Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry Research Articles

Internal structure of intense collisional bedload transport

AbstractIntense bed load refers to a regime which is responsible of most of sediment transport in torrents and rivers during floods. Even if restricted to uniform steady conditions and well sorted particles, the liquid and solid phases interact in a rather complex way over the plane mobile bed. We focus on flow conditions where the sediment grains in the flow are supported by mutual contacts, primarily collisions, and not by the fluid turbulence. Nonetheless, the turbulent liquid stresses are important everywhere, but the top of the bed, and may not be neglected. Being particles and fluid reciprocally affecting at various scale, mechanical interpretations are challenging and not consolidated, yet. In this picture, it is clear that experimental evidences provide a fundamental, still lacking, piece of information.We contribute with new experiments in a tilting flume to face this need. Compared to previous laboratory tests, we apply various measuring techniques, getting to a robust validation of the acquired dataset. We exploited stereoscopic imaging techniques to capture the solid concentration and the three components of grain velocity, and extract the velocity fluctuations from the local mean values. Measured velocity distributions are independently checked by using an Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry technique.With all the needed quantities available, we exploited the constitutive relations based on the kinetic theory for granular flow, to highlight how the comparison between predictions and measurements works, deploying some accuracy deficiencies in the measurement and/or interpretation limits. Our results also address the attention to interfaces that separate layers affected by different rheological mechanisms. Along with pure experimental and theoretical aspects, we grasp the chance to use the data to check how the relations involving global quantities (discharges, friction factor, bed slope, flow depth), so common in hydraulic practice, work when the sediment transport is intense. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Flow Velocity Distribution Towards Flowmeter Accuracy: CFD, UDV, and Field Tests

Inconsistences regarding flow measurements in real hydraulic circuits have been detected. Intensive studies stated that these errors are mostly associated to flowmeters, and the low accuracy is connected to the perturbations induced by the system layout. In order to verify the source of this problem, and assess the hypotheses drawn by operator experts, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3.b, was used. To validate the results provided by the numerical model, intensive experimental campaigns were developed using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV) as calibration, and a pumping station was simulated using as boundary conditions the values measured in situ. After calibrated and validated, a new layout/geometry was proposed in order to mitigate the observed perturbations.

Experimental modelling of continuous casting of steel in slab moulds using low melting liquid metals

Electromagnetic actuators are widely used in industry for contactless control of the steel flow in the continuous casting process. However, a real control of the flow structure by those actuators is a challenging task due to the lack of flow monitoring devices. Even a satisfying non real-time characterisation of the melt flow from plant measurements is missing. Beside numerical simulations, only a very few spatially and temporally limited measurements in liquid steel are available to investigate the actual action of the magnetic fields on the fluid.Therefore, model experiments with low melting point liquid metals are an important tool to investigate the flow structure and related transport processes in the mould of a continuous caster. Their advantage is the availability of a variety of measurement techniques for quantitative flow measurements. The application of the Ultrasonic-Doppler-Velocimetry (UDV) and the Contactless-Inductive-Flow-Tomography (CIFT) allows for a detailed characterization of the mould flow with a reasonable spatial and temporal resolution.In recent experiments at HZDR, the systematic study on the influence of an electromagnetic brake on the mould flow in a slab caster was continued. The measurements were carried out using a 1:2 scaled model operated with SnBi and a 1:8 scaled model operated with GaInSn, respectively. The melt surface was partly measured by a laser scanner system. In particular, the immersion depth of the submergence entry nozzle (SEN) was varied during the experiments. It became obvious that changes in the mould flow had a strong influence on the free surface of the melt, where strong perturbations can significantly impair the surface quality of the final steel strands. Moreover, effects from the “artificial” clogging of one SEN-port or the injection of Argon gas at the stopper rod were investigated.

Influence of clutters on ultrasonic Doppler blood flow measurements

Ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry, a non-invasive, low-cost and high-penetration technique, is one of the most suitable methods for measuring blood flow velocity at present. Since previous studies often use the simplified models that do not contain the clutter, users have to design high-performance filters to remove clutters that are irrelevant to blood flow. This paper focuses on the influence of clutters on ultrasonic Doppler blood flow measurements. We establish a signal model that contains the clutter and analyse the influence of clutters on correlation algorithms. Simulation results show that clutters caused by static tissues lower velocity estimators and auto-correlation algorithm is more sensitive to clutters than cross-correlation algorithm.

