Turbulent Water Research Articles

Hybrid framework for correcting water-to-air image sequences

When an underwater camera captures aerial targets, the received light undergoes refraction at the water-air interface. In particular, the calm water compresses the image, while turbulent water causes nonlinear distortion in the captured images. However, existing methods for correcting water-to-air distortion often cause images with distortion or overall shifts. To address the above issue, we propose a multi-strategy hybrid framework to process image sequences effectively, particularly for high-precision applications. Our framework includes a spatiotemporal crossover block to transform and merge features, effectively addressing the template-free problem. Additionally, we introduce an enhancement network to produce a high-quality template in the first stage and a histogram template method to maintain high chromaticity and reduce template noise in the correction stage. Furthermore, our framework incorporates a new registration scheme to facilitate sequence transfer and processing. Compared to existing algorithms, our approach achieves a high restoration level in terms of morphology and color for publicly available image sequences.

Comparison of FLUMEN and HEC-RAS 2D Models for Flash Flood Inundation in Urban Landscape

Flood inundation maps play a crucial role in preventing flood damage. Among various numerical models used to generate these maps, the fluvial modeling engine (FLUMEN) and the hydrologic engineering center’s river analysis system (HEC-RAS 2D) are particularly effective for simulating urban floods, which are influenced by complex factors such as buildings and landscapes. This study aims to examine the differences in flood analysis results that may arise from using different numerical models. This study compares the performance of FLUMEN and HEC-RAS 2D in modeling urban flash floods, characterized by local velocity variations and complex geometries. The analysis focuses on their numerical characteristics and simulation accuracy. The simulation results show that HEC-RAS 2D outperforms FLUMEN in handling turbulence, numerical stability, and peak water level predictions. These findings provide insights into the strengths and limitations of each model for urban flood management.

Water-to-air unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based rolling shutter optical camera communication (OCC) system with gated recurrent unit neural network (GRU-NN)

Underwater sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are widely adopted in oceanic research activities. As the number of underwater sensors and AUVs is growing quickly, the bandwidth requirements are increasing accordingly. In this work, we put forward and demonstrate a large field-of-view (FOV) water-to-air unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based optical camera communication (OCC) system with gated recurrent unit neural network (GRU-NN) for the first time to the best of our knowledge. As the UAVs are embedded with complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, there is no need to install OCC receivers (Rxs), reducing the deployment cost. Moreover, the large photo-sensitive area of the CMOS camera can support a large FOV OCC transmission without the need for precise optical alignment. Here, by utilizing the column matrix identification during the rolling shutter pattern decoding in the CMOS image sensor, the scintillation caused by water turbulence can be reduced. Besides, in the outdoor and windy environment, the UAV will experience significant movement caused by the wind making it very difficult to capture stable OCC frames in the CMOS image sensor. Here, we propose and demonstrate utilizing GRU-NN, which is a special realization of the recurrent neural network (RNN) with memory cells capable of learning the time-domain dependent signals. It is shown that the GRU-NN can learn effectively from successive image frames in time-domain and produce correct prediction even under the windy and unstable UAV flying environment. Experimental results reveal that the proposed GRU-NN can outperform the previous pixel-per-symbol labeling neural network (PPS-NN), and also can significantly reduce the computation time when compared with long-short-term-memory-neural-network (LSTM-NN). The proposed system can decode 4-level pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM4) rolling shutter OCC patterns at data rates of 5.4 kbit/s and 3.0 kbit/s under clear and cloudy water, respectively, fulfilling the pre-forward error correction bit-error rate (pre-FEC BER = 3.8 × 10−3). We also demonstrate that the UAV based OCC system can support data rates of 5.4 kbit/s, 4.2 kbit/s, and 3.0 kbit/s at distances of 2.2 m, 3.2 m, and 4.2 m, respectively, at outdoor and windy environments.

A Biomimetic Adhesive Disc for Robotic Adhesion Sliding Inspired by the Net-Winged Midge Larva.

