Three-dimensional Numerical Simulations Research Articles

Gas Fire Coupling Control of Goaf Based on Numerical Simulation

ABSTRACT In response to the problem that traditional gas control methods such as water injection and inert gas fire extinguishing are not effective and have a high level of risk in goaf, this study uses COMSOL software to establish a three-dimensional numerical simulation model of goaf, and combines air leakage intensity, oxygen concentration, and floating coal thickness to calculate the gas fire hazard area, in order to achieve effective control. The results show that the deviation between the data obtained from the numerical simulation and the actual measurement value is about 7 m, which proves that the given solution is reliable. The gas concentration of the wind lane and the upper corner is controlled below 1%, which proves that this method ensures the safety of the working environment. The above results show that the design method realizes the effective control of gas fire in the goaf, and provides reference for mine safety management and gas disaster control.

Numerical investigation into the effects of aft deck angle on the flow characteristics of a serpentine nozzle

For modern military aero-engine, the serpentine nozzle with aft deck is deployed to meet the requirements of stealth and integrated design. Different from existing studies which emphasize the rectangular nozzles and corresponding infrared radiation impact, the effect of the aft deck angle on flow characteristics of serpentine nozzles with a focus on the internal flow, the shock system, the jet’s evolution, and the performance parameters are systematically investigated in this paper. This study is carried out through three-dimensional numerical simulations, which are validated by the experiment. The results show that the aft deck with different angles has a significant impact on the overall flow characteristics, such as the static pressure and the three-dimensional shock system, as a result of the asymmetry and the contraction/expansion effects on the jet. Specifically, upward-deflected aft decks lead to a re-compression effect and the variation of the internal static pressure value can be up to 7%, whereas for downward-deflected aft decks, the effect on the internal flow can be neglected in under-expansion conditions. In addition, the aft deck angle and the extent of boundary layer separation greatly affect the thrust performance and the vortex evolution, which determines the downstream evolution of the jet cross-section. Effective thrust coefficient is closely tied to the thrust vector angle, with the coefficient reaching its zenith when the thrust vector angle is closest to 0°. This study reinforces understanding of the interrelated problems and may facilitate the development of the optimal aft deck angle for various applications.

On the application of RHT model and SPG algorithm for the analysis of rock cutting process

The linear cutting process in rock poses challenges for verification in field experiments, laboratory investigations, or numerical simulations. This study aims to analyze the rock cutting process and disc cutter force estimation when using linear cutting mode. Three-dimensional numerical simulations using the explicit dynamic finite element method (LS-DYNA software) are conducted to characterize the cutting process. In this regard, two computational algorithms (Lagrangian and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)) and two material models (Johnson-Holmquist Concrete (JHC) and Riedel-Hiermaier-Thoma (RHT)) are compared, with SPH and RHT identified as more suitable for rock cutting simulation. The results of comparative analyses show that the Lagrangian computational algorithm is highly dependent on the erosion value, hence this method is not suitable for the simulation of the rock-cutting process. Comparing to the RHT material constitutive model, the Johnson-Holmquist model does not well model the post-failure softening strain behavior, which leads to a reduction in the width of the failure area. The comparative analyses also show that the normal and rolling forces predicted by the JHC model are well over 30% higher than the actual experimental results, while the RHT model shows a good agreement between the predictions and the actual results. Overall, the RHT material model with the use of the SPH computational algorithm shows a very good combination in rock cutting process simulation.

Stability Analysis of Surrounding Rock and Initial Support of Tunnel Undercrossing Multi-Situational Goafs: A Reference of Construction Guidance

