Volumetric Distribution Research Articles

An Automated Computational Fluid Dynamics Workflow for Simulating the Internal Flow of Race Car Radiators

In this article, we present a software tool developed in Python, named T-WorkFlow. It has been devised to meet some of the design needs of Tatuus Racing S.p.a., a leading company in the design and production of racing cars for the FIA Formula 3 Regional and Formula 4 categories. The software leverages the open-source tools OpenFOAM and FreeCAD to fully automate the fluid dynamics simulation process within car radiators. The goal of T-WorkFlow is to provide designers with precise and easily interpretable results that facilitate the identification of the geometry, ensuring optimal flow distribution in the radiator channels. T-WorkFlow requires the radiator’s geometry files in .stp and .stl formats, along with additional user inputs provided through a graphical interface. For mesh generation, the software leverages the OpenFOAM tools blockMesh and snappyHexMesh. To ensure uniform mesh quality across different configurations, and thus, comparable numerical results, various pre-processing operations on the specific geometry files are needed. After generating the mesh, T-WorkFlow automatically defines a control surface for each radiator channel to monitor the volumetric flow rate distribution. This is achieved by combining the OpenFOAM command topoSet with specific geometric information directly obtained from the radiator’s CAD through FreeCAD. During the simulation, the software provides various outputs that automate the main post-processing operations, enabling quick and easy identification of the configuration that ensures the desired performance.

Phase volume correlation approach for overcoming decorrelation in three-dimensional phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography

The dynamic measurement range in phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (PhS-OCE) is limited for the phase decorrelation induced by pixel-level displacements in precision measurement, where the consideration of the time-resolved incremental method and in-plane pixels tracking method is insufficient to recover the phase holistically. This work presented a phase volume correlation (PVC) approach to handle the phase decorrelation in three-dimensional PhS-OCE. By utilizing the ability of the discontinuous source diagram to quantify voxel phase correlation levels, the PVC establishes a wrapped phase-matching equation aimed at optimizing the number of volumetric source distributions. The three-dimensional pixel-level motions in the deformed phase space can be evaluated by solving the optimization model for phase matching, thereby enabling the reconstruction of the volumetric phase variation corrupted by decorrelation. The large deformations experiments including diffident loadings, i.e., stretching, three-point bending, and light-cured, verified the proposed PPVC approach's of feasibility, reliability, and stability. The contribution of this work can dramatically enhance the dynamic measuring range in three-dimensional PhS-OCE.

Modelling of water sorption hysteresis of cement-based materials based on pore microstructure

This paper presents a model for predicting water sorption isotherms of cement-based materials. In our model, hysteresis contributions of interlayer pores and gel/capillary pores are calculated separately. The hysteresis model of gel/capillary pores is achieved in four steps: (i) quantification of the pore network, (ii) determination of the criterion of saturation/desaturation of pores, (iii) derivation of the two-dimensional volumetric density distribution function, (iv) calculation of the real-time water content of gel/capillary pores. The hysteresis of interlayer pores is represented by an empirical model based on experiments. The reliability of the model is verified by comparing the model predictions and the experimental data in the literatures. Furthermore, three subjects were discussed: the influence of pore network on hysteresis, the hysteretic behavior of water in pores, the interaction of hysteresis mechanisms.

Volumetric Power Density Distribution in Low Voltage Cables With Maxwell Equations and FEM Simulations

Volumetric Power Density Distribution in Low Voltage Cables With Maxwell Equations and FEM Simulations

Particle swarm algorithm-based identification method of optimal measurement area of coordinate measuring machine.

A particle swarm algorithm-based identification method for the optimal measurement area of large coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) is proposed in this study to realize the intelligent identification of measurement objects and optimize the measurement position and measurement space using laser tracer multi-station technology. The volumetric error distribution of the planned measurement points in the CMM measurement space is obtained using laser tracer multi-station measurement technology. The volumetric error of the specified step distance measurement points is obtained using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation algorithm. The quasi-rigid body model of the CMM is solved using the LASSO algorithm to obtain the geometric error of the measurement points in a specified step. A model of individual geometric errors is fitted with least squares. An error optimization model for the measurement points in the CMM space is established. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to optimize the model, and the optimal measurement area of the CMM airspace is determined. The experimental results indicate that, when the measurement space is optimized based on the volume of the object being measured, with dimensions of (35 × 35 × 35) mm3, the optimal measurement area for the CMM, as identified by the particle swarm algorithm, lies within the range of 150mm < X < 500mm, 350mm < Y < 700mm, and -430mm < Z < -220mm. In particular, the optimal measurement area is defined as 280mm < X < 315mm, 540mm < Y < 575mm, and -400mm < Z < -365mm. Comparative experiments utilizing a high-precision standard sphere with a diameter of 19.0049mm and a sphericity of 50nm demonstrate that the identified optimal measurement area is consistent with the results obtained through the particle swarm algorithm, thereby validating the correctness of the method proposed in this study.