Net-winged midge larvae (Blephariceridae) are known for their remarkable ability to adhere to and crawl on the slippery surfaces of rocks in fast-flowing and turbulent alpine streams, waterfalls, and rivers. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the larvae's powerful ventral suckers. In this article, we first develop a theoretical model of the piston-driven sucker that considers the lubricated state of the contact area. We then implement a piston-driven robotic sucker featuring a V-shaped notch to explore the adhesion-sliding mechanism. Each biomimetic larval sucker has the unique feature of an anterior-facing V-shaped notch on its soft disc rim; it slides along the shear direction while the entire disc surface maintains powerful adhesion on the benthic substrate, just like the biological counterpart. We found that this biomimetic sucker can reversibly transit between "high friction" (4.26 ± 0.34 kPa) and "low friction" (0.41 ± 0.02 kPa) states due to the piston movement, resulting in a frictional enhancement of up to 93.9%. We also elucidate the frictional anisotropy (forward/backward force ratio: 0.81) caused by the V-shaped notch. To demonstrate the robotic application of this adhesion-sliding mechanism, we designed an underwater crawling robot Adhesion Sliding Robot-1 (ASR-1) equipped with two biomimetic ventral suckers. This robot can successfully crawl on a variety of substrates such as curved surfaces, sidewalls, and overhangs and against turbulent water currents with a flow speed of 2.4 m/s. In addition, we implemented a fixed-wing aircraft Adhesion Sliding Robot-2 (ASR-2) featuring midge larva-inspired suckers, enabling transit from rapid water surface gliding to adhesion sliding in an aquatic environment. This adhesion-sliding mechanism inspired by net-winged midge larvae may pave the way for future robots with long-term observation, monitoring, and tracking capabilities in a wide variety of aerial and aquatic environments.

Unlocking optimal performance and flow level control of three-phase separator based on reinforcement learning: A case study in Basra refinery

This research explores the application of a new reinforcement learning (RL-based) controller for a three-phase separator connected to a gas turbine. The control of flow levels within the separator directly impacts fluid flow turbulence, especially when the equipment is linked to waste heat gas from the turbine to improve gas quality. The study introduces the novel RL-based controller and validates its effectiveness in real-world conditions using three-phase separators in Basra, Iraq, and through a review of relevant literature. The controller can adapt to inlet conditions such as pressure, temperature, mass flow rate, and incoming heat from the gas turbine. Waste heat recovery from the gas can enhance gas purity but also increase turbulence in water and oil. Maintaining a calm flow while ensuring high-speed flow over the baffle in the middle of the separator is crucial for optimal performance. The study considers two geometrical configurations of the vessel for redesigning the separator at the Basra refinery. The controller was implemented using the groovyBC utility within the OpenFOAM software. This model was then utilized to simulate real-world scenarios at the Basra refinery, displaying faster convergence, more rapid response, and more accurate tracking of the target fluid level. This study marks the initial effort to apply the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) controller in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) work. The findings demonstrated a significant enhancement in separation efficiency by more than 36%, as well as smoother streamlines through the control and maintenance of pressure and velocity over the baffle.

Design Micro-Hydro Power Plant Water Resources System for Small Medium Enterprise Rice Mill in Nagari Kamang Hilia Agam

Processing rice products into rice requires further processing, where the grain harvested from farmers is processed into rice. The Nagari Binaan Community Service team from Padang State University will later develop this process. Farmer groups say that the availability of continuous and cheap electricity is their obstacle in producing good and cheap rice products. Counseling and assistance in making civil buildings capture turbulence water micro-hydro power plants is a solution to partner problems offered by the community service team of the Nagari program assisted by Padang State University. The output of the Nagari Fostered Program will be used to build a 5000-watt capacity power plant, supporting the need for free and environmentally friendly electricity. This aligns with the government's renewable energy program for 2030, which aims to produce 25% of the national electricity from renewable sources. This program is planned for 3 (three) stages, where the first year is mapping and detailed engineering design in the form of reports and design drawings. The second year is in the form of civil construction, and the third year's target is the installation of electrical machines and panels for commissioning. There will be training for partners, such as farmers in Kanagarian Kamang Hilia, Agam.