To ensure the construction and operational safety of tunnel undercrossing multi-situational goafs, the Huaying Mountain High-Speed Rail Tunnel, a critical section of the Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, was taken as a case study. Based on a three-dimensional finite difference numerical simulation platform, twelve situations were established to analyze the effects of three factors: distance, scale, and angle. The stability analysis was conducted by examining the displacement and deformation characteristics of the surrounding rock, stress changes, and axial forces of the initial support for each situation. The results show that in tunnel undercrossing multi-situational goafs, the vertical deformation, horizontal convergence of the surrounding rock, and the maximum axial force of initial support are all affected. Within a certain range, changes in distance significantly impact subsidence and settlement deformation of the surrounding rock. However, as the distance increases, the horizontal and vertical displacements of the tunnel and the axial force of the initial support tend to decrease. Conversely, the scale and angle of the goaf have an opposite effect on the surrounding rock: as the scale and angle increase, the stability of the surrounding rock deteriorates. In this case study, when the distance exceeds 1.13 times the tunnel span, the influence of the goaf on the stability of the surrounding rock gradually decreases. When the angle exceeds 45°, vertical displacement decreases, and the increasing trend of horizontal displacement gradually diminishes. The conclusions of this paper can provide guidance for designing reinforcement schemes for tunnels crossing through multi-situational goafs. The findings provide valuable insights and guidance for similar engineering projects.

Research on optimization methods for large-flow coefficient centrifugal compressors

The present paper focuses on the optimization of large-flow coefficient centrifugal compressors, utilizing a mature centrifugal compressor impeller with a flow coefficient of 0.16 under design point condition in engineering as the research subject. Due to the more complex flow mechanism and more design parameters in the impeller with large flow coefficient, the traditional artificial optimization method is insufficient. In present paper, the impeller with a large flow coefficient is optimized using the concept of combining physical principles and artificial intelligence tools. Firstly, the impeller underwent a redesign based on the theory of maximum flow capacity, with the aim of reducing the Mach number at the impeller inlet to enhance the compressor’s performance. And the efficiency of the impeller at the design point has been increased from 88.6% to 89.9%. In order to further improve the performance of the impeller, an optimization algorithm grounded in gradient variation was employed to facilitate the automatic compressor optimization, and the flow losses at the impeller’s top under low-flow conditions has been mitigated. The results of three-dimensional numerical simulation showed that the operating range of the new impeller is 7% wider than that of the original impeller.

The influence of initial static shear on the torsional performance of BFRP bars-RC beams with different sizes

To reveal the influence of the initial static shear on the torsional performance of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars-Reinforced Concrete (BFRP bars-RC) beams, in this study, 52 BFRP bars-RC beam models with geometric similarity using a three-dimensional mesoscale numerical simulation method were established. The effects of initial shear static loadings (F0 = 0, 0.25Vu, 0.5Vu, and 0.75Vu) on the failure modes, torsional strength, ductility, and size effect of BFRP bars-RC beams under various equivalent strain rates were quantitatively analyzed. The results show that, regardless of whether the beams have initial damage, their load-bearing capacity and deformation ability increase as loading strain rates increase. For beams with initial damage, the increased degrees in load-bearing capacity relative to their respective initial static shear decreases as the initial static shear level increases but then increases as the subsequent loading strain rate increases. Increasing the beams’ initial damage degree makes the beams’ ductility worse. In addition, the more severe the beams’ initial damage, the more significant the strength size effect. However, increasing the strain rate can weaken the beams’ strength size effect.

Simultaneous effects of capillary number, viscosity ratio, and contraction ratio on droplet dynamics in contraction microchannel

Abstract In droplet-based microfluidic systems, fluid properties, flow conditions, and channel geometry play crucial roles in the movement and manipulation of droplets. This study employs a three-dimensional numerical simulation method to investigate droplet dynamics in a contraction microchannel under the simultaneous influence of different factors, such as capillary number (Ca), viscosity ratio (λ), and contraction ratio (C). Specifically, a theoretical model is introduced for predicting the transition of droplets from trap to squeeze, and it is observed to be 〖Ca〗_I = f(C,λ). Meanwhile, droplet dynamics are investigated for the transition from squeeze to breakup for finding critical capillary number value (CaII). In addition, the critical viscosity ratio for the process from squeeze to breakup has been figured out by numerical results for a wide range of contraction ratios. Eventually, droplet dynamics including deformation, velocity ratio, and breakup during contraction microchannel are also quantitatively studied under the factors above.

