

The drying process of lithium-ion battery electrodes is one of the key processes for manufacturing electrodes with high surface homogeneity and is one of the most energy-consuming stages. The choice of the drying parameters has a significant impact on the electrode properties and the production efficiency. In response to these issues, this study establishes the non-steady-state drying kinetic equation for the electrodes, revealing the comprehensive effects of various dominant factors on the drying process. The drying rate is closely related to the electrode surface temperature, thickness, and other factors. Furthermore, this study proposes a coupled model of hot air drying field and capillary porous electrode solvent evaporation. The results showed that approximately 90% of the solvent was removed in less than half of the drying time. Then, the mechanism and control factors of electrode solvent evaporation are analyzed. During the preheating phase, the drying rate is controlled by electrode heating and temperature rise. In the constant velocity phase, it is regulated by the heat transfer from the surface airflow, while in the deceleration phase, it is affected by the mass transfer from the electrodes. Additionally, the effects of different thicknesses, temperatures, and airflow speeds on the drying process were investigated. Finally, experimental verification demonstrated the optimal parameters within the scope of the study: a temperature of 363.15 K and airflow speeds of 2.3 m/s result in a higher drying rate, as well as favorable mechanical performance.

Temporal variation of wall flow and its influences on energy balance of the building wall

The characteristics of energy balance and heat transfer on building walls are important for building energy consumption and outdoor thermal/wind environment. The in-situ measurement of energy balance and wall flows during clear days on a 16-story building in Guangzhou, China is introduced and analyzed in this paper. The velocity along the wall was measured by 3D ultrasonic anemometers. The surface temperature was measured by infrared camera and thermal couples. The ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity and solar radiation were recorded by weather stations. The Rayleigh number of wall flows reached as high as 1.44 × 1014. We found that the different kinds of heat flux reach their maximum value in a day cycle at different times. The transmittance of the atmosphere keeps decreasing from sunrise to sunset on Guangzhou’s typical clear days thus inducing different incoming solar radiation. The wall surface temperature and air flow were visualized by infrared videos. The diurnal change of energy balance on the south facing wall was calculated based on the solar radiation, long wave radiation and heat transfer caused by natural convection adjacent to the wall.

Characteristics of Extreme Wind Pressure on the Open Prefabricated Spatial Grid Structure of Evergrande Stadium

Large-span open prefabricated spatial grid structures are characterized by light mass, high flexibility, low self-oscillation frequency, and low damping, resulting in wind-sensitive structures. Meanwhile, their height tends to be relatively low, located in the wind field with a large wind speed gradient and high turbulence area. Therefore, surface airflow is complex, and many flow separations, reattachment, eddy shedding, and other phenomena occur, causing damage to local areas. This paper took the Evergrande Stadium in Guiyang, China, as the research object and used the random number cyclic pre-simulation method to study its surface extreme wind pressure. Firstly, five conventional distributions (Gaussian, Weibull, three-parameter gamma, generalized extreme value, and lognormal distribution) were fitted to the wind pressure probability densities at different measurement points on the surface of the open stadium. It is found that the same distribution could not be chosen to describe the probability density distribution of wind pressure at all measurement points. Hence, based on the simulation results, the Gaussian and non-Gaussian regions of this structure were divided to determine where to apply which distribution. Additionally, the accuracy of the peak factor, improved peak factor, and modified Hermite moment model method were compared to check their applicability. Finally, the effect of roughness on the extreme wind pressure distribution on the open stadium surface was also investigated according to the highest accuracy method above. The findings of this study will provide a reference for engineers in designing large-span open stadiums for wind resistance to minimize the occurrence of wind damage.

From Macro- to Microscale: A combined modelling approach for near-surface wind flow on Mars at sub-dune length-scales.

The processes that initiate and sustain sediment transport which contribute to the modification of aeolian deposits in Mars' low-density atmosphere are still not fully understood despite recent atmospheric modelling. However, detailed microscale wind flow modelling, using Computational Fluid Dynamics at a resolution of <2 m, provides insights into the near-surface processes that cannot be modeled using larger-scale atmospheric modeling. Such Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations cannot by themselves account for regional-scale atmospheric circulations or flow modifications induced by regional km-scale topography, although realistic fine-scale mesoscale atmospheric modeling can. Using the output parameters from mesoscale simulations to inform the input conditions for the Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale simulations provides a practical approach to simulate near-surface wind flow and its relationship to very small-scale topographic features on Mars, particularly in areas which lack in situ rover data. This paper sets out a series of integrated techniques to enable a multi-scale modelling approach for surface airflow to derive surface airflow dynamics at a (dune) landform scale using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment derived topographic data. The work therefore provides a more informed and realistic Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale modelling method, which will provide more detailed insight into the surface wind forcing of aeolian transport patterns on martian surfaces such as dunes.