Navigating push factors for emigration in turbulent water: the protestors of the Rif Hirak

ABSTRACT What happens when actors in social movements (SMs) fail to achieve their goals? Written against the general tendency in current scholarship, this article examines the case of the actors in the Rif Hirak activism, which emerged in northern Morocco following the tragic death of a fishmonger in the port of the city of Al Hoceima, to probe the impact of collective action on actors in SMs. To achieve this purpose, this article is twofold: First, it examines the link between repression and emigration. Second, based on online interview data gathered from a small sample of Hirak activists (n = 13), the article argues that, as the Hirak waned; the Rif activists resorted to emigration as a means to express political discontent and alternatively resist government repression. This demonstrates that a combination of factors intersect to justify protesters’ decision to emigrate. These intersecting factors include: (a) the threat of arrest and torture, (b) family pressure, (c) distrust in the state, (d) frustration with the lack of economic opportunities in the Rif, and (e) disappointment at the ability of the movement to bring about change.

Morphodynamics of melting ice over turbulent warm water streams

We investigate the morphodynamics of an ice layer over a turbulent stream of warm water using numerical simulations. At low water speeds, characteristic streamwise undulations appear, which can be explained by the Reynolds analogy between heat and momentum transfer. As the water speed increases, these undulations combine with spanwise ripples of a much greater length scale. These ripples are generated by a melting mechanism controlled by the instability originating from the ice–water interactions, and, through a melting/freezing process, they evolve downstream with a migration velocity much slower than the turbulence characteristic velocity.

Experimental study on enhancing the performance of hydrokinetic integrated Darrieus-Savonius rotor in open water-channel

The kinetic energy stored in water streams could be used to generate electricity via hydrokinetic rotors, due to the availability of kinetic energy from flowing water. Darrieus and Savonius are vertical axis kinetic rotors, they are promising for generating power in low speed flows. The integrated Darrieus- Savonius hydrokinetic rotor works on the principles of integrated forces including lift and drag forces. An experimental investigation has been conducted to get the optimum configuration for Darrieus-Savonius integrated rotor in order to attain improved self-starting and high-power-factor in open channel water flow, under different inflow conditions. This study investigated the effects of the radius ratio, add-on angle, water heights, and flow velocity on performance of hydrokinetic integrated Darrieus-Savonius rotor with three standard NACA 020 airfoil shape as Darrieus rotor and single/double stage semi-circular blades as Savonius rotor on the power factor. Three radius ratios (R.R) namely (0.8, 0.6 and 0.4) and add-on angles of (0o, 30o, 45o, 60o and 90o) were studied. The experimental channel was (26 m) long water flume with a (1m wide ×1.2 m depth). The horizontal walls of the flume were made of glass with a strengthened frame, to permit visual examination. The flume entrance consisted of a receiving tank (3 m long, 1.5 m wide, and 0.75 m depth), a honeycomb pattern pipe box, and a screen box field with a large stone to dissipate the water turbulence and energy at the entrance. Two centrifugal pumps were used to supply water to the channel. Darrieus-Savonius integrated rotor was placed at distance equal to ten times width of the experimental channel, to avoid any turbulence and to make sure that the flow was steady.Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the optimum Cp values at λ (1.84), add-on angle of (45o) and R.R (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) were (0.335, 0.29 and 0.299) respectively. The maximum hybrid performance was attained at R.R (0.4), add-on angle (45o) and tip-speed ratio (1.8) and Re (240x106) with value of (0.339). Decrease in the Re values by 25 % enhanced the performance by 1.19 %. Accordingly, it is not necessary to rely on Re values in calculating the power-factor values compared to the influence of the rest of the variables.