Influence of Anatomical Spatial Architecture of Pinus devoniana on Pressure Gradients Inferred from Coupling Three-Dimensional CT Imaging and Numerical Flow Simulations

Conifer forests in Michoacán are facing climate change. Pinus devoniana Lindley, with natural distribution in the state, has shown certain adaptability, and knowing the influence of anatomy in the flow system is essential to delimit how it contributes to safety margins and water efficiency. For this, the pressure gradients in the cell lumens and their ramifications were analyzed by numerical simulations of flow throughout the real microstructure. Xylem were evaluated in radial, tangential and longitudinal directions. With the skeletonization of lumens and their constrictions, a branching system of interconnection between tracheids, ray cells, intercellular chambers, extensions, and blind pits were identified. In the simulation, the branched system bypasses the longitudinal fluid passage through the pores in membranes of pairs of pits to redirect it through the direct path branching, contributing to safety margins and water efficiency. Thus, resilience at low pressures because of the lower pressure drop in the extensions. The interface between the branching system and the cell lumens are sites of higher pressure gradient, more conducive to water-vapor formation or air leakage in the face of the lowest pressure system. The flow lines move along easy paths, regardless of the simulated flow direction. Deposits in the cell extensions were shown to be attached to the S3 layer of the cell wall, leaving the center of the duct free to flow. It is concluded that the spatial architecture of the xylem anatomy of Pinus dvoniana is a factor in the resilience at low pressures due to high water stress of the species.

Performance Prediction of GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams Containing a Web Opening in the Shear Span

This study aimed to investigate the nonlinear structural behavior of concrete deep beams internally reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars and containing a web opening of various sizes and locations within the shear span. Three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation models were developed for large-scale GFRP-reinforced concrete deep beams (300 mm × 1200 mm × 5000 mm) with a shear span-to-depth ratio (a/h) of 1.04. Predictions of the numerical models were validated against published experimental data. A parametric study was conducted to examine the effect of varying the opening size and location on the shear response. Results of the numerical analysis indicated that the strength of the deep beam models with an opening in the middle of the shear span decreased with an increase in either the opening width or height. The rate of the strength reduction caused by increasing the opening height was, however, more significant than that produced by increasing the opening width. Placing a web opening in the compression zone close to the load plate was very detrimental to the beam strength. Conversely, a negligible strength reduction was recorded when the web opening was placed in the tension side above the flexural reinforcement and away from the natural load path. Data of the parametric study were utilized to introduce simplified analytical formulas capable of predicting the shear capacity of GFRP-reinforced concrete deep beams with a web opening in the shear span.

Study of a Novel Updraft Tower Power Plant Combined with Wind and Solar Energy

This study presents a novel solar updraft tower power plant (SUTPP) system, which has been designed to achieve the simultaneous utilization of solar and wind energy resources in desert regions, in response to the pressing demand for sustainable and efficient renewable energy solutions. The aim of this research was to develop an integrated system that is capable of harnessing and converting these abundant energy sources into electrical power, thereby enhancing the renewable energy portfolio in arid environments. The methodology of this study involved the design and construction of a prototype SUTPP, comprising a 53 m high tower, a 6170 m2 collector, five horizontal-axis wind turbines, and a thermal energy storage layer made up of pebbles and sand. The experimental setup was meticulously detailed, and experiments were conducted to collect data on the system’s performance under various environmental conditions. Subsequently, three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed to explore the effects of ambient wind speed and solar radiation on the output power of the SUTPP. The results indicate that the output power of the system increases with the increase in ambient wind speed and solar radiation. The impact of solar irradiation on output power was observed to diminish as ambient wind speeds increased. Notably, as the inlet wind speed rose from 4 m/s to 12 m/s, the output power showed a substantial increase of 727%. The numerical simulations revealed that ambient wind speed has a more pronounced effect on power output compared to solar radiation. Furthermore, it was found that the influence of solar radiation is significant at low wind speeds, with its impact decreasing as wind speed increases. This research provides essential guidance for the design and engineering of highly efficient solar thermal energy utilization projects, representing a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy technology deployment in desert environments.

