Thermal Viscosity Research Articles

Impact of temperature-reliant thermal conductivity and viscosity variations on the convection of Jeffrey fluid in a rotating cellular porous layer

In this analysis, the collective impact of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and viscosity variations on the convective instability of a Jeffrey fluid in a rotating layer of cellular porous material is examined using an improved Jeffrey–Darcy model. This study has significant implications for cellular foams made from plastics, ceramics and metals, in which radiative heat transmission can be taken as a diffusion practice. Utilizing the linear stability concept and Galerkin method, approximate analytical and numerical solutions accurate to one decimal place are offered. The analysis reveals that the effect of the thermal conductivity variation factor and the rotation factor is to postpone the convective wave, whereas the viscosity variation factor and the Jeffrey factor have a dual effect in the form of rotation. The range of the convective cell is reduced with cumulating thermal conductivity variation factor, viscosity variation factor, Jeffrey factor and rotation factor. In the absence of rotation, the range of the convective cell is not dependent on the Jeffrey factor or the viscosity variation factor. Furthermore, the outcomes are matched with the existing literature for the specific case of this investigation.

Universal density shift coefficients for the thermal conductivity and shear viscosity of a unitary Fermi gas

We measure universal temperature-independent density shifts for the thermal conductivity κT and shear viscosity η, relative to the high temperature limits, for a normal phase unitary Fermi gas confined in a box potential. We show that a time-dependent kinetic theory model enables extraction of the hydrodynamic transport times τη and τκ from the time-dependent free decay of a spatially periodic density perturbation, yielding the static transport properties and density shifts, corrected for finite relaxation times. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Experimental investigation of nickel-based nanofluid on the performance of evacuated tube solar collector

This paper conducts an experimental investigation of an evacuated tube solar collector type solar collector employing a unique Ni/water nanofluid to assess its exergetic and energy performance. The investigation sheds light on the intricate behavior of nanofluid and their consequential impact on the efficiency, thermal properties, and entropy generation within the framework of evacuated tube solar collector (ETSC). The study reveals that an escalation of nickel nanoparticles volumetric concentration results in a reduction of specific heat capacity, attributed in part to the clustering effect of nanoparticles mixed with working fluid. Nevertheless, higher temperatures counterintuitively lead to an augmentation in specific heat capacity. The study presents the comparative behavior of nanofluid and the parent base fluid. The study further elucidates that augmenting the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles causes a reduction in the temperature difference between the collector's both side inlet and outlet, affecting thermal efficiency positively. Moreover, with mass flow rate contribute and increased volumetric concentration to a diminished outlet temperature, thereby enhancing the efficiency of ETSC. The study also analyzed the thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, and specific heat of the Ni/water nanofluid across different volumetric concentrations and temperature ranges from 25 °C to 50 °C. Furthermore, the thermal performance of the collector was evaluated at various mass flow rates ranging from 0.0085 kg/s to 0.051 kg/s. The findings revealed a maximum energy efficiency of 73.14% at a volumetric concentration of 1% and a mass flow rate of 0.041 kg/s.

Novel magnetic hybrid bio-mixture with two types of nano powders for the targeted drug delivery systems: Characterize, prepare, stability, ultra-sonicated and the thermal management

By systematically evaluating the thermal conductivity (TC) and viscosity of Fe₃O₄ + TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ + ZnO nanofluids, this study aims to identify key differences in their performance and behavior, particularly in biomedical applications. The investigation is conducted in a simulated body fluid (SBF) to closely replicate physiological conditions, providing a realistic assessment of their potential for use in hyperthermia therapy and targeted drug delivery. The study employs X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the crystal structure and chemical composition of the nanomaterials, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) characterizes the size, shape, and dispersion of nanoparticles within the fluid matrix. The results indicated that Fe₃O₄ + ZnO exhibits superior thermal conductivity, whereas Fe₃O₄ + TiO₂ shows higher viscosity due to its tendency to form denser aggregates. These findings are crucial for selecting the appropriate nanofluid formulation for specific biomedical applications. Additionally, the study highlights that the observed differences in thermal and rheological behavior between the two hybrid nanofluids could be leveraged to tailor them for optimized performance in different therapeutic contexts. Ultimately, this comparative analysis offers valuable insights into the design and development of magnetic hybrid bio-nanofluids (BNs), guiding future research efforts toward their potential optimization for cutting-edge biomedical technologies.