Experimental Study on Flow Measurement in Corrugated Metal Pipes Used in Irrigation Turnouts

AbstractAn innovative measurement system using submerged ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (SUDV) has been adopted by the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA) in Texas to measure flow velocity in corr...

Vibration Effect Induced by Acoustic Pressure for UDV Measurement in Small Flow Channel

The vibration effect induced by acoustic pressure is one of the issues for ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry measurement in small flow channels. In this paper, the vibration effect in liquid metal lead-bismuth (PbBi) is analyzed. It is found that the vibration velocity is affected by the excitation voltage, backing layer thickness, and fluid acoustic impedance. The vibration velocity increases with excitation voltage and decreases with fluid acoustic impedance. Besides, when the thickness increases from 2 to 6 mm, the vibration velocity decreases slightly, but there are no obvious changes when the thickness is more than 6 mm. Therefore, the excitation voltage should be as low as possible, and the backing layer thickness should be more than 6 mm to minimize the vibration effect. The vibration velocity presents large fluctuation in the near field, while it decreases with the transmission distance in the far field. When the excitation voltage is 36 V, the highest vibration velocity in liquid PbBi is up to 28 mm/s in the vicinity of the transducer. Thus, it may cause relatively large deviation in the transient velocity measurement and disturb the evaluation of turbulence pulsation in small flow channels.

Applicability of hybrid ultrasonic flow meter for wide-range flow-rate under distorted velocity profile conditions

In transit-time ultrasonic flow meters (TOF), the flow rate is derived from the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse between two ultrasonic transducers. To convert the transit time into flow rate, a profile factor (PF) is required. Because the PF strongly depends on the velocity profile, a precise calibration of the PF is essential to the accuracy of the TOF. Hence, a field calibration, referred to as on-site calibration, is desirable. In this study, a hybrid ultrasonic flow meter that helps calibrate the TOF using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV) is proposed for on-site calibration by integrating the velocity profiles over the cross-sectional area of a pipe. Thus, a new system of hybrid ultrasonic flow meter was developed. The maximum flow rate measured using a conventional UDV is significantly lower than that measured using the TOF. Therefore, a system was developed to measure higher velocities and flow rates. The system is novel in that the transit time and velocity profile can be simultaneously measured using a de-aliasing method. To evaluate the influence of the velocity profile on the PF, experiments were conducted under a wide range of flow-rate conditions, which otherwise cannot be implemented using the conventional UDV. To evaluate the influence of the velocity profile in the pipe, an obstacle plate was placed at 8D upstream the test section. Radially arranged measuring lines were employed. The experimental results show that increasing the number of measuring lines did not improve the accuracy of the TOF. On the other hand, the flow rate could be accurately obtained using the proposed UDV by measuring the velocity profile even under distorted flow conditions. Furthermore, the calibration of the PF based on the flow rate obtained using the proposed UDV was found to be feasible.

Velocities in a Centrifugal PAT Operation: Experiments and CFD Analyses

Velocity profiles originated by a pump as turbine (PAT) were measured using an ultrasonic doppler velocimetry (UDV). PAT behavior is influenced by the velocity data. The effect of the rotational speed and the associated flow velocity variations were investigated. This research focuses, particularly, on the velocity profiles achieved for different rotational speeds and discharge values along the impeller since that is where the available hydraulic power is transformed into the mechanical power. Comparisons were made between experimental test results and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The used CFD model was calibrated and validated using the same conditions as the experimental facility. The numerical simulations showed good approximation with the velocity measurements for different cross-sections along the PAT system. The application of this CFD numerical model and experimental tests contributed to better understanding the system behavior and to reach the best efficiency operating conditions. Improvements in the knowledge about the hydrodynamic flow behavior associated with the velocity triangles contribute to improvements in the PAT concept and operation.

Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry Experiment of Lead-Lithium Flow with Oroshhi-2 Loop

The lead-lithium eutectic alloy (PbLi) is a promising coolant for nuclear fusion reactors. Although PbLi flow and heat transfer in a nuclear fusion reactor condition needs to be comprehended, no velocity profile measurement techniques have been developed yet. Since PbLi is a high-temperature liquid metal, ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV) is a promising method. In the present study, we investigated a UDV measurement in a high-purity PbLi forced convection loop environment. In summary, naturally contained oxide particles as flow tracers could differ by PbLi purity, and this difference could influence UDV measurability.

UDV measurements of single bubble rising in a liquid metal Galinstan with a transverse magnetic field

Liquid metal is an important type of energy transport carrier in nuclear reactors, such as in accelerator-driven sub-critical systems, fusion reactors and spallation neutron source devices. It is necessary to conduct research for bubbles rising in a liquid metal under different magnetic field intensities. The Perspex container is positioned concentrically inside a transverse magnetic field, which provides a homogeneous DC longitudinal magnetic field that passes through the fluid district. The coils are supplied with maximum field strength of 1.97T. The equivalent diameter of the bubble is 3.1–5.6mm. The Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV) method is used to evaluate the internal flow velocity of opaque liquid metals. Research shows that the influence of the Lorenz force on the bubble ascension velocity is not simply positive or negative. The magnetic field inhibits the ascension velocity of small bubbles with diameters of 3.1mm and 3.4mm. The terminal velocity for large bubbles with diameters of 4.57mm, 5.15mm and 5.6mm is higher under a weak magnetic field than without a magnetic field. The positive effect happens under strong magnetic intensity. The target is to obtain the hydro-dynamical relationships between the terminal velocity, drag coefficient, the Eötvös number, Reynolds number, and Stuart number in a strong magnetic field using a multiple regression method to reveal that the mechanism of the induced current's restraining influence determines the ascension velocity of the bubble in viscous electric liquids with a strong magnetic field.

Inertial regimes in a curved electromagnetically forced flow

We investigated experimentally the flow driven by a Lorentz force induced by an axial magnetic field $\boldsymbol{B}$ and a radial electric current $I$ applied between two fixed concentric copper cylinders. The gap geometry corresponds to a rectangular section with an aspect ratio of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}=4$ and we probe the azimuthal and axial velocity profiles of the flow along the vertical axis by using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry. We have performed several runs at moderate magnetic field strengths, corresponding to moderate Hartmann numbers $M\leqslant 300$. At these forcing parameters and because of the geometry of our experimental device, we show that the inertial terms are not negligible and an azimuthal velocity that depends on both $I$ and $B$ is induced. From measurements of the vertical velocity we focus on the characteristics of the secondary flow: the time-averaged velocity profiles are compatible with a secondary flow presenting two pairs of stable vortices, as pointed out by previous numerical studies. The flow exhibited a transition between two dynamical modes, a high- and a low-frequency one. The high-frequency mode, which emerges at low magnetic field forcing, corresponds to the propagation in the radial $r$-direction of tilted vortices. This mode is consistent with our previous experiments and with the instability described in Zhao et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 23 (8), 2011, 084103) taking place in an elongated duct geometry. The low-frequency mode, observed for high magnetic field forcing, consists of large excursions of the vortices. The dynamics of these modes matches the first axisymmetric instability described in Zhao & Zikanov (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 692, 2012, pp. 288–316) taking place in an square duct geometry. We demonstrated that this transition is controlled by the inertial magnetic thickness $H^{\prime }$ which is the characteristic length we introduce as a balance between the advection and the Lorentz force. The key point here is that when the inertial magnetic thickness $H^{\prime }$ is comparable to one geometric characteristic length ($H/2$ in the vertical or $\unicode[STIX]{x0394}r$ in the radial direction) the corresponding mode is favoured. Therefore, when $H^{\prime }/(H/2)\approx 1$ we observe the high-frequency mode taking place in an elongated duct geometry, and when $H^{\prime }/\unicode[STIX]{x0394}r\approx 1$ we observe the low-frequency mode taking place in square duct geometry and high magnetic field.