Influences of channel bed morphology on flow structures in continuous curved channels

Introduction: The formation of bars and pools, characterized by concave and convex bed morphology, is a typical feature of curved rivers. The channel bed morphology has a significant influence on the flow structures in curved channels.Methods: Based on data from physical model experiments, this study employs the RNG k-ε model and the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method to perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of flow in continuous curved channels.Results: By comparing the variations in flow structures between channels with a flat bed and channels with bars and pools, the results show that the presence of bars and pools leads to an increase in longitudinal flow velocity on the convex bank side near the entrance of the upstream bend, while in the downstream bend it is opposite. The high-velocity region shifts slower towards the concave bank along the bend. The presence of point bars weakens the circulation near the convex bank in the upstream bend, resulting in a smaller circulation intensity. The decrease in circulation intensity is the largest (−23.91%) at the apex of the bend. In the downstream bend, the remaining circulation from the upstream bend attenuates slower in the pool and has a greater impact distance, increasing the circulation intensity in the downstream bend. The section near the bend entrance shows the largest increase in circulation intensity, with a rate of 128.18%. The unevenness of the bed topography increases the unevenness of the bed shear stress in the downstream bend.Discussion: The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex flow structures and evolution trends in natural curved rivers, providing scientific basis for the management of curved river channels.

Numerical study of a novel battery thermal management system coupled with heat pipe and cold plate

This study addresses the critical issue of thermal management in lithium-ion batteries, presenting an innovative battery thermal management system that integrates heat pipes and a cold plate (IHPCP). Effective thermal management is crucial for enhancing the performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries. Using three-dimensional numerical simulations, the study evaluates the impact of various parameters, including the number of heat pipes, the ratio of the plate runner’s width to the heat pipe’s thickness (ω), and the ratio of the cold plate’s thickness to the battery’s thickness (ζ), on battery temperature regulation. The results demonstrate that incorporating heat pipes significantly reduces the maximum battery temperature and improves temperature uniformity. Optimal heat transfer efficiency was achieved with seven heat pipes, resulting in a 21.7% reduction in maximum dimensionless temperature and a 16.4% decrease in temperature variance at a Reynolds number of 100. The Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC) reached 3.1, indicating superior thermal management performance. This work surpasses previous efforts in the literature by demonstrating the enhanced thermal regulation capabilities of the IHPCP system, offering a compact and efficient solution for battery thermal management.

Dust rings trap protoplanets on eccentric orbits and get consumed by them

ABSTRACT We study the orbital evolution and mass growth of protoplanets with masses $M \in [0.1{\!-\!}8]$ M$_{{\oplus }}$ in the vicinity of a dusty ring, using three-dimensional numerical simulations with a two-fluid model and nested-meshes. We find two stable, eccentric orbits that lock the planet in the ring vicinity, thereby inhibiting its migration and allowing it to accrete dust from the ring. One of these orbits has an eccentricity comparable to the aspect ratio of the gaseous disc and has its periastron within the ring, enabling intermittent accretion during each pass. The other orbit has a smaller eccentricity and an apoastron slightly inside the ring. A planet locked at the outer orbit efficiently accretes from the ring and can reach the critical mass for runaway gas accretion on time-scales $\gtrsim 10^5$ yr (for a 10 M$_{{\oplus }}$ dust ring at 10 au), while a planet locked at the inner orbit has a slower growth and might not supersede the super-Earth stage over the disc lifetime. While in our runs a low-mass embryo forming within the ring eventually joins the outer orbit, it is likely that the path taken depends on the specific details of the ring. The trapping on the outer orbit arises from an intermittent, strong thermal force at each passage through the ring, where the accretion rate spikes. It is insensitive to uncertainties that plague models considering planets trapped on circular orbits in rings. It is highly robust and could allow a growing planet to follow an expanding ring over large distances.