Investigation of thermal properties of ethylene glycol-based Williamson hybrid-nanofluid over stretchable/shrinking flat plate and their effects on solar panels

The global requirement for sustainable energy supply to enhance industrial productivity and reduce production costs has focused researchers’ attention to renewable energy in recent years. Solar energy mitigates the dangers connected with the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation. This work is set to evaluate the heat transmission capacities of Williamson hybrid nanofluid flow across a flat plate with viscous dissipation and heat source. The mathematical model explaining the flow interaction of Williamson hybrid nanofluid, combining viscous dissipation, heat source, and temperature-variation thermal conductivity and viscosity, is created using conservation laws. The specified system of non-linear coupled partial differential equations undergoes non-similarity transformation. The resulting non-dimensional model is solved using the bivariate spectral weighted residual method. The accuracy of the method is proven by comparing obtained results with those in the literature, and a good agreement is observed. Graphs are utilized to explain the thermophysical properties that are being considered. The results show that the fluid temperature rises when there is a source of heating and viscous dissipation. The velocity and the fluid parameter (We) have an inverse connection, whereas the temperature of the fluid has the opposite impact. Moreover, when nanoparticles are present, the thermal boundary layer rises along with the nanoparticles, thickening the velocity boundary layer and decreasing fluid velocity. Findings also show that for the Vd∈[0.1,0.5], the skin drag force and Nusselt number retard by 0.64%,14.06% for the shrinking sheet and 0.21%,6.57% for the stretching sheet respectively. In the same vein, an 100% surge in the porosity parameter escalate the skin friction coefficient by 19.13% and 26.91% and the Nusselt number by 4.92% and 2.06% respectively for both the contracting and elastic sheet. The findings in the research will provide more insight in the design and improvement of solar panel plate efficiency.

Spontaneous imbibition of unsaturated sandstone under different vertical temperature gradients: neutron radiography experiments and dynamic models

To elucidate the imbibition behavior of water in complex temperature and stress environments, spontaneous imbibition experiments were conducted on unsaturated matrix sandstones at different vertical temperature gradients by neutron radiography technology. Additionally, corresponding dynamic models of water imbibition in porous media were established. The research results reveal the phased characteristics of sandstone spontaneous imbibition and the influence of vertical temperature gradient on the evolution of wetting front. Specifically, the initial development speed of the wetting front increases with an increase in the vertical temperature gradient, indicating a direct relationship. However, the growth rate of the wetting front gradually slows down with increasing time, eventually reaching a saturated state. Model validation demonstrates that the traditional Washburn's law is still valid in isothermal conditions without temperature gradient (G=0). Further analysis indicates that the imbibition rate has a direct correlation with linear thermal expansion coefficient (α) and viscosity temperature coefficient (β) across various vertical temperature gradients, and an inverse correlation with surface tension temperature coefficient (γ). Furthermore, when the values of α, β, and γ fall below 0.001, their impact on the imbibition rate becomes negligible. The sensitivity of the imbibition rate to parameters γ, β, and α decreases in that order, with γ being the most sensitive, followed by β, and α being the least sensitive. Moreover, the relative importance of α, β, and γ dictates their specific influence on the imbibition rate, and a synergistic effect exists among these parameters, which collectively influence the water absorption behavior of sandstone.