Simple olfactory navigation in air and water

Two simple algorithms based on combining odor concentration differences across time and space along with information on the flow direction are tested for their ability to locate an odor source in four different odor landscapes. Image data taken from air plumes in three different regimes and a water plume are used as test environments for a bilateral (“stereo sampling”) algorithm using concentration differences across two sensors and a “casting” algorithm that uses successive samples to decide orientation. Agents are started at random locations and orientations in the landscape and allowed to move until they reach the source of the odor (success) or leave the imaged area (failure). Parameters for the algorithm are chosen to optimize success and to minimize path length to the source. Success rates over 90% are consistently obtained with path lengths that can be as low as twice the starting distance from the source in air and four times the distance in the highly turbulent water plumes. We find that parameters that optimize success often lead to more exploratory pathways to the source. Information about the direction from which the odor is coming is necessary for successful navigation in the water plume and reduces the path length in the three tested air plumes.

Simulation of Interfacial Waves in Core-Annular Pipe Flow with a Turbulent Annulus

Abstract Numerical simulations are conducted for the wave initiation, growth, and saturation at the oil-water interface in core-annular flow. The focus is on conditions with a turbulent water annulus, but the laminar water annulus is also considered. The simulation results are compared with lab measurements. The growth rate for the linear instability of different wave lengths in the case of a turbulent water annulus is obtained from two-dimensional axisymmetric Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations with the Launder-Sharma low-Reynolds number k-e model. The latter simulation results provide the most unstable wave length for the turbulent water annulus. Our study also shows the following. The maximum wave growth rate for a turbulent water annulus is significantly higher than for a laminar water annulus. The most unstable wave length in the simulations is about 25% smaller than in the experiments. The wave amplitude for the different wave lengths in the simulations is typically 17% lower than in the experiments.

The influence of water turbulence on surface deformations and the gas transfer rate across an air–water interface

We present experimental results of a study on oxygen transfer rates in a water channel facility with varying turbulence inflow conditions set by an active grid. We compare the change in gas transfer rate with different turbulence characteristics of the flow set by four different water channel and grid configurations. It was found that the change in gas transfer rate correlates best with the turbulence intensity in the vertical direction. The most turbulent cases increased the gas transfer rate by 30% compared to the low turbulence reference case. Between the two most turbulent cases studied here, the streamwise turbulence and largest length scales in the flow change, while the gas transfer rate is relatively unchanged. In contrast, for the two less turbulent cases where the magnitude of the fluctuations normal to the free surface are also smaller, the gas transfer rate is significantly reduced. Since the air–water interface plays an important role in the gas transfer process, special attention is given to the free-surface deformations. Despite taking measures to minimise it, the active grid also leaves a direct imprint on the free surface, and the majority of the waves on the surface originate from the grid itself. Surface deformations were, however, ruled out as a main driver for the increase in gas transfer because the increase in surface area is < 0.25%, which is two orders of magnitude smaller than the measured change in the gas transfer rate.

Direct numerical simulation study on wall-modeling of turbulent water channel flows with temperature-dependent viscosity

We discuss wall-modeling of turbulent heat transfer of water channel flows with temperature-dependent viscosity via direct numerical simulations. We considered a top-cooled wall (293[K]) and a bottom-heated wall (353[K]) and varied the friction Reynolds numbers from 300 to 1000. The fluid viscosity varied depending on the local fluid temperature, whereas the other physical properties were assumed to be constant. The results show that semi-local scaling based on the local viscosity and wall friction velocity reasonably accounts for the effects of variable viscosity on turbulent flows, except in the vicinity of the wall, where wall cooling intensifies the turbulent vortical motion, leading to increased semi-locally scaled eddy diffusivities compared with those near the heated wall. In the vicinity of the cooled wall, turbulent transport is enhanced by increased viscous transport, which transfers more turbulent kinetic energy toward the cooled wall. The effectiveness of semi-local scaling for wall-modeling was validated by performing a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation at Reτ=1000, where we incorporated the semi-local viscous length scale into the classical mixing-length model. The modified mixing-length model reasonably reproduced the effects of variable viscosity on turbulent flows.