Dynamic characteristics of suspended particles influenced by cavitation bubble in a free field

This study investigates the dynamic characteristics of suspended particles in a free field under the influence of a single cavitation bubble. The phenomenon of suspended particles being influenced by cavitation bubbles of comparable size reflects the dynamic characteristics of particles, a common occurrence in both hydraulic machinery and biopharmaceutical fields. A high-speed camera captures the process of a single cavitation bubble interacting with suspended particles. Combined with three-dimensional numerical simulations, the motion states of suspended particles as the cavitation bubble expands and contracts are analyzed. Observations reveal that at various initial distances between suspended particles and the cavitation bubble, suspended particle motion is consistently influenced by the expansion and contraction of the same cavitation bubble during the initial four processes. The particle motion direction is parallel to the propagation direction of the radiation force produced during the expansion and collapse of the cavitation bubble, consistent with the characteristics of motion under longitudinal wave effects. The initial distance between suspended particles and the cavitation bubble dictates the ultimate displacement direction of suspended particles, with the influence of the cavitation bubble on suspended particle velocity weakening as their distance increases. Under conditions where particle size closely matches that of the bubble, the jet produced by the cavitation bubble does not significantly accelerate particles, and the influence of the jet on suspended particle motion states could be disregarded. The investigation reveals that the suspended particles are primarily influenced by the radiation force, drag force, and virtual mass force exerted by the cavitation bubble.

Unsteady flow in a compound channel during flooding: Insights from a combined two-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical simulation

Natural channels often take the form of compound channels during flooding events. The unsteadiness of floods is crucial for flood management and river-floodplain ecosystems. However, the impact of unsteady flow on three-dimensional hydrodynamic processes within compound channels remains poorly understood. This study employed a validated two-dimensional/three-dimensional numerical model to examine how unsteady features influence key hydrodynamic indicators of compound channels, such as velocity distribution, turbulence characteristics, and discharge partitioning between the main channel and floodplain. A definitive positive correlation was found between water level fluctuation amplitudes and integrated discharge during unsteady events, as well as between mean water levels and mean discharges. The proportion of discharge conveyed by the main channel relative to the total was directly linked to the water depth ratio. The exchange at the main channel–floodplain interface exhibits a dual-layer flow pattern: surface waters spill into the floodplain, while deeper waters are siphoned into the main channel. Unsteady conditions principally modulate the intensity of these exchanges, altering hydraulic interactions and water transfer between areas. Pronounced wall shear stresses were detected at the main channel–floodplain interface due to swift channel flows and momentum exchange at the floodplain margin, with maxima adjacent to the floodplain edge correlating with peak flow velocities. Under deep conditions, cross-sectional flow across the compound channel's mixing layer was essentially two-dimensional. These findings elucidate the complex hydrodynamics inherent to unsteady overbank flows while holding implications for enhancing floodplain management and advancing the understanding of unsteady fluvial hydraulics.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Tandem-Wing Aerodynamic Interactions at Low Reynolds Number

A three-dimensional direct numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the vortex–wing interactions through two NACA 0012 stationary wings placed in tandem at a low Reynolds number Re=10,000. The aerodynamic characteristics and three-dimensional flow structures were analyzed for the tandem wings. The back wing disturbed by the upstream vortices gained an evident increase in aerodynamic performance, where the advantage is related to the suppression of the large-scale vortex formation near the trailing edge. The Liutex method was applied to visualize the vortical structures for investigating the three-dimensional evolution and instability when interacting with the back wing. The upstream wake triggered dual-secondary vortices and intensified the secondary instability on the back wing. The induced vortices contributed to the lift enhancement because they provided an extra low-pressure region when propagating downstream on the suction side of the back wing. Because of the three-dimensional destabilization, the vortex interaction in the evolution process accelerated the transition and injection of the high-momentum flow into the boundary layer attached to the back wing, energizing the turbulent boundary layer and eliminating the large-scale separation near the trailing edge. This study provided a new perspective on the enhanced aerodynamic performance of tandem layout.

Vortex-shedding modes of a pair of side-by-side thin pitching plates

We have conducted three-dimensional (3D) direct numerical simulations to analyze vortex-shedding modes past vertically arranged, side-by-side 3D pitching plates, considering cases where the plates are in the same, opposite, and different phases. The simulations are performed at a Reynolds number Re=1000, with a dimensionless pitching frequency St=1, and a maximum pitching angle θmax=15°. The vortex-shedding modes reveal horseshoe vortices transforming into distorted hairpin-like structures in the far wake for in-phase plates. Opposite phase plates exhibit helical distortion and core bifurcation, while different phase angles produce meridionally twisted, entangled hairpins. We observe a reverse von Kármán vortex street for in- and different-phase plates, while the opposite shows a reverse Kármán vortex street for the upper plate and a Kármán vortex street for the lower plate. The streakline visualizations reveal wake compression and spoke-like structures symmetrically emanating from the shear layer extremities around the plates' central region. We find leapfrog-like cross-stream vortex interaction when the plates are in phase. The line-time diagram reveals alternating patches of low-intensity cells, switching between negative and positive, alongside continuous bands of both positive and negative cells. Both plates produce similar thrust for the parameters examined in this study.