The development of undercut and bulge on a solidified surface

Abstract This study numerically investigates the development of undercuts and bulges parallel to the scanning direction on the surface solidified from a thermocapillary molten pool. The analysis considers various parameters, including power-off time, active solute concentration, beam power and radius, surface tension, liquid thermal conductivity, viscosity, and density. The formation and shapes of undercuts and bulges directly impact the yield, fatigue, fracture strength, and stress concentration in the solidified region. Unsteady two-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer, which drive surface deformation in metals containing surface-active solutes (e.g., iron with sulfur), are solved using COMSOL Multiphase version 5.6. The development of the undercut, bulge, and molten pool is identified in six stages, based on whether the peak temperature is below the melting temperature, between the melting and critical temperatures, or above the critical temperature during heating and power-off periods. The critical temperature, determined as a function of solute content and temperature, leads to inward surface flow in the undercut near the pool edge, while the bulge in the central region can form due to either inward or outward surface flow. The predicted undercut depth and bulge height align well with previous scaling analyses and experimental data from laser polishing. These findings are relevant to various processes, including welding, additive manufacturing, polishing, melting, and solidification.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ТЕПЛОФИЗИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ ПРОДУКТОВ СГОРАНИЯ БИОГАЗА НА ТЕПЛОВЫЕ ПАРАМЕТРЫ ВОДОГРЕЙНЫХ КОТЛОВ

The combustion products of biogas and natural gas differ in the content of components, which affects their heat content and heat exchange in boilers. To determine the possibility of using biogas in boilers designed for burning natural gas, the work compares the thermophysical properties of the combustion products of natural gas and biogas and their influence on the results of boiler calculations. Methods were obtained for calculating the thermal conductivity and viscosity of a mixture of gases depending on their composition and temperature. The comparison showed that the calorimetric and thermophysical properties of biogas combustion products differ from the properties of natural gas combustion products by up to 4 %, and the difference from the reference properties of combustion products given in the standard method for calculating boiler units is on average 6 %. A comparison has been made of the results of verification thermal calculations of low-power hot water boilers KVMG-1.0 and KSV-1.0 using the properties of combustion products given in the standard method for calculating boiler units, and when calculating them using the proposed equations. Calculations have shown that the results of calculations based on reference data of the standard method lead to higher values of exhaust gas temperatures and fuel consumption. It can be concluded that natural gas in boilers can be replaced by biogas without the need to reconstruct the boiler, but for thermal calculations it is necessary to take into account changes in the composition and properties of fuel combustion products.

Experimental and numerical investigation of soundproof panels using acoustic metamaterials with porous material

Acoustic panels are often used in buildings and automobiles. For sound absorption in panels, high sound absorption performance in a wide frequency band can be achieved by combining porous sound absorption, resonant sound absorption, vibration sound absorption, and acoustic metamaterials. This study proposes a highly sound-absorbing panel structure by using an acoustic metamaterial that generates local resonance to a double-walled structure filled with porous material. In the soundproof panel of this study, local resonance is generated by a structure in which slits are made in a porous material. By the through-holes of the slits, local resonance occurs, but sound leakage and thermal viscosity in the slits may affect the sound absorption effect. Therefore, in this study, sound transmission loss for various cases with differing factors such as the use of porous materials, the presence of spiral slits, and layer configurations are compared through the acoustic analysis and experiments. The results substantiate that the proposed panel structure has high soundproofing performance in wide frequency ranges, each driven by distinct physical principles.

Numerical investigation on the formation of focusing effect in the IVR strategy

The “focusing effect” is the main challenging issue to the success of the IVR strategy, since the heat flux to the RPV wall could be significantly larger in the thin metal layer region than that in the oxide layer region. This paper numerically investigates the formation of focusing effect using validated CFD approach. The influences of the top cooling condition, layer height and material properties on the formation of focusing effect are investigated. Results indicate that, enhancing the top cooling mitigates the focusing effect. For the insufficiently-cooled top radiation situation, reducing the pool height significantly increases the focusing effect. For the sufficiently-cooled top surface (e.g., with top water cooling), the focusing effect is not formed for all the cases regardless of the pool height. It demonstrates/supports the benefit of adding in-vessel flooding to IVR strategy as a supplementary measurement. It means that once the in-vessel flooding could be established in engineering to allow for a sufficient top cooling, the focusing effect would not likely be formed regardless of the pool height. It also confirms enhancing top cooling condition an efficient way to reduce focusing effect. As two main influential material properties, the effects of thermal conductivity and viscosity are also investigated. Either decreasing the thermal conductivity or increasing the viscosity (e.g., by addition of other materials) may reduce the focusing effect. Since IVR is a widely adopted severe accident mitigation strategy, this study could provide some insights in the formation of focusing effect and help inspiring or supporting possible new engineering features for a safety IVR design.