Dual-Plane Midface Lift Through Transoral and Transtemporal Approach.

The surge in the popularity of midface and temporal lifting procedures can be attributed to evolving social media trends and heightened patient expectations, particularly among younger individuals seeking "beautification" rather than traditional rejuvenation. Scarless techniques, such as transtemporal/transoral approaches, are increasingly preferred. This study aimed to combine the advantages of both superficial and deep dissection planes in midface and temporal lifting procedures. This retrospective study included 184 patients who underwent surgery using a dual-plane midface and temporal lift technique. Preoperative and postoperative assessments, including P1/P2 ratio calculations, were performed to evaluate volumetric distribution in the midface. The study cohort exhibited a significant improvement in the P1/P2 ratio postoperatively (p < 0.05), indicating successful volume redistribution. Complications, including hypoesthesia, bruising, and infection, were managed effectively. Minor asymmetries were observed, with revisions offered, but declined by the patient. This technique offers hidden incisions and reduces the risk of scar-related complications, making it suitable for patients seeking facial enhancement. Addressing the tear trough area and the lateral canthus provides comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The dual-plane approach facilitates both skin mobilization and volume shift, yielding favorable aesthetic outcomes. The dual-plane midface and temporal lift technique presented in this study offers a bi-vectoral approach to midfacial lifting, suitable for both beautification and rejuvenation goals. Despite the potential limitations, including infection risk, this method is an effective option for facial enhancement. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Numerical simulation of Buongiorno's model on Maxwell nanofluid with heat and mass transfer using Arrhenius energy: a thermal engineering implementation

The thermal features of nanoparticles owing to progressive mechanisms are a fascinating phenomenon due to their applications in energy production, cooling procedures, heat transmission devices. Therefore, in the present study, the magnetohydrodynamic combined convection of Maxwell nanofluid and characteristics of heat transport in the presence of thermal radiation with a nonlinear relationship for modifications in the energy equation have been examined. Moreover, the features of activation energy in the presence of swimming microorganisms are considered. For motivation, the influence of bioconvection, magnetic field, and thermophoresis with convective boundary conditions are part of this investigation. The governing PDEs connected with momentum, energy, concentration, and density are converted into ODEs by using similarity functions. A transformed, dimensionless, nonlinear set of ODEs is tracked via a shooting scheme. The numerical results of prominent parameters have been analyzed in the form of graphs and tables using the computational software MATLAB. A significance improvement in the velocity profile is noted for the increasing value of Maxwell parameter. With rise of mixed convection parameter, both energy and volumetric friction field deteriorated. The determination of Biot number that is associated with the coefficient of heat transfer is more effective for growing the temperature and volumetric friction distribution. These conclusions may be appreciated in improving the efficiency of heat transfer strategies.

Planar and volumetric imaging dosimetry for longitudinal projection extended cone beam CT based adaptive radiotherapy