The coupling of winds, ocean turbulence, and High Salinity Shelf Water in the Terra Nova Bay Polynya

The Terra Nova Bay (TNB) Polynya in the Western Ross Sea of Antarctica is a major producer of High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW), a precursor to Antarctica Bottom Water (AABW). Processes occurring in and around the polynya can therefore effect change in the lower limb of overturning circulation in this region. Here, we use data from a densely-instrumented upper-ocean mooring, deployed for 1 year in a region of active HSSW formation within TNB, to examine the coupling of surface brine rejection and vertical mixing to katabatic wind forcing. We find a high correlation between salinity and winds during the wintertime HSSW production season at the mooring site, with a lag-response of 20 h in near-surface (∼47 m) salinity to winds measured at the nearby Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Manuela. Salinity and temperature measurements show a fully destratified water column by June, with a lag-response of near-seabed (∼360 m) salinity to near-surface salinity of just 5 h. Measurements of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate (ɛ) from moored pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) show general agreement with classic boundary layer scaling (BLS), and calculations of a vertical mixing timescale using the Obukhov length scale average to ∼2.5 h during austral winter, consistent with the 5-h lag time observed in the salinity data. Comparisons to data from concurrent mooring deployments along the southern boundary of TNB, as well as to previously published assessments of model simulations and data from Climatic Long-term Interaction for the Mass-balance in Antarctica (CLIMA) moorings, allow us to explore spatial variability in the coupling of winds and salinity across TNB and to speculate on possible HSSW circulation pathways.

Turbulence effect on disk settling dynamics

Turbulence can have a strong effect on the fall speed of snowflakes and ice crystals. In this experimental study, the behaviour of thin disks falling in homogeneous turbulence is investigated, in a range of parameters relevant to plate crystals. Disks ranging in diameter from 0.3 to 3 mm, and in Reynolds number $Re = 10\unicode{x2013}435$ , are dispersed in two air turbulence levels, with velocity fluctuations comparable to the terminal velocity. For each case, thousands of trajectories are captured and reconstructed by high-speed laser imaging, allowing for statistical analysis of the translational and rotational dynamics. Air turbulence reduces the disk terminal velocities by up to 35 %, with the largest diameters influenced most significantly, which is primarily attributed to drag nonlinearity. This is evidenced by large lateral excursions of the trajectories, which correlate with cross-flow-induced drag enhancement as reported previously for falling spheres and rising bubbles. As the turbulence intensity is increased, flat-falling behaviour is progressively eliminated and tumbling becomes prevalent. The rotation rates of the tumbling disks, however, remain similar to those displayed in still air. This is due to their large moment of inertia compared to the surrounding fluid, in stark contrast with studies conducted in water. In fact, the observed reduction of settling velocity is opposite to previous findings on disks falling in turbulent water. This emphasizes the importance of the solid-to-fluid density ratio in analogous experiments that aim to mimic the behaviour of frozen hydrometeors.

Navigating Murky, Turbulent Water: Reactive Integration of ESG Goals in CEO Pay

Navigating Murky, Turbulent Water: Reactive Integration of ESG Goals in CEO Pay

Suspended particulate matter-biofilm aggregates benefit microcystin removal in turbulent water but trigger toxicity toward Daphnia magna

