Time-temperature History Research Articles

The Role of Two Models of Thermal Radiation and Variable Properties on Thermal Explosion Critical and Transition Conditions of the Optically Thin Droplets

ABSTRACT Determining the criticality and disappearance of optically thin droplets (gas phase) by thermal explosions is crucial for maintaining thermal stability in various industrial and nonindustrial applications. The governing nonlinear ordinary differential equations of this problem make use of two distinct approximation models for thermal radiation loss, which were completed by Cogley et al. and Sohrab et al. Two methods of solving the problem – the Semenov method and the inflection point method – are used to identify the circumstances of criticality and disappearance of criticality (transition conditions). The governing equations utilize the use of the temperature-dependent Arrhenius frequency factor of the reaction and the thermal conductivity of the gas. The analytical solution of the equations yields the transitional values of the distinctive parameters at various initial conditions. Numerical methods are used to determine the equation’s exact solution. At specific initial conditions, the impact of θo, θa, γSh,F, and αSh,F on the temperature-time histories of ignition (supercritical region), non-ignition (subcritical region), and the critical boundary between them is derived. Notable effects on the ignition, non-ignition, and critical temperatures and times include the changing frequency of the reaction, the gas thermal conductivity, and two approximation models of radiation heat loss. The two radiation heat loss approximation models of the analytical and numerical findings are compared.

2D Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Analysis of the Assembly of Low‐Temperature Cofired Ceramics/Low‐Temperature Cofired Ceramics and Si/Si Sandwiches by Reactive Bonding

Numerical computational fluid dynamics simulations have been performed on 2D sandwich models to compare the performance of low‐temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC)/LTCC and Si/Si sandwiches used in reactive bonding. In the sandwich model layers of solder, silver and a reactive multilayer used to bond the substrates are modeled. Additional to this, the surrounding air environment is also modeled. For simulating the heat released by the multilayer system, a user‐defined function in the form of a square wave is written for the heat source with a defined width, corresponding to the reaction width, and this propagates at a fixed speed. Two sandwiches, one with LTCC/LTCC, and the other with Si/Si, are simulated and their response analyzed in terms of the solidification/melting of the solder and their respective time–temperature histories.

Bayesian frameworks for integrating petrologic and geochronologic data

Constraining the absolute time and duration of geologic processes is one of the great challenges and goals in Earth sciences. Increasingly, the integration of geochronologic constraints with petrologic information is being qualitatively applied to understanding the timescales of metamorphic, igneous, tectonic, and fluid-related processes. Many rocks and geochronometers preserve relative age constraints such as compositional zoning or cross cutting relationships. This prior information can be formalized in a Bayesian statistical framework to generate a probabilistic posterior chronology. As we show here, these “age-sequence” models can enhance precision on geochronologic dates and rates and insight into tectonic models. Bayesian modeling of complex, concentrically, zoned monazite from the northern Appalachian orogen was used to develop a detailed temperature-time history through the Acadian (∼405–395 Ma) and Neoacadian (∼380–350 Ma) orogenies with significantly reduced uncertainties (40–70 %). Modeling of zoned monazite from a southern Trans-Hudson orogen granulite yielded durations of 0.5+9/-0.4 Ma and 20+5/-8 Ma for biotite-dehydration melting and suprasolidus conditions, respectively. The relatively short intervals of heating and peak conditions are consistent with a back-arc tectonic setting. A complementary approach, Bayesian change point detection, provides a framework to constrain the timing of compositional changes that can be linked with metamorphic reactions. Applying this approach in the northern Appalachian orogen demonstrates contrasting durations of low-Y monazite crystallization (∼10 vs ∼30 myr) in regions with different pressure-temperature histories. Compositionally distinct monazite domains can be linked with garnet stability, which provides a key constraint on tectonic models. Bayesian statistical analysis represent a powerful tool that can be widely applied to refine the absolute time and duration of geologic processes. A more objective and reproducible set of interpretations are produced by this more formal, although not necessarily complex, statistical analysis.