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to provide a detailed insight into the broad beam dosimetric characteristics of two commercial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging systems to complement the longitudinal projection extended CBCT based image guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGART). Methods and materialsThe absolute dose calibration, planar and volumetric dosimetric characteristics of two CBCT imaging systems viz., the Clinac 2100 C/D On-Board Imager (OBI) and the TrueBeam X-ray Imaging system (XI) (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) were investigated. Reference dosimetry specific to volumetric CBCT imaging mode was performed as per American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) task group (TG) 61 protocol using calibrated 0.6 cc Farmer ionization chamber (30010, PTW Dosimetry Company, Germany). The rotational planar and volumetric dosimetry was performed after calibrating the OCTAVIUS 1500 detector array as a mere photon detector, with and without the detachable hemisphere of 4D Modular phantom. ResultsThe absolute dose of half-fan XI CBCT was found to be 1.2 times lower when compared to OBI CBCT. The abutting kV cone beam dosimetry specific to dual-scan CBCT fusion technique showed a wider in-plane profile for the OBI system when compared to the XI system, due to an additional field opening of 3.4 cm used for half-fan mode in the former. The reconstructed volumetric imaging dose distribution specific to half-fan geometry and dynamic movement of gantry, brought to light valuable details about the kV dose distribution. ConclusionThe planar and 3D imaging dosimetry reported in this study paves the way for the integration of volumetric imaging dose reconstruction capabilities during high precision radiotherapy to demonstrate a complete picture of the total dose delivered to the patient during the planned course of IGART.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation on the quality of single-cone obturation using a modified passive-deflation sealer injection needle: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to design a modified passive-deflation sealer injection needle and investigate its ability to improve obturation quality of single-cone technique through assessing the distribution of voids in root canals using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Forty-eight mandibular incisors were divided into eight groups (n = 6), according to the taper of root canal preparation (0.06 or 0.04), the needle used for sealer injection (modified or commercial iRoot SP injection needle), and the obturation method (iRoot SP sealer-only or single-cone obturation). After obturation, each specimen was scanned by micro-CT. The volumetric percentage and distribution of all voids were first analyzed and compared among groups, then the open and closed voids were separately analyzed and compared among single-cone obturation groups. Compared to commercial needle groups, modified needle groups showed much less voids, especially in the apical root canal part (P < 0.05). Besides, the modified needle groups produced much less open voids than commercial needle groups despite the root canal taper (P < 0.05). The modified passive deflation sealer injection needle could effectively improve the quality of single-cone obturation through reducing intra-canal voids, especially open voids throughout the root canal, thus might possibly be developed as an effective intra-canal sealer delivering instrument.

Use of automation, dynamic image analysis, and process analytical technologies to enable data rich particle engineering efforts at the Drug Substance / Drug Product interface: A case study using Lovastatin

Automation plays a vital role in reducing development time in the pharmaceutical industry, both for drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP). Many aspects of crystallization development (solubility, kinetics, solid form characterization, concentration) have been positively impacted by automation; both in hardware and data processing, in the last two decades. However, wet milling, a critical unit operation used to manipulate particle properties in a crystallization process, has been non-conducive for automation. This study discusses efforts towards automation of wet milling, coupled with off-the-shelf automation tools for faster execution of physical property design workflows. The hardware and software configuration used, along with challenges and prospects to achieve milling automation are discussed. Lovastatin was used as a model compound to demonstrate the capabilities of the automated platform to achieve morphology and size manipulation. Five different batches of lovastatin were produced using different combinations of milling and thermal cycling. Milling followed by thermal cycling led to formation of rougher, fused particles with a lower aspect ratio compared to those produced by thermal cycling followed by milling. In-situ particle video microscopy was used to decipher that the initial increase in particle size during thermal cycling was driven by a fusion of primary particles followed by growth. Key material property descriptors such as bulk/tap density, flow function coefficient, surface area, and particle size by laser diffraction were collected using traditional means while particle size, aspect ratio and smoothness were also measured using image analysis. Lastly, principal component analysis (dimensionality reduction) was performed to determine the key property relationships impacting flowability. It was found that fines as measured by d10 (10th percentile of the volumetric size distribution) and Hausner ratio had a high positive and negative correlation, respectively with flowability. The on demand milling platform combined with data rich trials using PAT is estimated to accelerate process development for particle engineering and reduce the drug substance delivery time to drug product team.

Simultaneous reconstruction of 3D fluorescence distribution and object surface using structured light illumination and dual-camera detection

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) serves as a noninvasive modality for visualizing volumetric fluorescence distribution within biological tissues, thereby proving to be an invaluable imaging tool for preclinical animal studies. The conventional FMT relies upon a point-by-point raster scan strategy, enhancing the dataset for subsequent reconstruction but concurrently elongating the data acquisition process. The resultant diminished temporal resolution has persistently posed a bottleneck, constraining its utility in dynamic imaging studies. We introduce a novel system capable of simultaneous FMT and surface extraction, which is attributed to the implementation of a rapid line scanning approach and dual-camera detection. The system performance was characterized through phantom experiments, while the influence of scanning line density on reconstruction outcomes has been systematically investigated via both simulation and experiments. In a proof-of-concept study, our approach successfully captures a moving fluorescence bolus in three dimensions with an elevated frame rate of approximately 2.5 seconds per frame, employing an optimized scan interval of 5 mm. The notable enhancement in the spatio-temporal resolution of FMT holds the potential to broaden its applications in dynamic imaging tasks, such as surgical navigation.

