Resolving the interaction between soil and water is critical to understanding a wide range of geotechnical applications. In cases when hydrodynamic forces are dominant and soil fluidization is expected, it is necessary to account for the microscale interactions between soil and water. Some of the existing models such as coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics−Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) can capture microscale interactions quite accurately. However, it is often computationally expensive and cannot be easily applied at a scale that would aid the design process. Contrastingly, continuum-based models such as the Two-Fluid Model (TFM) can be a computationally feasible and scalable alternative. In this study, we explored the potential of the TFM to simulate granular soil−water interactions. The model was validated by simulating the internal fluidization of a sand bed due to an upward water jet. Analogous to leakage from a pressurized pipe, the simulation was compared with the available ex... [more]

The NH3 uniformity and conversion rate produced by the urea−water solution spray system is an essential factor affecting de-NOx efficiency. In this work, a three-dimensional simulation model was developed with the CFD software and was employed to investigate the effects of two typical injection methods (wall injection and center injection) and three distribution strategies (pre-mixer, post-mixer, pre-mixer, and post-mixer) of two typical mixers on the urea conversion rate and uniformity. The field synergy principle was employed to analyze the heat transfer of different mixer flow fields. The results show that the single mixer has instability in optimizing different injection positions due to different injection methods and injection positions. The dual-mixer is stable in the optimization of the flow field under different conditions. The conclusion of the field synergy theory of the single mixer accords with the simulation result. The Fc of the dual-mixer cases is low, but the NH3 conve... [more]

Although mega-watt class onshore and offshore wind power systems are used to generate power due to their cost-effectiveness, small wind power systems are important for household usages. Researchers have focused on aerodynamic characteristics as a conceptual design from their previous studies on Archimedes spiral wind turbines. Here, we verified the design of a small wind turbine AWM-750D (100 W capacity) via both numerical simulation and experimentation. We used commercial code ANSYS CFX for numerical simulation and compared turbulence models and surface roughness for determining the performance. To obtain reliable and robust blades, we analyzed the effective manufacturing method with Moldflow. Through a test with an open-suction type atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel, we varied wind speed from 4.0 m/s to the rated value of 12.5 m/s and obtained 106 W, equivalent to a power coefficient of 0.205. In addition, we compared the numerical and experimental power vs. rotational speed and... [more]

This research aimed to propose an online system based on multispectral images for the real-time estimation of the moisture content (MC) of sugarcane bagasse. The system consisted of a conveyor belt, four halogen bulbs, and a multispectral camera. The MC models were developed using machine learning algorithms, i.e., multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component regression (PCR), artificial neural network (ANN), PCA-ANN, Gaussian process regression (GPR), PCA-GPR, random forest regression (RFR), and PCA-GPR. The models were developed using 150 samples (calibration set) meanwhile the remaining 50 samples were applied as a validation set. The comparison of all developed models showed that the PCA-RFR model achieved better detection with a higher accuracy of MC prediction. The PCA-RFR model showed the best results which were a coefficient of determination of prediction (r2) of 0.72, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 11.82 wt%, and a ratio of the standard error of predi... [more]

After decades of development, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which solves fluid mechanics and, more generally, transport phenomena problems using numerical analysis, has become a main-stream tool in many areas of engineering practice [...]

Sheet metal-based products serve as a major portion of the furniture market and maintain higher quality standards by being competitive. During industrial processes, while converting a sheet metal to an end product, new defects are observed and thus need to be identified carefully. Recent studies have shown scratches, bumps, and pollution/dust are identified, but orange peel defects present overall a new challenge. So our model identifies scratches, bumps, and dust by using computer vision algorithms, whereas orange peel defect detection with deep learning have a better performance. The goal of this paper was to resolve artificial intelligence (AI) as an AI landing challenge faced in identifying various kinds of sheet metal-based product defects by ALDB-DL process automation. Therefore, our system model consists of multiple cameras from two different angles to capture the defects of the sheet metal-based drawer box. The aim of this paper was to solve multiple defects detection as design... [more]

The axial flow screw-type oil-gas multiphase pump is mainly applied to oil and gas transport in the deep sea. In the process of transporting the multiphase medium, the gas volume fraction (GVF) on the gas phase changes from time-to-time, resulting in the performance of the oil-gas multiphase pump being greatly influenced by the gas phase. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the gas-phase distribution law and the vortex distribution in the flow passages within the oil-gas multiphase pump by means of numerical calculations, supplemented by experimental verification. The results show that the gas phase is mainly concentrated in the diffuser at different GVFs, and the gas phase gathering in the diffuser becomes more significant with the increase in the GVF. The gas-phase volume fraction increases gradually from rim to hub, that is, the gas-phase gathering degree increases. The maximum gas-phase volume distribution area is mainly concentrated in the area near the hub of the diffuser... [more]