Estimation of Surface Temperature and Heat Flux over a Hollow Cylinder and Slab using an Inverse Heat Conduction Approach

A non-iterative approximation of the inverse heat conduction problem has been developed through energy balance between the control volumes. The heat flow domain along the surface normal was divided into three control volumes and studied in three cases, specifically on a heated hollow metallic cylinder cooled in crossflow of air, a heating flat plate in still air, and a heated flat plate when cooled in still air with random air blows. The time derivatives of temperature and heat flux estimates at the surface appearing in derived equations were evaluated by approximate expressions. Both estimates were obtained from the derived equations by simultaneous measurement of temperature-time histories at two locations: one at the inner surface and the other anywhere within the control volume along the surface normal. The deviation was checked by real-time simultaneous measurement of temperature-time history at the outer surface along the normal surface. Comparison between the estimated surface temperature-time history using the derived equations and the real-time measurement showed deviations within 0.5 % for the cylinder, within 0.03 % for the plate in still air and within 0.5 % when air blows were given. Heat fluxes estimated using these time histories were correspondingly arrived at consistent and close approximations for all cases. Estimates from the derived equations were compared with reported equations from the literature, and a wind tunnel experiment for the validation of circumferential distribution of heat transfer was conducted, for which they also showed reasonably good agreements.

Study on Temperature Response of Rubberized Concrete Pavement Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Testing Technology.

The temperature response of pavement is not only crucial for assessing the internal stresses within pavement structures but is also an essential parameter in pavement design. Investigating the temperature response of rubberized concrete pavements (RCP) can support the construction of large-scale rubber concrete pavements. This study constructed a pavement monitoring system based on fiber Bragg grating technology to investigate the temperature distribution, temperature strain, temperature effects, and temperature stress of RCP. The results show that the daily temperature-time history curves of concrete pavement exhibit a significant asymmetry, with the heating phase accounting for only one-third of the curve. The temperature at the middle of RCP is 1.8 °C higher than that of ordinary concrete pavement (OCP). The temperature distribution along the thickness of the pavement follows a "spindle-shaped" pattern, with higher temperatures in the center and lower temperatures at the ends. Additionally, the addition of rubber aggregates increases the temperature strain in the pavements, makes the temperature-strain hysteresis effect more pronounced, and increases the curvature of the pavement slab. However, the daily stress range at the bottom of RCP is approximately 0.7 times that of OCP.

Numerical investigation of hydrogen ignition induced by unsteady flow phenomena

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the possibility of using a gas dynamic heater as an igniter of the combustible gas mixtures. The impacts of some operating and geometrical parameters on average temperature of the gas dynamic heater are investigated by numerical simulation of axisymmetric turbulent flow in the resonance tube. The operating gas of the heater is air which is completely decoupled from the ignition chamber. The combustible mixtures under consideration is stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen at atmospheric pressure, in which the ignition is studied solving the governing equations for one dimensional reacting flow using detailed chemistry. The finite volume method is used in the presently developed flow solver for numerical simulations. The results show that despite highly fluctuating temperature of the end wall of the resonance tube as a hot surface, it can provide proper condition for gas mixture ignition in the chamber, by adjusting an inlet pressure and geometry of the gas dynamic heater. The end wall average temperature depends on the nozzle inlet pressure and convergence angle of the resonance tube, and the results demonstrate that the characteristics of temperature time history of repeating cycles are so effective on ignition process.

Solution combustion synthesis of iron-based magnetic nanoparticles: influence of inert gas pressure

We report the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using solution combustion synthesis, focusing on the controlled manipulation of material characteristics, such as particle size, phase composition, and magnetic properties, by applying external inert gas pressure. It was shown that variation of nitrogen gas pressure in the reactor in the range 0.1 to 1.1 MPa changed the time-temperature history of the process and resulted in the gradual change of phase composition of the fabricated materials along the FeO → FeO∙Fe2O3 → Fe2O3 route. The particle size varied in the 50–400 nm range, with a maximum for powder synthesized at a pressure of 0.25 MPa. For magnetic fluid hyperthermia, the critical parameter is specific loss power. It was demonstrated that this parameter can be optimized by gas pressure variation. The maximum specific loss power measured under conditions suitable for magnetic hyperthermia (magnetic field 33.5 mT and frequency 259.6 kHz) appears to be 174 W/g. The proposed innovative approach is an effective tool for controlling the synthesis of various nanoparticles with desired properties.