Tangent hyperbolic MHD nanoliquids on non-isothermal stretched sheets: Analyzing the impact of transport parameters, variable fluid properties and convective boundary conditions

The key focus of this research is to look at how tangent hyperbolic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nano-liquids move in a non-isothermal coagulated stretched sheet. In this study, we intend to explore how fluid behavior responds to alternations in transport physical parameters. The coagulated sheet is subjected to two distinct boundary conditions to inspect the heat and mass transport rate of the nano liquid. The convective heat boundary condition (CBC) and mass-convective boundary condition (MCBC) are employed to specify the physical conditions at the boundaries of the problem domain. The boundary conditions, responsible for regulating heat flow and mass transfer rates, play a crucial role in shaping the liquid’s behavior. Using a similarity solution, the partial differential equation describing the flow of mass and heat within the system transforms into an interconnected network of non-linear ordinary differential equations. These mathematical equations are subsequently figured out using a numerical finite difference method. This study additionally examines the correlation between thermophoresis and Brownian motion, two fundamental concepts in the dynamics of colloidal suspensions. The study’s findings indicate that the temperature profile increases in all scenarios when the variable thermal conductivity and variable viscosity parameters are increased. In contrast, for the same parameters, the velocity profile is decreased. Further, increasing wall thickness reduces heat dissipation; consequently, the temperature profile similarly affects the velocity power index. The Biot number improves the rates of temperature transfer. These results underscore the significant influence of these parameters in predicting the behavior of MHD tangent hyperbolic nanofluids. This study elucidates the intricate interaction among different physical parameters in the dynamics of nano liquids, which holds significant implications for various industrial applications.

Investigation of Cellulose Nanocrystals Fabricated via Sulfuric Acid Combined with Deep Eutectic Solvent Route

To make full use of waste tobacco in cigarette production and enhance resource utilization efficiency, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared by a method of sulfuric acid combined with a deep eutectic solvent. This method was compared with conventional methods, and the CNCs were thoroughly characterized. The results indicated that the yield of CNCs prepared by the sulfuric acid combined with a deep eutectic solvent method exceeded 26%, with the highest yield reaching 29.5%, surpassing the yields from two other methods of 12.5%, 17.2%, corresponding to sulfuric acid and sulfuric acid-oxalic acid, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a laminar morphology of CNCs, in which the CNCs maintained a cellulose type I structure with well-preserved crystallinity. In addition, CNCs prepared by the sulfuric acid combined with a deep eutectic solvent method exhibited good thermal stability, with maximum mass loss at temperature of 342.8°C during third pyrolysis stage, higher than that of sulfuric acid at 316.7°C and sulfuric acid-oxalic acid at 335.9°C. Steady-state rheological testing revealed that the viscosity of the CNCs suspension decreased with an increasing shear rate, which is characteristic of pseudoplastic fluid shear thinning behavior. CNCs prepared by the sulfuric acid combined with DES method reduced the amount of sulfuric acid, and the yield was much higher than that of the other two methods. Moreover, the method using sulfuric acid combined with DES method was simple and safe, and the obtained CNCs had high thermal stability and viscosity, which expands the application prospects in biocomposite material fields.