Efficient Method for Identifying Key Errors Based on 21-Geometric-Error Measurement of Three Linear Axes of Machine Tools

Key errors of machine tools have a significant impact on their accuracy, however accurately and quickly measuring the geometric errors of machine tools is essential for key error identification. Fortunately, a quick and direct laser measurement method and system for 21 geometric errors of three linear axes of machine tools were proposed previously, which enables the measurement of all 21 geometric errors via a one-step installation and a three-step automated measurement process. Based on this, to efficiently identify the key error factors, this paper first utilizes the 21 geometric errors obtained from the proposed measurement system to evaluate the contribution of each error to the volumetric errors of machine tools, leading to the building of a 21-geometric-error sensitivity analysis model. Then, experiments are carried out on the vertical machining tool TH5656, and all 21 geometric errors are obtained in 5 min. After this, the volumetric error distribution in the machining workspace is mapped according to the relationship between the geometric errors and the machining errors, and the key error factors affecting the manufacturing and machining accuracy of the TH5656 are ultimately determined. Thus, this new method provides a way to quickly identify key errors of the three linear axes of machine tools, and offers guidance for the machine tool configuration design, machining technology determination, and geometric error compensation.

Numerical study of near-field radiative heat transfer between bio-inspired spiny particles

The spine-like structure appears on some smooth organisms and has a high light absorption cross-section. Inspired by the spiny structure in the nature, this study establishes models of solid and hollow spiny particles. The effects of spine cross-section size, uniform and nonuniform spine distribution, hollow size, gap, and spine dislocation on near-field radiative heat transfer of spiny particles are investigated based on the thermal discrete dipole approximations method. The spectral radiative conductance and volumetric net power distribution are obtained. The results indicate that the coupling of localized surface phonons between two particles is affected by spine cross-section size and spine distribution. Near-field radiative heat transfer of spiny particles is enhanced maximumly when the frequencies are slightly lower than the resonance frequency of smooth particles. The peak of the spectral conductance is red-shifted and decreases with the increase of hollow size. The uniformity of volumetric power absorbed distribution increases and the variation of the relative spectral conductance decreases with increasing gap. The influence of two particles’ spine dislocation on near-field radiative heat transfer and volumetric power absorbed distribution is not obvious.

Fatty infiltration of gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex: Considerations for myosteatosis rehabilitation.

Although previous studies have reported fatty infiltration of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, little is known about the volumetric distribution and patterns of fatty infiltration. The purpose of this anatomical study was to document and quantify the frequency, distribution, and pattern of fatty infiltration of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex. One hundred formalin-embalmed specimens (mean age 78.1 ± 12.3 years; 48F/52M) were serially dissected to document the frequency, distribution, and pattern of fatty infiltration in the medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Fatty infiltration was found in 23% of specimens, 13 unilaterally (8F/5M) and 10 (5M/5F) bilaterally. The fatty infiltration process was observed to begin medially from the medial aspect of the medial head of gastrocnemius and medial margin of soleus and then progressed laterally throughout the medial head of gastrocnemius and the marginal, anterior, and posterior soleus. The lateral head of gastrocnemius remained primarily muscular in all specimens. Microscopically, the pattern of infiltration was demonstrated as intramuscular with intact aponeuroses, and septa. The remaining endo-, peri-, and epimysium preserved the overall contour of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, even in cases of significant fatty replacement. Since the external contour of the calf is preserved, the presence of fatty infiltration may be underdiagnosed in the clinic without imaging. Myosteatosis is associated with gait and balance challenges in the elderly, which can impact quality of life and result in increased risk of falling. The findings of the study have implications in the rehabilitation management of elderly patients with sarcopenia and myosteatosis.