Deep-seated crustal faults and their role in the thermo-tectonic evolution of an active mountain belt: New evidence from the Northern Andes

Deep-seated structures can exhume deep crustal rocks (>20 km), transmitting the signal of geodynamic processes from the subduction zone to the interiors of the continents. The role of deep-seated structures can be analyzed with low-temperature thermochronological dating techniques. However, studies coupling low-temperature thermochronology with structural geological analyses of the deformational style are not common in the Northern Andes. In this contribution, we present new apatite (AFT) and zircon (ZFT) fission-track data coupled with meso- and microstructural analyses to reveal the deformational and exhumation history of the Santander Massif (SM; Northern Andes) and the related cortical Bucaramanga strike-slip fault (BF). Samples for thermochronological analyses were collected along an elevation profile with a significant elevation difference of 2.4 km across the western flank of the SM, crossing the BF. The time-temperature history modeling of ZFT data reveals phases of prolonged residence in the zircon partial annealing zone from ∼125 to 94 Ma and a cooling phase related to an exhumation episode at around 25 Ma based on samples collected near the BF. Inverse modeling of AFT data reveals structurally-controlled Pliocene exhumation rates of 0.6–0.7 km/Myr mediated by the action of secondary faults. A shift in the deformation style resulting from the oblique interaction of the SM and Mérida Andes domain is interpreted as the main driver of the Pliocene exhumation. This deformation phase is observed in the fault damage zone, where evidence of brittle-ductile deformation was exhumed. Finally, we discuss the geodynamic implications of our thermochronological and structural analyses, contrasting local and more regional competing hypotheses (Pamplona Indenter vs. slab break-off of the Caribbean plate), which may explain the tectonic evolution of the northern part of the Eastern Cordillera and the SM in the Colombian Northern Andes.

Impact of Eccentric Tube Shapes and Heat Pipes on Phase Change Material’s Thermal Charging

The thermal charging performance of phase change material (PCM) in an eccentric tube and shell system is investigated through numerical analysis. Various shapes of eccentric tubes, including circular, semi-circular, triangular, inverted triangular, square, and C-shape, are considered. The PCM mass and shell diameter remain consistent across all tube geometries. Moreover, vertical heat pipes (HPs) are utilized to connect the heat source eccentric tube wall and the PCM stored in the shell. The examination evaluates the consequences of the tube shape and HPs using liquid fraction, temperature time history and contours, enhancement ratio, total energy storage, and mean power as performance indicators. The findings demonstrate that non-circular cases exhibit a shorter melting time than circular tube cases. The C-shape tube has the (Largest) 30.3% less thermal charging time than the circular tube, and the mean power is 39% higher. Moreover, adding HPs increases the mean power by up to 241% more than the circular tube, and reduces thermal charging time by about 72.2%. The inverted triangular tube exhibits the highest energy charge capability within the selected options.

A Simulation-Based Investigation on Thermal Responses of Suspension Bridge Tower Under Different Fire Scenarios

AbstractRecords of bridge fire incidents illustrate that bridge fires can have catastrophic consequences. The severity of these fires can be influenced by various factors such as bridge type, vehicle size, and wind. Contrary to building fires that have been extensively studied, scant attention has been paid to bridge fires and more specifically fire exposure to the suspension bridges. In addition, existing bridge fire literature is mostly concentrated on fire exposure to girders or cables of suspension bridges. Therefore, this study focused on the post-fire condition of a fire-exposed suspension bridge tower using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling techniques and finite element analysis (FEA). The impacts of the main bridge fire parameters including vehicle size, exposure duration, distance between the fire source and tower, and wind effects were also evaluated. Initially, fire dynamic simulator (FDS) was used to simulate 12 different fire scenarios. The time–temperature histories obtained from each scenario were transferred to the ABAQUS finite element (FE) software to conduct transient thermal analysis and obtain the temperature development within the steel tower of the bridge. The post-fire evaluation was performed with respect to the temperature-induced reduction in the yield strength of steel. The results show that fire exposure from a fuel truck in the proximity of a steel tower could significantly reduce the strength of the tower and lead to severe damage. Early control of the fuel truck fire is crucial in reducing the severity of the damage and preventing temperature development in higher areas of the tower. Although a wind toward the tower can significantly increase the fire-induced damage to the bottom parts of the tower, it considerably reduces the temperature exposure to the higher parts of the tower. Fire exposure from a normal vehicle does not put the tower at risk of failure, and an unprotected steel tower can withstand it. However, a bus fire may lead to minor damage. The thermal strengthening of the first 20 m of the tower can help in preventing the potential fire damage.