Influence of the Internal Structure Type of a Large-Area Lower Exhaust Workbench on Its Surface Air Distribution.

Local exhaust ventilation is an important method of contamination control, and the type of exhaust hood and the air distribution at the hood face have an important influence on the contamination control effect. When the hood face is large, it is difficult to create a uniform airflow distribution at the hood face, which if achieved, could improve the effect of contamination control. To that end, the large-area workbench used in the process of vaccine purification was taken as the research subject prototype for this study. According to the methods for generating a uniform airflow distribution at the hood face, the lower exhaust workbenches of four structures were established using CAD and simulated using Ansys Fluent. The best uniformity of workbench surface air distribution was with Structure-4, while the worst was with Structure-1. The workbench surface airflow distribution could not achieve uniformity when only an inclined bottom was used for the large-area lower exhaust workbench with one side outlet. The more internal slits there were, the greater the air distribution area and the more uniform the air distribution. The width of the area of workbench surface airflow distribution was determined by the width of the slits. The numerical simulation results were verified by experiments, which showed them to be credible.

Barriers to COVID-19 Intervention Implementation in K-5 Classrooms: A Survey of Teachers from a District with Mask Mandates despite a Statewide Mask Mandate Ban.

The study objective was to characterize K-5 teachers’ risk perceptions and experiences with CDC COVID-19 classroom guidance in an Arizona school district with a mask mandate, conflicting with a statewide mask mandate ban. Methods: Public school teachers (n = 111) were recruited between 14 December 2021, and 31 January 2022, for an anonymous online survey with questions on seven important topics related to: (1) population demographics, (2) teachers’ perceptions of COVID-19 in the workplace, (3) masks, (4) physical distancing, (5) surface transmission routes, (6) air flow, and (7) contact tracing protocols. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and statistically significant differences in categorical responses by grade level taught were investigated with Fisher’s exact test. Results: There were 76 complete responses. No significant differences across grade levels were found. More than half (53%, 43/81) reported not feeling protected from occupational COVID-19 exposure. Lack of mask usage/enforcement was the most frequently listed reason (40%, 17/42). Physical distancing barriers included large student-teacher ratios. Conclusions: Consistent mask guidance at state and local levels, increased financial support, and lower student-teacher ratios may improve the implementation of CDC guidance for classrooms. Conflicting statewide and district-level school mask policies may negatively impact teachers’ risk perceptions.

Effect of surface air cooling on the high frequent cyclic ablation of C/C–SiC–ZrB2–ZrC composite under ms-scale single loading

Influence of surface air cooling on the high frequent cyclic ablation of layer-structural C/C–SiC–ZrB2–ZrC composite was mainly studied. Tests were performed by alternant plasma and surface cooling airflow for 200 cycles under ms-scale single loading. The C/C–SiC–ZrB2–ZrC composite displayed good ablation resistance. And the ablation rates decreased firstly and then rose up with increasing of the airflow rate from 0 to 4 m3/h, whereas the highest surface temperature presented an inverse relationship. The lowest ablation rates were 0.12 μm/s and 0.038 mg/s under surface airflow of 2 m3/h. Morphologies and phases of the ablated surface indicated that the low-speed airflow was helpful to the spread out and accumulation of the ablation products whereas the stronger airflow caused surface cracks and fragments of the composite. The intensities of the mechanical erosion under different surface air cooling dominated the high frequent cyclic ablation behavior.

Designing the structure and determining the mode characteristics of the grain dryer based on thermosiphons

Energy consumption, environmental issues, product quality are actual problems related to grain drying processes. It is necessary to pay attention to designing new structures of energy-efficient grain dryers. A structure of an energy-efficient grain dryer based on thermosiphons has been designed; its energy consumption is 3.5...6.8 MJ/kg depending on surface temperature and air flow rate. The dryer includes a layer heater, a drying chamber, a heat generator, a heater, a noria for loading the product, and fans. The structural features of the dryer allow the drying process to be carried out without direct contact between the combustion gases and the product. The efficiency of the designed structure was evaluated for such indicators as heat transfer coefficients to the grain flow, specific energy costs, moisture content, the relative humidity of the air leaving the dryer. The values of coefficients of the heat transfer to the grain flow vary within 36...58 W/m2K at speeds 2.5...8 mm/s. An increase in the flow rate by 3.2 times leads to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient by 1.6 times. The moisture content of the air at the outlet of the dryer reaches 60 g/kg, while the relative humidity is 90 %, which is several times higher than the parameters for convective mine grain dryers. Energy consumption for drying at the surface temperature of thermosiphons Ts=142.9 °C for various grain flow rates is close to a minimum. The energy consumption is lower than in existing convective dryers. 21 % is spent on heating grain in the dryer; 54 % ‒ on moisture evaporation; and 23.6 % are losses. If we consider the energy spent on moisture evaporation usable, the efficiency of convective dryers is only 40 % while that of dryers based on thermosiphons is 54.1 %. It is expected that the designed structure could be a solution for small farmers in the post-harvest drying process