PbLi流れのUDV計測条件に関する基礎的研究

PbLi流れのUDV計測条件に関する基礎的研究

Stroboscopic two-dimensional ultrasonic velocity profiling for measuring flow transition in Taylor Couette systems

Flow characterization in a Taylor Couette system was made by investigating the radial velocity component with Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry based flow mapping. With the technique presented in this work, it is possible to measure the radial velocity components for variable axial position in a Couette cell within Taylor vortex flow (TVF), wavy vortex flow (WVF), modulated vortex flow (MVF) as well as spiral vortex domains in a conical shaped gap. The resulting maps for the different flow states show the location of vortices in the annular gap between the inner and outer cylinder. Cylindrical and conical concentrically rotating inner bodies were applied and respective flow patterns were analyzed. The method uses a stroboscopic triggering to synchronize flow measurements and rotational motion. The oscillation frequency f of unsteady motion in WVF, MVF, and spirals can be obtained from the power spectrum of velocity. The UVP transducer was preferably positioned in radial direction, perpendicular to the surface of the inner rotating body for measuring the radial velocity component. At the same time, the transducer was moved with constant velocity vertically along the outer cylinder height.

Magnetohydrodynamic flow induced by arrays of rotating permanent magnets

The main objective of the study is to explore the motion induced by arrays of rotating permanent magnets on a shallow liquid metal layer (GaInSn). We explored arrays from one to five magnets, located underneath the layer, uniformly distributed at a constant distance ro from the rotation axis, the magnet’s diameter (12.7mm) being much smaller than the inner diameter of the container (191.2mm). Observations were made at ro=29mm and 42mm and magnet rotation frequency varied from 0.4 to 6.1Hz. The radial velocity component of the flow was recorded using Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV) while visualization of the free surface deformations was also used to characterize the flow. For magnet arrays placed at the largest radius, a rotating flow with a frequency an order of magnitude smaller than the forcing frequency was observed. The behavior of the flow generated by the array of rotating magnets located at the smaller radius is more complex. For small forcing frequencies, the flow features are similar to those observed with magnet arrays at the larger radius, but for large forcing frequencies, an eccentric rotating vortex can be inferred from the UDV readings. Regions in the layer with large content of kinetic energy which actively participate in the stirring are quantitatively described. It was observed that the free surface is deformed and that the perturbations in the otherwise flat surface rotate with the forcing frequency for discrete intervals of this variable which depends on the number of magnets in the array.

An Experimental Prototype of an Innovative Fluid-driven Electromagnetic Stirring Technique

A new electromagnetic stirring technique that is driven by hydrodynamic forces was presented. This technique offers the following advantages. First, the stirrer can be immersed in the liquid metal, thereby significantly increasing the penetration depth of the electromagnetic forces and significantly improving the stirring efficiency; thus, this technique is particularly suitable for large-scale liquid metal. Second, under certain conditions, this technique can overcome difficulties that are encountered with traditional stirrers, such as accessing regions that are difficult to reach in working spaces with complex or narrow shapes. This stirrer also has a simpler structure than a traditional stirrer; thus, the design can be easily modified, and no external power supply is required. An experimental prototype was also presented for controlling the fluid flow rate, thereby controlling the electromagnetic force and velocity field of the driven liquid metal. The velocity distribution in a liquid GaInSn alloy under fluid-driven electromagnetic stirring was quantitatively measured using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (UDV). The primary results show that a remarkable velocity field has been achieved and that fluid-driven electromagnetic stirring is an effective means of stirring liquid metal. Finally, the potential applications of this technique in industry, along with key challenges, were discussed.