Late Cretaceous Uplift of Grand Canyon: Evidence From Fluid Inclusions

For over a century, the history of Grand Canyon has been of interest to many. In recent years, debates have centered around the hypothesis that Grand Canyon formed during the late Cretaceous, not the Miocene, as previously thought. In this study, fluid inclusions within carbonates from the Mauv, Redwall, Supai, and Kaibab Fms. from Grand Canyon yield entrapment temperatures between 135 and 60 °C. Comparison of these temperature to time-temperature histories based on thermochronology (U-Th/He and fission track) from nearby samples suggest that these carbonates had fluids trapped within them from 89 to 58 Ma and that major denudation of late Cretaceous strata occurred during this interval. Regionally derived burial histories and local thermochronology suggest that significant uplift of Grand Canyon and the adjacent Colorado Plateau occurred during the late Cretaceous. We interpret the timing of fluid entrapment, denudation of Cretaceous strata, and burial histories to be consistent with initial uplift associated with the early stages of formation of Grand Canyon during the late Cretaceous. Models of uplift of northern Arizona exclusively during the Cenozoic are inconsistent with these data.

A simplified numerical model for the temperature profile of early-age concrete

The issue of early-age concrete cracking is challenging and relies on the state of concrete soon after it is placed in the formwork. The concrete state is a function of the strains associated with thermal and other dilatations and the level of in situ strength. Both strain and strength primarily require information on the temperature–time history of the concrete element. For larger elements, the thermal history varies significantly across the thickness and the concrete material itself acts as confinement for discrete elements. Due to complexity of this issue, designers currently rely on mock tests and/or finite-element (FE) modelling for structures that are deemed ‘important’. Both approaches are costly and time consuming. It is therefore important to have a robust yet simple model to estimate the temperature variation experienced by concrete elements. The proposed spreadsheet-based model presented in this paper aims to provide a rapid estimate of the temperature profiles within a hydrating concrete element. The model uses the concept of effective thickness and the revised heat compensation technique. It was validated based on the measured temperature development of a concrete block of rectangular section. The proposed model was also successfully compared with output from FE software (TNO Diana).

Comparative radiative property measurements of single biomass and coal particles burning at high reactor temperatures

This research measured the emissivity, temperature and soot loading of pulverized bituminous coal and three types of renewable biomass. Combustion occurred in a laboratory-scale drop tube furnace (DTF), where the fuels experienced high heating rates and ignited and burned in two distinct phases: devolatilization accompanied by volatile matter combustion in envelope flames, and sequential combustion of the char residues. Multi-wavelength spectrometry was used to concurrently determine the emissivity and the temperature of burning particles at discrete points in their history. Three-wavelength pyrometry was used to obtain entire temperature-time histories, and high-speed photography was used to provide both visual observations of phenomena and to obtain two-dimensional temperature distributions. Results showed that soot in volatile matter flames of burning single particles of the bituminous coal and of the three types of torrefied biomass had spectral emissivities in the range of 0.03–0.10, in the wavelength domain of 600–1000 nm. Emissivities were nearly constant with wavelength, i.e., soot mantles in these flames radiated as graybodies. Spectral emissivities of the chars of the bituminous coal and the three types of torrefied biomass were in the range of 0.29–0.5 and varied with wavelength, i.e., they radiated as non-graybodies. The highest measured temperatures of soot in volatile flames for all fuels were between 2150 and 2360 K and maximum temperatures of chars were between 1700 and 2000 K, based on the three measurement techniques. The graybody assumption caused negligible (± 10 K) deviations in volatile matter flame temperatures; however, it caused significant deviations (± 20–100 K) in char temperatures. Envelope flame diameters of torrefied biomass particles were larger than those of coal. To the contrary, soot volume fractions in the envelope flames of coal particles were found to be higher than those in biomass particle flames. Finally, the soot volume fractions in the flames of these fuels were inversely proportional to particle size.