Links between the three-dimensional movements of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and the bio-physical environment off a coral reef

BackgroundMeasuring coastal-pelagic prey fields at scales relevant to the movements of marine predators is challenging due to the dynamic and ephemeral nature of these environments. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are thought to aggregate in nearshore tropical waters due to seasonally enhanced foraging opportunities. This implies that the three-dimensional movements of these animals may be associated with bio-physical properties that enhance prey availability. To date, few studies have tested this hypothesis.MethodsHere, we conducted ship-based acoustic surveys, net tows and water column profiling (salinity, temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence) to determine the volumetric density, distribution and community composition of mesozooplankton (predominantly euphausiids and copepods) and oceanographic properties of the water column in the vicinity of whale sharks that were tracked simultaneously using satellite-linked tags at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Generalised linear mixed effect models were used to explore relationships between the 3-dimensional movement behaviours of tracked sharks and surrounding prey fields at a spatial scale of ~ 1 km.ResultsWe identified prey density as a significant driver of horizontal space use, with sharks occupying areas along the reef edge where densities were highest. These areas were characterised by complex bathymetry such as reef gutters and pinnacles. Temperature and salinity profiles revealed a well-mixed water column above the height of the bathymetry (top 40 m of the water column). Regions of stronger stratification were associated with reef gutters and pinnacles that concentrated prey near the seabed, and entrained productivity at local scales (~ 1 km). We found no quantitative relationship between the depth use of sharks and vertical distributions of horizontally averaged prey density. Whale sharks repeatedly dove to depths where spatially averaged prey concentration was highest but did not extend the time spent at these depth layers.ConclusionsOur work reveals previously unrecognized complexity in interactions between whale sharks and their zooplankton prey.

Morphology and phosphate distribution in bottom ash particles from fixed-bed co-combustion of sewage sludge and two agricultural residues

The purpose of this study was to provide detailed knowledge of the morphological properties of ash particles, including the volumetric fractions and 3D distributions of phosphates that lay within them. The ash particles came from digested sewage sludge co-combusted with K- and Si-rich wheat straw or K-rich sunflower husks. X-ray micro-tomography were combined with elemental composition and crystalline phase information to analyse the ash particles in 3D.Analyses of differences in the X-ray attenuation enabled calculation of 3D phosphate distributions that showed high heterogeneity in the slag particles. This is underscored by a distinct absence of phosphates in iron-rich and silicon-rich parts. The slag from silicate-based wheat straw mixtures had lower average attenuation than that from sunflower husks mixtures, which contained more calcium. Calculated shares of phosphates between 7 and 17 vol% were obtained, where the highest value for a single assigned phosphate was observed in hard slag from wheat straw with 10 % sewage sludge. The porosity was notably higher for particles from pure wheat straw combustion (62 vol%), compared to the other samples (15–35 vol%). A high open pore volume fraction (60–97 vol%) indicates that a large part of the pores can be accessed by the surroundings. For all samples, more than 60 % of the discrete (closed) pores had an equivalent diameter < 30 μm, while the largest volume fraction consisted of pores with an equivalent diameter > 75 μm. Slag from sunflower husk mixtures had larger pore volumes and a greater relative number of discrete pores >75 µm compared to wheat straw mixtures.

Polymer‐based filaments with embedded magnetocaloric Ni‐Mn‐Ga Heusler alloy particles for additive manufacturing

AbstractOne important issue associated to magnetocaloric materials that hinders its technological application is the poor processability and structural integrity of those with the highest performance, usually intermetallics undergoing first‐order magnetic phase transitions. Additionally, the performance of these magnetocaloric materials highly depends on the structural stability of the magnetocaloric phase, which is, in many cases, very sensitive to temperature and mechanical processes. Additive manufacturing via the extrusion of polymer‐based composites is regarded as a promising way to overcome these issues. A recently presented manufacturing method of encapsulating functional fillers into polymer capsules has been used to produce a composite filament with a large load of magnetocaloric off‐stoichiometric Ni2MnGa Heusler alloy fillers with a uniform distribution throughout the polymer matrix as demonstrated by x‐ray tomography characterization. The incorporation of these metallic particles causes changes in the thermal behavior of the polymer as well as an increase in the flowability of the composite with respect to the polymer at the same temperature. The increased flowability of the composites found during manufacturing can be compensated by lowering the extrusion temperatures, making this technique even more convenient for preserving the filler properties, which is an important concern when additive manufacturing magnetocaloric materials. This is confirmed by the magnetic and magnetocaloric behavior of the composites, with responses proportional to the fraction of fillers.Highlights Ultrasonic‐atomization produces highly spherical Ni‐Mn‐Ga Heusler alloy particles. Ni‐Mn‐Ga filled polymer capsules allow a direct extrusion of composites for AM. X‐ray tomography shows uniform volumetric filler distribution within the filaments. Decreased viscosity of the matrix favors the lowering of the processing temperature. The low processing temperatures avoid altering the MCE of the alloy fillers.