Dynamics of the removal of viscoplastic fluids from inclined pipes

The dynamics of the removal of a viscoplastic fluid by a Newtonian fluid is investigated experimentally and theoretically in an inclined pipe based on our previous studies on near-horizontal and highly inclined configurations. The fluids are miscible. The displacing Newtonian fluid is heavier than the displaced viscoplastic one i.e. the configuration is density-unstable. In our earlier work it was found that two major flow regimes, namely center-type and slump-type, might occur depending on the density difference. These flows are explored in great details through measurements of the displacement speeds and hydraulic Reynolds numbers. The residual viscoplastic layer unevenness is characterized revealing that the flows are in the range of large roughness regimes. Through an integrated experimental-theoretical approach, estimates of the interfacial and wall shear stresses are given which is of great importance in designing the displacement and cleaning processes involving fluids with yield stress. Accompanied by Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV) data, the dynamics of the removal of the viscoplastic fluid from a pipe is elucidated suggesting three distinct phases in the displacement process namely a plug flow, inertial multi-dimensional flow at the displacing front and steady multi-layer developed flow. Finally, the viscoplastic displacement flow results are compared against the predictions of the closure model, previously proved successful for Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids displacement in pipe. It is found that in the case of viscoplastic fluids the closure model always over predicts the displacing front velocity due to the inertial stresses present at the front not captured in the model.

Flow Driven by an Archimedean Helical Permanent Magnetic Field. Part I: Flow Patterns and Their Transitions

In this study, an Archimedean helical permanent magnetic field was constructed and its driving effects on liquid metal were examined. A magnetic stirrer was constructed using a series of arc-like magnets. The helical distribution of its magnetic field, which was confirmed via Gauss probe measurements and numerical simulations, can be considered a combination of rotating and traveling magnetic fields. The characteristics of the flow patterns, particularly the transitions between the meridian secondary flow (two vortices) and the global axial flow (one vortex), driven by this magnetic field were quantitatively measured using ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry. The transient and modulated flow behaviors will be presented in a companion article. The D/H dimension ratio was used to characterize the transitions of these two flow patterns. The results demonstrated that the flow patterns depend on not only the intrinsic structure of the magnetic field, e.g., the helix lead angle, but also the performance parameters, e.g., the dimensional ratio of the liquid bulk. The notable opposing roles of these two flow patterns in the improvement of macrosegregations when imposing such magnetic fields near the solidifying front were qualitatively addressed.

A comparative study of magnetic resonance imaging, electrical impedance tomography and ultrasonic doppler velocimetry for semi-dilute fibre flow suspension characterisation

Experimental comparisons between imaging techniques serve to provide confidence in the validity of each technique for the study of multiphase flow systems. Such cross-validation can establish the limitations of each technique quantitatively. In the present paper, the authors report efforts made on the characterization of semi-dilute, mono-dispersed suspensions of rayon fibres in turbulent water flow using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound Velocity Profiling (UVP) and Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). Increasing flow velocities and fibre concentration were studied using these three experimental techniques. For lower fibre concentrations more uniform distributions were observed and as flow velocity increased fibre agglomerations were found in the centre region of the pipe.

Application of ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry to molten glass by using broadband phase difference method

An ultrasonic velocity profile (UVP) measurement in high temperature molten glass was presented using buffer rod technique. A ceramic buffer rod was used to transmit ultrasound into molten glass. The rod had a taper shape and porous cladding to suppress trailing echo, which is the spurious echo in the buffer rod measurement. The broadband signal processing method was presented to improve noise tolerance in velocity estimation. This method is based on the phase difference method, which is originally proposed as a narrowband method. Measurable distance of the UVP measurement was investigated combining the buffer rod and the broadband signal processing method. Experiment was conducted at the temperature from 1000°C to 1200°C. As a preliminary test, motion tracking in molten glass was successfully demonstrated.

Viscoelastic responses of flow driven by a permeable disk investigated by ultrasound velocity profiling

Ultrasound velocity profiling was applied to viscoelastic flow induced around a moving permeable disk. There were two objectives to this measurement. The first was to find technical advantages and restrictions when applying ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry to a viscoelastic liquid. This issue has not been clarified even though ultrasonic pulses may interact with an elastic medium in the monitoring of the Doppler shift frequency. The second objective was to determine the fluid physics of a viscoelastic liquid around a permeable object, which will help in designing mixing process for materials subject to strong rheological resistance. In this paper, we report a representative response of a viscoelastic liquid in terms of its spatiotemporal velocity distribution. The response highlighted is cyclic lateral waves that form behind the disk, which were hardly detectable by particle image velocimetry. We discuss multiple reasons for this phenomenon considering not only fluid properties but also the measurement principle of ultrasound velocity profiling as applied to viscoelastic liquid.