Non-similar analysis of heat generation and thermal radiation on Eyring-Powell Hybrid nanofluid flow across a stretching surface

This paper portrays a two-dimensional mathematical model developed for the analysis of Eyring-Powell hybrid nanofluid flow, incorporating variable temperature and velocity profiles. This study investigates the flow through a porous media with a mixture of hybrid nanoparticles (copper dioxide, magnetite) integrated into ethylene glycol ([Formula: see text]) across a stretching sheet. The model takes magnetic effects, heat generation, and thermal radiation into account. Additionally, nonsimilar partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into ordinary differential equations using the local nonsimilarity approach. These equations are then numerically solved using the built-in Matlab function bvp4c. To examine the effects of adjusting parameters on heat, mass transfer, and skin friction, the results are displayed graphically. With an increase in the given values of magnetic field [Formula: see text], the velocity profile [Formula: see text] is seen to decay. Moreover, it is observed that the hybrid nanofluid density and dynamic viscosity increase as the volume fraction rises. It is estimated that the thermal conductivity and viscosity of the [Formula: see text] hybrid nanofluid are expected to increase to 4.1% and 12.35%, respectively, and to 71.55% and 78.01%, respectively, for volume concentrations ranging from 0.02% to 0.05%. It is also concluded that the local skin-friction coefficient has the opposite trend while the local Nusselt number rises monotonically with both the slip velocity parameter and the surface convection parameter. This research has broad applications In the glass and polymer industries, metallic plate cooling, plastic sheet contractions, etc.

Heat Transportation of 3D Chemically Reactive Flow of Jeffrey Nanofluid over a Porous Frame with Variable Thermal Conductivity

Nanofluids with variable thermal conductivity can potentially bring about a transformative impact in various industries. They offer adaptive and efficient heat transfer solutions that can adjust to changing conditions and specific requirements. The insertion of nanoparticles into the base fluid significantly changes its properties, affecting thermal conductivity and viscosity. The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the heat transfer rate and three-dimensional bio-convective flow of a non-Newtonian Jeffrey nanofluid across a porous surface with variable thermal conductivity. The investigation also considers the impacts of thermophoresis, Brownian motion, and the Lorentz force. The combine impact of thermal radiation and motile microbes also incorporated in the current study. To model these phenomena, we employ the boundary layer approximation to derive a system of partial differential equations (PDEs). These PDEs are subsequently simplified into more manageable ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the similarity variables. The numerical analysis is performed via the finite difference approach, which consists of a three-stage Lobatto scheme using MATLAB package. Additionally, important engineering parameters under different constraints-like skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number—are given in a thorough manner using tabular and graphical representations. The results of this study demonstrate significant enhancements in various aspects, including thermophoresis, Brownian motion, and thermal boundary layer thickness are demonstrated through graphically and in the form of tables. As the thermal radiation parameter increases, the temperature profile rises accordingly. This enhancement in the temperature profile is directly attributable to the higher value of the radiation parameter, which results in a physical increase in temperature. These improvements are attributed to a reduction in viscous forces and an increase in the Brownian diffusion coefficient. This research advances the understanding of non-Newtonian thermally radiative flow with variable thermal conductivity, elucidating the complex behavior of such fluids and providing valuable insights for engineering applications.

Density, thermal expansion, dynamic viscosity of halogenated arenes

Purpose. Experimental study of the density, thermal expansion and dynamic viscosity of halogenated arenes at temperatures from 293.15 to 343.15 K and atmospheric pressure 97.992 kPa.Methods. Density was determined by the pycnometric method, viscosity by the capillary method. A quartz pycnometer type PZh2 with a nominal capacity of 10 ml and a glass capillary viscometer type VPZh-2 with a nominal capillary diameter of 0.34 mm were used. The mass of liquids was measured using an electronic scale VSL-200/0.1A with a division value of 0.0001 g. Numerical methods were used to process the experimental results.Results. Experimental data were obtained on the density, coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion and dynamic viscosity of liquid o-xylene, ethylbenzene, fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, toluene, o-fluorotoluene, mfluorotoluene, p-fluorotoluene, o-chlorotoluene, m-chlorotoluene, p-chlorotoluene, 2,4-dichlorotoluene, 2,6-dichlorotoluene. Density and dynamic viscosity data are approximated by a third-degree polynomial. Data on the coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion are obtained from approximated measured density data. The maximum estimate of the measurement error for density was 0.13 %, for dynamic viscosity – 3.5 %. The maximum calculation error for the coefficient of thermal expansion is estimated at 3 %.Conclusion. Mathematical processing of the obtained experimental data on density and dynamic viscosity made it possible to obtain analytical relations in the form of power polynomials that allow calculating the values of these quantities at any temperature from the studied temperature range and atmospheric pressure with an error not exceeding the error of experimental determination. The calculated values are in good agreement with the data provided in the reference and scientific literature. The experimental data obtained complement the information on the properties of some of the liquids under consideration, for which the dependences of density and viscosity on temperature are poorly understood. The substances under study are used in various sectors of the economy and are therefore technically important liquids. The measurement results can be used in condensed matter physics, for the analysis of liquid hydrocarbons, and can be useful in the chemical industry.