Experimental and numerical assessments of thermal transport in phase change material embedding additively manufactured triply periodic minimal surfaces: A comparative evaluation

Phase change materials (PCMs), due to their inherent low conductivity, are presently restricted in their potential applications for thermal energy storage (TES) systems. Extensive effort has been made over the past few years to investigate the potential of porous materials, such as metal foams, as effective thermal conductivity enhancers (TCEs) for PCMs. Porous materials have superior specific surface area over conventional honeycomb structures and fins, providing great potential in thermal storage systems. In this study, taking advantage of the implicit function of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS), new varieties of lattices with continuous surface structures were developed and then manufactured by using AlSi10Mg powder via selective laser melting (SLM). A three-dimensional transient phase-change heat storage model of TPMS (Primitive and I-WP) structure-paraffin composite PCMs was adopted to study both the phase-change heat transfer performance and heat storage capability of TPMS-PCMs during the phase transition. Meanwhile, the evolution of the solid–liquid interface and temperature–time history were investigated by utilizing the visualized thermal storage experiments. The findings revealed that embedding TPMS lattice decreased the natural convection effect, resulting in a maximum flow velocity of liquid paraffin wax (PX) within TPMS-PCMs that was only 0.1 times that of pure PX. The melting onset time of TPMS-PCMs was advanced by 82.2 %-91.1 %, and the duration of phase change was shortened by 68.3 %-75.9 %, respectively. In addition, the total heat storage of TPMS-PCMs fell from 4464.0 J to 4217.2 J compared to pure PX, but their average heat storage rate rose from 1.04 to 4.58 J/s. Primitive rod (PS)-type TPMS-PCM was the most potential among the three types of TPMS lattices as the TCE for PCM because it achieved the highest heat storage rate with the most negligible overall heat storage loss.

Thermal cycling effects on the local microstructure and mechanical properties in wire-based directed energy deposition of nickel-based superalloy

In additive manufacturing, intrinsic heat treatments take place during deposition that affect the properties of AM-structures. In this work, the influence of thermal cycling on the local microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloy in wire-based electron beam directed energy deposition (EB-DED) was investigated. Structures were fabricated using a continuous deposition strategy (CDS) and discontinuous interpass cooling strategy (ICS) revealing changes in thermal profiles, time-temperature history, and microstructure. An altered morphology along the build-up height and interdendritic zones enriched in Nb are formed. Nb and Mo did not show a clear trend of segregation along the build-up height. Lower fractions of the Laves phase and MCs are found for both configurations. Differences between deposition strategies and locations within AM-structures are found for the γ" and δ phase. The higher Nb content in the interdendritic zone promotes the precipitation of γ" and δ phase by shortening the aging times compared to wrought materials. The longer deposition times of ICS favour the precipitation of fine γ" in the interdendritic zone throughout the deposition height. In contrast, the short deposition time of CDS leads to an increase in temperature and a heterogeneous distribution of γ" along the height, i.e. coarsening of the γ" followed by a dissolution along the built-up height. The microstructural changes correlate with the mechanical properties. Structures fabricated with ICS exhibit homogeneous mechanical properties throughout, while the graded microstructure of CDS results in graded mechanical properties and decreasing strength throughout.

Hydrogen Bond-Mediated Self-Shielded Moisture-Responsive Structural Color for Time-Temperature Indicating.

Effective monitoring of the time-temperature history of biological reagents, chemical drugs, and perishable foods during cold chain storage is crucial for ensuring their quality and efficacy. Time-temperature indicators (TTIs) are developed to assess the cumulative impact of time and temperature on product quality. However, current indicators face challenges related to complex wrapping procedures, narrow tracking ranges, susceptibility to photobleaching, and pre-use instability, hampering widespread use. Herein, the first moisture-responsive 1D photonic crystal (1DPC) TTIs featuring robust structural colors, customizable time-temperature ranges, and reliable renewability are demonstrated. The indicators exhibit distinct color-changing responsiveness toward water vapor, which remains observable after prolonged storage at low temperatures. Significantly, the moisture responsiveness gradually diminishes at elevated temperatures over time due to ambient water-induced hydrogen bond formation, effectively shielding the indicator from external stimuli. This property enables the naked-eye inspection of product efficacy during cold chain storage. Additionally, the endowed flexibility of the TTI facilitates its easy attachment to targets, functioning as a convenient indicator label. Remarkably, the indicator can be stably stored for an extended period at room temperature before use, thereby showcasing substantial market potential.