Drying characteristics of two capillary porous building materials: Calcium silicate and ceramic brick

The wetting and drying ability of porous building materials plays a significant role in moisture transfer in the building envelope and thus influences the durability and energy efficiency of buildings. The drying characteristics of the material provide insight into the moisture transport feature over a wide moisture content range, and hence, the drying process can assist in improving the accuracy of moisture transport modelling for the heat, air and moisture (HAM) simulation and in comprehending the hygric behavior of buildings responding to environmental change.In this paper, the drying behaviors of calcium silicate and ceramic brick were experimentally and numerically investigated. The approaches to determine the drying rates of the first and second drying durations were first evaluated and proposed. The influence of the surface air flow velocity and sample dimension on the drying process was analyzed. The descriptive parameters to assess the drying rate were further discussed. The drying coefficient was shown to be able to describe the drying ability of porous building materials. Numerical simulation was conducted and compared with the measurement for a better understanding of the coupled heat and moisture transfer phenomena during the drying process.

Influence of Carbon Sorbent Quantity on Breakthrough Time in Absorbent Filters for Antismog Half Mask Application.

In this article, we present polymer non-woven fabrics with the addition of carbon sorbents being tested to estimate the breakthrough time and efficient protection against vapors present in smog. For this purpose, three substances were selected, which constitute an inhalation hazard and are smog components: cyclohexane, toluene, and sulfur dioxide. It was demonstrated that an increased quantity of carbon sorbent in polymeric filters significantly prolongs the breakthrough time. However, high sorbent quantities may increase the filter surface mass and air flow resistance. To optimize the protective parameters with functionality, a compromise between the two has to be found. By comparing the breakthrough times for different carbon sorbent quantities, the optimal filter composition was elaborated. The analyzed non-woven fabrics were manufactured by the melt-blown process and filled with ball-milled carbon sorbents supplied directly into the fabric blowing nozzle. Both protective performance and textural properties were analyzed for two commercially available carbon sorbents. Furthermore, it was proven that high values of sorbent-specific surface area translates directly into greater filter performance.

Frictional Detachment Between Slender Whisker and Round Obstacle

Abstract In nature, hair-like whiskers are used to detect surrounding information, such as surface texture and air flow field. The detection requires a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between whisker deformation and the contact force. With a whisker being modeled as a slender beam, the contact problem cannot be solved by small deformation beam theory and thus requires a new mechanical model to build up the relationship between whisker deformation and the contact force. In this work, the contact problem between a whisker and a round obstacle is solved, considering three factors: large deformation of the whisker, size of the obstacle, and frictional effect of the interface. Force and energy histories during the contact are analyzed under two motion modes: translation and rotation. Results show that the rotational mode is preferred in nature, because rotation of a whisker over an obstacle requires less energy for frictional dissipation. In addition, there are two types of detachment during the slip between the whisker and the obstacle. The detachment types are dependent on the whisker’s length and can be explained by the buckling theory of a slender beam.

Reversing transverse dunes: Modelling of airflow switching using 3D computational fluid dynamics

Airflow dynamics across dune surfaces are the primary agent of sediment transport and resulting dune migration movements. Using 3D computational fluid dynamic modelling, this study examined the behaviour of near surface airflow travelling over transverse (reversing) dunes on a beach system. Wind direction was modelled in two opposing directions (both perpendicular to dune crestline) to investigate surface alteration of flow on the dune topography. Surface shear stress, velocity streamlines and potential sediment flux were extracted from the modelling. The work shows that under SW winds the surface (under the configuration measured) underwent almost 10% more aeolian flux than with opposing NE winds of the same magnitude. Differences were also noted in the airflow behaviour with SW winds staying attached to the surface with less turbulence while NE winds had detached flow at dune crests with more localised turbulence. The work provides detailed insights into how 3D airflow behaviour is modified according to incident flow direction of reversing dune ridges and the resulting implications for their topographic modification. These dune types also provide interesting analogues for similarly scaled Transverse Aeolian Ridges found on Mars and the findings here provide important understanding of flow behaviour of such landforms and their potential movement.