Computational analysis of MHD hybrid nanofluid over an inclined cylinder: Variable thermal conductivity and viscosity with buoyancy and radiation effects

Due to their widespread use in engineering, hybrid nanofluids have been the primary focus of mathematical and physical research. Only the improvement of hybrid nanofluids’ variable heat conductivity and viscosity has been considered so far. Hybrid nanofluid flow across an inclined cylinder has many potential uses, including heat transfer and cooling in electrical devices, energy storage, refrigerants, and the automobile industry. Examining the effects of buoyant force, variable viscosity, variable thermal conductivity, mass suction, convective thermal conditions, and a magnetic field on the stagnation point flow of a Al2O3–Cu/H2O hybrid nanofluid in an inclined cylinder is our objective in this work. In order to find solutions to boundary-condition flow-describing partial differential equations, we turn them into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations. We achieve this by employing a numerical strategy known as the fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique, which incorporates shooting techniques. A graphical representation of the findings emphasizes the influence of many physical parameters on flow dynamics. In addition, we address the influence of drag force and rate of heat transfer on various elements, such as the Biot parameter, magnetic variable, viscosity variable, and thermal conductivity variable. The mixed convection and magnetic parameters cause the velocity profile to rise while the temperature profile falls. The research’s results elucidate the cause behind the rise in thermal contour of hybrid nanofluids, which is seen when there is an increment in thermal conductivity, radiation parameter, and Biot number. The heat transfer rate exhibits a significant increase of 36.87% in the aiding flow scenario when a 2.0 mass suction is applied in conjunction with a 0.01 hybrid nanofluid, as compared to the conventional fluid. In the scenario of opposing flow, the heat transfer rate exhibits a significant increase of 36.96% when compared to that of ordinary fluid. Heat transfer increases 43.00% when Rd increases from 0.1 to 0.5 for both assisting and opposing flow.

Cascaded lattice Boltzmann simulation of Newtonian and non-Newtonian mixture nanofluids with variable thermophysical properties in a cavity with vertical heat radiator

The central moments-based cascaded lattice Boltzmann method (CLBM) for then Newtonian and non-Newtonian Buongiorno’s model mixture nanofluids (CuO, ZnO, Al2O3-water) has been implemented and applied in a square chamber with a vertical heat radiator using accelerated graphics processing unit (GPU) computing through compute unified device architecture (CUDA) C/C++ platform. Due to the higher numerical stability, the CLBM is a superior numerical tool to the raw moments-based MRT-LBM (multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method). Three different models for the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the nanofluids: (i) the Binkmann model for the constant viscosity and the Maxwell model for the constant thermal conductivity (ii) Binkmann and Maxwell model with temperature dependent Brownian motion and (iii) Corcione model with non-Newtonian fluid where the temperature and strain rate determine the nanofluid effective thermal conductivity and viscosity, have been used. The enclosure’s upper and bottom walls are thermally adiabatic, but the left and right walls are uniformly cold. A vertical heater is immersed in the middle position of the cavity. The benchmark results for non-Newtonian, Newtonian, and nanofluids for the various computational domains are used to validate the current code adequately. The Bingham number (Bn), the Rayleigh number (Ra), and The volume fraction of the nanoparticles (ϕ) are the three key parameters that are varied in this investigation to demonstrate the effects of natural convection on the isotherms, streamlines, isolines of nanoparticle volume fractionation, yielded and unyeilded zone, and average Nusselt number (Nu¯). The Brownian motion effects of the nanoparticles augmented the average rate of heat transfer and the use of the Bingham nanofluids reduced the heat transfer enhancement. For the CuO-water nanofluid, the augmentation of the rate of heat transfer is 15.42% from ϕ=0 to 4% while Ra=106 and the corresponding heat transfer enhancement for the ZnO-water nanofluid is 11.11%. For the Bingham fluid, the rate of heat transfer increases 7% from Ra=105 to Ra=106 while ϕ=2% and Bn=0.3. The findings can be applied to optimize automotive radiator systems, which are crucial for maintaining engine temperature.