Investigation of wake dynamics near the cylinder with the variation of length-to-diameter ratio

The study investigates the impact of drag forces on underwater pipeline structures at junctions where diameter changes occur, utilizing three-dimensional numerical simulations to analyze flow patterns around dual-step cylinders at a Reynolds number of 5000. The numerical model is validated against benchmark studies for a plain circular cylinder at heating condition, demonstrating strong agreement. Subsequently, cylinder temperatures were varied to assess their influence on drag force. The study further explores the effect of varying the aspect ratio L/D from 1 to 3 on drag reduction. Analysis of the flow structures is conducted, focusing on vortex patterns, velocity fields, and force coefficients surrounding the cylinders. Additionally, streamwise and crosswise velocities are analyzed at different sectional planes of the step cylinder. Results indicate that the drag force diminishes with increasing aspect ratio, correlating with formation length (Lf). At lower aspect ratios, step-induced vortices migrate toward the wall, while at higher aspect ratios, they drift midway. This research provides insights for designing stepped diameter cylinder systems in the subcritical regime, contributing to optimized underwater pipeline structures.

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of two-phase flow in a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell and study of the effect of flow channel depth

Abstract The flow channel play a critical role in water-gas transfer within an electrolysis cell, directly impacting its mass and heat transfer capacity. While most studies concentrate on the overall shape and structure of the flow channel, limited attention has been given to its dimensions. This paper investigates the influence of various operational conditions and changes in flow channel depth on the electrolytic cell using a three-dimensional numerical model of PEMEC. Results indicate that higher temperatures enhance electrolysis cell performance, whereas the impact of water inlet velocity on the polarization curve is insignificant. Under constant inlet velocity, increasing the depth of the flow channel improves mass and heat transfer as well as electrolysis performance, whereas, under constant water flow rate, changes in inlet velocity have a greater effect than alterations in flow channel depth.

О рассеянии релеевских и продольных сейсмических волн на локальной неровности грунта

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of scattering of seismic surface Rayleigh and longitudinal waves propagating through the ground, the density and elasticity of which are typical of geomedium. At the soil boundary, there is local unevenness in the form of a hollow hemispherical notch (a truncated sphere). The dependence of the direction of the scattering field on the type of inhomogeneity is shown. From literature it is known that in the transition to another type of heterogeneity, for instance, to covering the boundary with a thin inert (massive) layer in the form of a circle, the forward scattering occurs. A pulsed mode of inhomogeneity probing is considered. As an emitter, it is proposed to use a short pulse source, e.g., a hydroacoustic emitter, or something similar - a pulsating monopole, shallowly immersed under the free boundary. This leads to the generation of such elastic waves as the surface Rayleigh and back-reflected longitudinal waves, which are usually recorded using an array of seismic receivers installed on the free boundary according to the grid pattern. The spatial amplitude distribution of the wave field is analyzed in the vertical (at the center of the inhomogeneity) and horizontal (at the free boundary) sections of the medium. The characteristic features of the wave field are caused by the influence of its scattering on the local inhomogeneity. The features in the image of wave reliefs that arise at the intersection of the wave fronts of longitudinal waves - reflected from the free boundary and scattered on the local inhomogeneity - are studied. Informative signs, indicating the presence of the local heterogeneity and enable diagnostics of its parameters are established. The ways to improve the validity and reliability of algorithms for detection and classification of inhomogeneities and for evaluation of their difficulties using the listed types of waves are discussed. Based on the use of increasingly shorter probing pulses, the possibility of a detailed representation of reliefs and, consequently, the potentially achievable spatial resolution in probing the local subsurface inhomogeneities are demonstrated.