Zircon (U-Th)/He impact crater thermochronometry and the effects of shock microstructures on He diffusion kinetics

Accurate age determination of impact cratering events remains difficult and controversial. Less than a quarter of all documented impact craters are regarded as accurately and precisely age dated. Zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) dating of impactites has received recent attention as a novel technique to date impact structures. Complicated and localized post-impact hydrothermal systems could also affect the reliability of ZHe impact ages. We quantitatively define the effects of shock-induced microstructures on He diffusion kinetics in zircon with different shock microstructures characterized by Secondary Electron Microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We investigated samples from the Chicxulub and Ries impact craters, to compare diffusion kinetics from structures of different sizes, ages, and hydrothermal activity. Step-heating fractional-release experiments were used to quantify He diffusion kinetics of variably shocked zircon and examine the relationship of the experimentally derived diffusion domain sizes to the EBSD-defined subgrains. The diffusion data show a consistent activation energy independent of shock level, while shock microstructures, such as planar deformation bands (PDBs) and granular textures systemically and dramatically lower the He retentivity due to the microstructural reduction of the effective diffusion domain size. Shocked zircon were dated by ZHe and the less deformed grains yield ages within error of the accepted impact ages as determined by other methods (40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb), whereas the grains with PDBs or granular textures commonly exhibited younger ages. Thus, the characterization of impact-induced zircon microstructures is critical for determining accurate impact ages because shocked grains are less suitable for reliable impact dating, but potentially powerful for exploring temperature–time history of hydrothermal activity.

Experimental and numerical studies on the thermal nonequilibrium behaviors of CO with Ar, He, and H2

The time-dependent rotational and vibrational temperatures were measured to study the shock-heated thermal nonequilibrium behaviors of CO with Ar, He, and H2 as collision partners. Three interference-free transition lines in the fundamental vibrational band of CO were applied to the fast, in situ, and state-specific measurements. Vibrational relaxation times of CO were summarized over a temperature range of 1110–2820 K behind reflected shocks. The measured rotational temperature instantaneously reached an equilibrium state behind shock waves. The measured vibrational temperature experienced a relaxation process before reaching the equilibrium state. The measured vibrational temperature time histories were compared with predictions based on the Landau–Teller model and the state-to-state approach. The state-to-state approach treats the vibrational energy levels of CO as pseudo-species and accurately describes the detailed thermal nonequilibrium processes behind shock waves. The datasets of state-specific inelastic rate coefficients of CO–Ar, CO–He, CO–CO, and CO–H2 collisions were calculated in this study using the mixed quantum-classical method and the semiclassical forced harmonic oscillator model. The predictions based on the state-to-state approach agreed well with the measured data and nonequilibrium (non-Boltzmann) vibrational distributions were found in the post-shock regions, while the Landau–Teller model predicted slower vibrational temperature time histories than the measured data. Modifications were applied to the Millikan–White vibrational relaxation data of the CO–Ar and CO–H2 systems to improve the performance of the Landau–Teller model. In addition, the thermal nonequilibrium processes behind incident shocks, the acceleration effects of H2O on the relaxation process of CO, and the characterization of vibrational temperature were highlighted.

Modeling of Heat Transfer in Massive Concrete Foundations Using 3D-FDM

Analyzing and modeling the thermal behavior of mass concrete elements has been widely investigated by several researchers. Lately, many contemporary finite element packages have embedded modules for analyzing thermal behavior. Unfortunately, these packages are quite complex and require experts to be properly implemented. This paper proposes a simple and practical approach using the 3D-Finite Difference Model (3D-FDM) developed by MS-Excel to overcome the complexity of the other FE models. The model is utilized to predict the thermal behavior of actual bridge pile caps (3D model) rather than the previously developed 2D models in earlier research. The results of the analysis are compared with the concrete temperatures that were experimentally obtained from the site. Site data was collected using 18 thermocouple probes (K type) that were installed in two pile caps. These thermocouples were installed before concrete pouring to monitor the temperatures generated due to the exothermic reaction of the cement, which occurs during casting and the maturity period of concrete. The readings were registered every 3 hours for 7 days after concrete placement. This research provides a comparison between the recorded site data and the thermal analysis based on the proposed 3D-FDM. Results proved that concrete temperature time histories at different locations of the bridge pile caps could be properly predicted using the developed 3D-FDM. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-10-05 Full Text: PDF