The high molecular weight and large particle size and high crystallinity of starch increase gelatinization temperature and retrogradation in glutinous rice

The gelatinization and retrogradation properties of glutinous rice starch are important factors that affect its quality. In this study, the thermal properties, viscosity properties and retrogradation of starch from 152 natural glutinous varieties were investigated, and further explored the effects of starch structure on gelatinization temperature (GT) and retrogradation. The results demonstrated a strong positive linear correlation between thermal properties and retrogradation of glutinous rice. The high molecular weight, high crystallinity and large particle size of starch have significant positive effects on the thermal properties and retrogradation of amylopectin. Varieties of glutinous rice with high molecular weight starch, large starch particle sizes, and high crystallinity exhibited high GT and retrogradation rates (R%). Additionally, there was a significantly negative correlation between the range of gelatinization temperature and gelatinization enthalpy in raw starch, while a larger temperature range in retrograded starch corresponded to greater gelatinization enthalpy. The recrystallization of retrograded starch exhibited higher crystal heterogeneity and a broader range of melting points compared to raw glutinous starch. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding glutinous rice varieties with desirable retrogradation traits, particularly those with low R%.

Forming performance and environmental impact of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composites based on injection molding process for automobiles

AbstractTo explore the potential application of plant fiber reinforced composites for automotive component applications, this study prepared bamboo fiber (BF)/nano‐talc/polypropylene (PP) composites based on the injection molding process, comprehensively evaluated the effect of reinforcement materials on the forming properties of composites, including thermal performance, mechanical properties, water absorption, etc. Furthermore, taking a certain automotive injection molded interior part as the object, a life‐cycle assessment from production to the gate was conducted based on the real energy and material consumption during the composite preparation process. The results indicate that adding BF and talc powder increased the thermal stability, density, hardness, viscosity, and crystallinity of the composites while reducing the water contact angle on the surface. Surface‐modified BF and PP showed good compatibility. Talc powder exhibited good dispersibility in PP, and the synergistic effect of BF and talc powder effectively enhanced the composite performance. The tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the composites were improved by 40.64%, 51.48%, and 66.51%, respectively, compared with pure PP. The modulus of the composite increased nearly 2 times compared with pure PP. Additionally, the composite demonstrated good friction and wear properties. The environmental impact of the BF composite manufacturing process was significantly higher than that of pure PP. The substantial consumption of electricity, chemicals, and water resources in the extraction and modification processes of BF were the main factors. The findings of this study contribute to achieving green, high‐performance BF composite manufacturing and the expansion of its applications.Highlights Composites have a higher environmental impact compared to PP. BF and talc can synergistically enhance the performance of composites. BF shows good compatibility with PP. Composites exhibit good friction and wear characteristics.

Improvement of heat transfer within solar water heater’s tubes (SWH) using nanofluids

This research offers a numerical study of steady and laminar mixed convection flow in a circular pipe as part of a flat plate solar collector, which is crossed by nanofluids. The pipe is kept at a constant wall temperature and then at a constant heat flux, which represents the solar radiation received by the pipe. The governing coupled equations are solved with the finite volume approach. Computations are carried out using an in-house computer code, which has been satisfactorily validated by comparison to previous investigations. Empirical relations are used to predict the effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids. The results are investigated using dynamic and thermal fields, with a special emphasis on the Nusselt number calculated along the active wall. They demonstrate that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles and Reynolds number improves heat transfer.