Simulated soil water distribution patterns and water use of Alfalfa under different subsurface drip irrigation depths

Alfalfa is one of the major perennial forage crops in California, vital for the livestock industry, and provides environmental benefits to the ecosystem in the state. Information on subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) practices on alfalfa is limited particularly in areas related to drip tape spacings and installation depths and their impacts on topsoil profile wetting patterns and alfalfa productivity. The objective of this study was to compare three different depths of drip lines: 15, 30, and 45 cm on topsoil profile wetting patterns and identify the optimum depth for achieving sustainable management practices for alfalfa production under SDI. Crop water requirements were determined using Tule Technologies system. Volumetric soil water contents from twelve cuts were simulated using HYDRUS-2D. Initial volumetric soil water contents from Watermark sensors were used in the model and measured volumetric soil water distributions were used for hydraulic conductivity calibration. Simulated results showed that there was no significant difference between root water uptake (RWU) among the various drip depths. RWU was 171.6, 170.0, and 168.2 cm at drip line depths of 15, 30, and 45 cm, respectively. Applied irrigation water during the study period was 195.1 cm while rainfall was 4.1 cm. A 10% reduction in topsoil volumetric soil water content was observed for drip lines at 30 cm depth as compared with 15 cm depth, while a 20% reduction in topsoil volumetric soil water content was observed for drip lines at 45 cm depth as compared with 15 cm depth. Drip lines at 30 cm depth are likely the optimal for RWU and free drainage; however, drip lines at 45 cm depth may allow growers to provide additional irrigation events (without increasing the topsoil volumetric soil water content) closer to the harvest date, potentially resulting in higher yield and water use efficiency.

Improving the performance of porous volumetric solar reactor with biomimetic leaf vein structures and spectrally selective gradual porous parameters

The steam reforming of methane to hydrogen production in porous volumetric solar reactor is a promising way for solar energy utilization, which realize the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy. Due to the strong non-uniform volumetric inner heat source distribution in the porous catalyst and the varying concentration of methane, the porosity and pore diameter distribution of the porous catalyst should be carefully designed to improve the thermochemical performance. We firstly design a solar porous media volumetric reactor with a leaf vein bionic structure. Then, we numerically analyze the impact of leaf vein structure and pore size on the thermochemical performance of the reactor. The results show that the bionic leaf vein structure can regulate the distribution of methane and improve the chemical reaction rate. Compared with the traditional reactor, the reactor with non-parallel biomimetic leaf vein structure II can increase the methane conversion rate by 8.11 %. The pore size difference between the two regions is 0.5 mm that is limited within a small range, and the reactor has good performance. This paper can provide a guidance for porous volumetric solar reactor design to improve the thermochemical reactions performance.

A comprehensive assessment of microscopic characterization techniques to accurately determine the particle size distribution of roller-milled yellow pea flours

The particle size of milled ingredients influences the quality and texture of manufactured foods. However, the limited understanding of how milling influences particle size distribution (PSD) of pulse flours, has hindered the incorporation of pulses in food formulations. This first-ot-its-kind study delves into PSD examination of roller-milled yellow pea flour streams and blends, employing laser diffraction (LD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron-based X-ray microcomputed tomography (SR-μCT). LD analysis revealed a multimodal distribution pattern across particle sizes ranging from 3 to 1300 μm. SEM confirmed particle size variations among flour streams and blends. Synchrotron X-rays, known for their high intensity, brightness, and tunable energy, provided seminal insights into complex flour structures. Employing SR-μCT, the 3D volumetric particle size distribution yielded more accurate particle size and shape computations than established techniques. This pulse flour characterization will enable food manufacturers to utilize nutrient-dense pulse ingredients to address the growing market demand for health-conscious products.