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and biofilm are critical in removing contaminants in aquatic environments, but the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates modulated by turbulence intensities are largely unknown. This study determined the removal pathways of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) by SPM and its biofilm under different turbulence intensities (2.25 × 10–3, 1.01 × 10–2, and 1.80 × 10–2 m2/s3). Then, we evaluated the toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates to Daphnia magna. The results revealed that SPM contributed to the adsorption of MC-LR, and the removal of MC-LR can be accelerated with biofilm formation on SPM, with 95.66 % to 97.45 % reduction in MC-LR concentration under the studied turbulence intensities. Higher turbulence intensity triggered more frequent contact of SPM and MC-LR, formed compact but smaller clusters of SPM-biofilm aggregates, and enhanced the abundance of mlrA and mlrB; thus benefiting the adsorption, biosorption, and biodegradation of MC-LR. Furthermore, the SPM-biofilm aggregates formed in turbulent water triggered oxidative stress to Daphnia magna, while a weak lethal toxic effect was identified under moderate turbulence intensity. The results indicate that the toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates fail to display a linear relationship with turbulence intensity. These findings offer new perspectives on understanding the environmental behavior and ecological outcomes of SPM and its biofilms in turbulent aquatic environments.

Numerical Investigation of Thermal Performance for Turbulent Water Flow through Dimpled Pipe

Dimples are tiny indentations on the surfaces of the body that enhance heat transfer and alter fluid flow characteristics on or within the body. Numerical investigations were conducted to analyse the heat transfer and flow characteristics in a cross-combined dimple tube in the range of Reynolds numbers from 6000 to 14000. The finite volume method recognised a novel enhancement model utilising methods for composite-form surfaces. Compared to a smooth tube working similarly, the effects significantly improve the heat transfer index, performance evaluation criteria, and friction factor. A three-dimensional simulation was conducted to clarify the underlying process by which dimples affect thermal performance. The simulation findings suggest that the dimples effectively enhance heat transfer by altering the temperature distribution and increasing the temperature gradient within the central area of the dimple section. A concave surface profile disrupts the flow and prevents the formation of a stable boundary layer, promoting the mixing of hot and cold fluids. Furthermore, the study investigates how geometric characteristics impact thermal and hydraulic efficiencies, emphasising that larger dimples improve overall thermo-hydraulic performance. Specifically, the heat transfer enhancement achieved an average increase of 17.3%, ranging from 18.03% to 38.6%, surpassing that of the traditional smooth tube.

Microfiber Rotational Dynamics In Turbulence

We measure the effect of turbulence on spinning and tumbling rates of microfibers in wall-bounded turbulence. The measurements are performed in a turbulent water channel at Reτ 720. Fibres are 1.2 mm long and 10 m in diameter (aspect ratio 120). Their length ranges from 4 to 12 Kolmogorov length scales. They are neutrally buoyant, inertial-less, and rigid in these flow conditions. Six high-speed cameras image the fibres at the channel centre and in a near-wall region. We employ and further refine a technique of tomographic fibre reconstruction and tracking. Their curved shape is used to define a fibre-fixed reference frame and measure its time-resolved orientation. Thus measurements of tumbling and spinning rates are enabled. We provide a discussion about the uncertainty on the rotation rates based on their shape and angular displacement between time-steps. Based on converged statistics, we observed that the mean and mean square spinning are higher than tumbling rates at both channel centre and near-wall region. In addition, our study reveals that slender, curved fibres behave akin to straight rods, yet their curved shape provides a unique advantage: this curvature allows us to measure all rotational components.

РАЗРАБОТКА ФИЗИКО-МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ РАЗРУШЕНИЯ ПЛОТИН СМЕШАННОГО ТИПА

When the body of dams of various types is destroyed, the problems of interaction of water flows with soil from local materials and with the concrete base of the dam, as well as the development of filtration processes in the body of the dam, become relevant. This model allows us to describe both the mechanism of failure of mixed-type dams and the erosion of soil in the coastal zone, for example, formed as a result of a breakthrough wave, which leads to catastrophic consequences. To obtain practical results, there is a need to simplify the processes being studied. The main problem in problems of soil erosion by turbulent water flow is an adequate description of sediment transport. Typically, for these purposes, semi-empirical formulas are used, obtained for various conditions (extremely rarely specified) and giving very different results. In this work, to describe the processes of soil erosion, the theory of the bottom layer is used, which makes it possible to derive a formula for sediment consumption theoretically. The proposed model combines approaches developed in well-known models of continuum theory and hydraulics.