Model-based interpretation of methane oxidation and respiration processes in landfill biocovers: 3-D simulation of laboratory and pilot experiments

Landfill biocovers are an efficient strategy for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. A complex interplay between key physical and reactive processes occurs in biocovers and affects the transport of gas components. Therefore, numerical models can greatly help the understanding of these systems, their design and optimal operation. In this study, we developed a 3-D multicomponent modeling approach to quantitatively interpret experimental datasets measured in the laboratory and in pilot-scale landfill biocovers. The proposed model is able to reproduce the observed spatial and temporal dynamics of CH4, O2 and CO2 migration in biocovers under different operating conditions and demonstrates the importance of dimensionality in understanding the propagation of gas flow and migration of gas components in such porous media. The model allowed us to capture the coupled transport behavior of gas components, to evaluate the exchange of gas fluxes at the interface between the biocover surface and free air flow, and to investigate the effects of different gas injection patterns on the distribution of gas components within biocovers. The model also helps elucidating the dynamics and competition between methane oxidation and respiration processes observed in the different experimental setups. The simulation outcomes reveal that increasing availability of methane (i.e., higher injection flow rates or higher fractions of CH4 in the injected gas composition) results in progressive dominance of methane oxidation in the biocovers and moderates the impact of respiration.

Modeling Vorticity-Driven Wildfire Behavior Using Near-Field Techniques

Dynamic modes of fire propagation present a significant challenge for operational fire spread simulation. Current two-dimensional operational fire simulation platforms are not generally able to account for the complex interactions that drive such behaviours, and while fully coupled fire atmosphere models are able to account for dynamic effects to an extent, their computational demands are prohibitive in an operational context. In this paper we consider techniques for extending two-dimensional fire spread simulators so that they are able to simulate certain dynamic fire behaviours. In particular, we consider modelling vorticity-driven lateral spread (VLS), which is characterised by rapid lateral fire propagation across steep, leeward slopes. Specifically, we consider modelling the influence of the fire on the local surface airflow via a ‘pyrogenic potential’ model, which allows for vertical vorticity effects (in a near-field sense) using the Helmholtz decomposition. The ability of the resulting model to emulate fire propagation associated with VLS is demonstrated using a number of examples.

Flow Field Image Based Attitude Control for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In recent years, microscale flow sensors have been extensively studied and developed, which can measure local flow information such as pressure or wall-shear stress over aerial vehicle surfaces in real-time. It is expected that with those sensors onboard, SUAVs can potentially mimic birds or bats in achieving more stable and agile flights than purely relying on rigid body sensors. However, it is challenging to utilize such a rich amount of surface airflow information to enable agile SUAV flights, which could be in the form of 2-D or 3-D images. In this paper, a flow field image based approach is developed for SUAV attitude control. The proposed robust controllers work directly on flow field images through defined image operators. The asymptotically stability of controllers are proven for the closed-loop systems under bounded uncertainties. The effectiveness of the controllers are demonstrated in simulations for both pitching motion and three-axis attitude motion even under gust wind conditions.

An analytical model for the growth and migration of a transverse dune.

The growth and migration speed formulae for a 2-d transverse dune are derived under the assumptions of shape similarity, the near surface airflow independent of height, and the 100% sand trapping efficiency of lee face during dune evolution. Although very simple, this analytical model can quantificationally reflect the field investigations of barchan migrations and the chronological data of mega-dune growth.

Time-resolved temperature field and fluid velocity field numerical simulation of plasma generated by long pulse laser induced transparent medium

Laser supported combustion waves(LSCW)exist in the process of laser induced damage to the fused silica. Based on the combustion wave supported by a single-pulse laser, the combustion process of pulsed laser is modeled and simulated in stages, taking into account the effects of the temperature residuals of the first and multiple laser pulses, changes in the target morphology, the distribution of the splash material, and the distribution of the target surface airflow conditions. The laser energy transfer process including inverse bremsstrahlung radiation, thermal radiation, heat conduction and convection processes were simulated by establishing a two-dimensional axisymmetric gas dynamic model. The simulation results show that: under the action of the parallel laser beam, the propagation of the combustion wave is steady-state and the gas dynamics behavior is stable, under the action of the focused laser beam, the propagation of the combustion wave is unsteady. The expanding velocity and the gas dynamic structure of the combustion wave are in good agreement with the experimental results and theoretical results, which verifies the correctness of the theoretical model.