Numerical modelling of Energy Quay Walls to assess their thermal be-haviour

The use of the subsurface as a heating and cooling source through shallow geothermal installations has increased in the last decades [10]. So-called Energy Geostructures (EGs) represent a more innovative technology, serving the dual purpose of providing structural support to the ground/building and exchanging heat with the ground [2]. EGs can serve the purposes of several energy applications: they can be coupled with ground source heat pumps to provide space heating and cooling as well as domestic hot water.
 Energy sheet pile walls (ESPs) are a novel type of EG consisting of sheet pile walls equipped with steel pipe heat exchangers. When they are used to support the banks of canals or in port docks, they allow extraction of thermal energy from both soil and water [12]. The latter are called Energy quay walls (EQW) and are currently experimented at selected sites along canals in the Netherlands [7]. The energy efficiency of EQWs is expected to be influenced by the undisturbed ground temperature profile, ground thermal conductivity and thermal capacity, and operational and construction parameters [8] [9]. However, due to the lack of standard methods for the design of EQWs, further studies are needed to fully understand both their thermal and thermo-mechanical behaviour [1]. Based on the data collected from an EQW test field installed in Delft (NL) (Figure 1(a)), a Finite Element (FE) numerical model was developed for the accurate 3D analysis of the heat exchange phenomena taking place in the EQW.
 The EQW test site is characterized by two different heat exchanger types: the first one reaches 3 m depth and is aimed at exchanging heat mostly with the canal water. The second one has a depth of 15 m and exchanges heat with both water and soil. A monitoring system was installed composed by a total of 56 thermistors, 20 thermowells and 5 flowmeters to measure respectively the soil and canal water temperature, the heat exchanger fluid temperature and the flow velocity of both heat exchanger fluid and canal water. Different thermal activation combinations of deep and shallow loops were tested to assess the EQW thermal behaviour and the induced temperature changes into the soil [5].
 To analyse in detail the EQW thermal performance, the FE numerical model was built with the COMSOL Multiphysics software. The considered heat exchange processes are convection within the heat-carrier fluid and between the canal and the soil, and conduction in the soil and other solid domains. Radiation phenomena were considered negligible in the model. The FE model was set up using the built-in “heat transfer in pipes” module allowing quicker computations by representing heat exchanger pipes in a simplified 1D fashion. The domain dimension was chosen in order to keep the lateral and bottom surfaces far enough from the EQW, to avoid boundary effects. For the boundary conditions, a fixed temperature of 12°C [3] was assigned to the bottom domain boundary while the detected air temperature time history was assigned to the top of the domain. Thermal insulation was assigned to the lateral boundary surfaces. The water canal was directly simulated as part of the domain. The heat convective flow of water was taken into account by using inflow and outflow boundary conditions and by assigning to the canal the detected water velocity. A thermal initialization calculation was performed to start the calculation with accurate initial conditions in terms of temperature distribution within the domain [6]. The thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and density of the different soil layers were determined through empirical correlations based on cone penetration tests results carried out near the EQW [11], corroborated by literature datasets based on the geological characterization of the soil [4]. Heat exchange between the EQW and the surrounding soil was simulated by activating the heat transfer flow within the pipes, assigning the measured inlet temperature and fluid velocity.
 An example comparison between the measured gained thermal power and the simulated results for the first 200 days of thermal activation of the EQW is shown in Figure 1(b). Except for the first 20 days of thermal activation, characterised by unreliable measurements because both the heat pump and the monitoring system were being tested to check the integrity of the system, it can be observed that the numerical simulation effectively reproduces the gained thermal power, as well as the induced temperature changes into the soil (not shown for the sake of brevity).
 After model validation against the data collected from the test field research activities continue. Further numerical parametric analyses are performed to identify the best combination of design and site parameters to maximize the energy efficiency. Additionally thermo-mechanical analyses are used to assess the magnitude of thermally induced displacements and stresses.