Supplying SARS-COVID-19 vaccines in quantities to meet global demand has a bottleneck in manufacturing capacity. Assessment of existing mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine processing shows the need for digital twins enabled by process analytical technology approaches to improve process transfers for manufacturing capacity multiplication, reduction of out-of-specification batch failures, qualified personnel training for faster validation and efficient operation, optimal utilization of scarce buffers and chemicals, and faster product release. A digital twin of the total pDNA (plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid) to mRNA process is proposed. In addition, a first feasibility of multisensory process analytical technology (PAT) is shown. Process performance characteristics are derived as results and evaluated regarding manufacturing technology bottlenecks. Potential improvements could be pointed out such as dilution reduction in lysis, and potential reduction of necessary chromatography step... [more]

The performance of both air-breathing and air-feeding direct formic acid membraneless fuel cells (DFAMFCs) possessing different flow fields were numerically investigated in this study at given concentration and flow rate for both fuel and electrolyte. Single serpentine, stepwise broadening serpentine, multi-serpentine and parallel channel were tested as liquid flow field, while single serpentine, stepwise broadening serpentine, multi-serpentine and pin channel were tested as air flow field. The channel width was either 0.8 mm or 1.3 mm. The simulation results showed that the air-breathing DFAMFC having identical flow field for both fuel and electrolyte yielded highest cell output. The air-breathing DFAMFC having SBS liquid flow field yielded a maximum power density of 10.5 mW/cm2, while the air-breathing DFAMFC having S(1.3) liquid flow field produced an open circuit voltage of 1.0 V owing to few formic acid penetration into the cathode. Concerning the air-feeding DFAMFCs, the DFAMFC h... [more]

The kinetics of the hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of saccharides have made the subject of numerous studies, due to their importance in several industrial sectors. The present work, presents a novel kinetic modeling framework that is specifically well-suited to reacting systems under strict moisture control that favor the polycondensation reactions towards the formation of high-degree polysaccharides. The proposed model is based on an extended and generalized kinetic scheme, including also the presence of polyols, and is formulated using two different numerical approaches, namely a deterministic one in terms of the method of moments and a stochastic kinetic Monte Carlo approach. Accordingly, the most significant advantages and drawbacks of each technique are clearly demonstrated and the most fitted one (i.e., the Monte Carlo method) is implemented for the modeling of the system under different conditions, for which experimental data were available. Through these comparisons... [more]

In this study, a numerical approach was adopted in order to explore the analysis of magneto fluid in the presence of thermal radiation combined with mixed convective and slip conditions. Using the similarity transformation, the axisymmetric three-dimensional boundary layer equations were reduced to a self-similar form. The shooting technique, combined with the Range−Kutta−Fehlberg method, was used to solve the resulting coupled nonlinear momentum and heat transfer equations numerically. When physically interpreting the data, some important observations were made. The novelty of the present study lies in finding help to control the rate of heat transfer and fluid velocity in any industrial manufacturing processes (such as the cooling of metallic plates). The numerical results revealed that the Nusselt number decrease for larger Prandtl number, curvature, and convective parameters. At the same time, the skin friction coefficient was enhanced with an increase in both slip velocity and con... [more]

Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is one of the most produced chemicals in the world. The critical step of the sulphuric acid production is the oxidation of sulphur dioxide (SO2) to sulphur trioxide (SO3) which takes place in a multi catalytic bed reactor. In this study, a representative kinetic rate equation was rigorously selected to develop a mathematical model to perform the multi-objective optimization (MOO) of the reactor. The objectives of the MOO were the SO2 conversion, SO3 productivity, and catalyst weight, whereas the decisions variables were the inlet temperature and the length of each catalytic bed. MOO studies were performed for various design scenarios involving a variable number of catalytic beds and different reactor configurations. The MOO process was mainly comprised of two steps: (1) the determination of Pareto domain via the determination a large number of non-dominated solutions, and (2) the ranking of the Pareto-optimal solutions based on preferences of a decision maker. Re... [more]

In the process of the exploitation of deep oil and gas resources, shale wellbore stability control faces great challenges under complex temperature and pressure conditions. It is difficult to reflect the micro mechanism and process of the action of inorganic salt on shale hydration with the traditional experimental evaluation technology on the macro effect of restraining shale hydration. Aiming at the characteristics of clay minerals of deep shale, the molecular dynamics models of four typical cations (K+, NH4+, Cs+ and Ca2+) inhibiting the hydration of clay minerals have been established by the use of the molecular dynamics simulation method. Moreover, the micro dynamics mechanism of typical inorganic cations inhibiting the hydration of clay minerals has been systematically evaluated, as has the law of cation hydration inhibition performance in response to temperature, pressure and ion type. The research indicates that the cations can promote the contraction of interlayer spacing, com... [more]

Drug repositioning is a well-known method used to reduce the time, cost, and development risks involved in bringing a new drug to the market. The rapid expansion of high-throughput datasets has enabled computational research that can suggest new potential uses for existing drugs. Some computational methods allow the prediction of potential drug targets of a given disease from a systematic network. Despite numerous efforts, the path of many drugs’ efficacy in the human body remains unclear. Therefore, the present study attempted to understand drug efficacy by systematically focusing on functional gene sets. The purpose of this study was to carry out modeling to identify systemic gene networks (called drug paths) in drug-specific pathways. In our results, we found five different paths for five different drugs.

This paper presents a research study which is dedicated to the improvement in retail warehouse activity. This study aims to improve activity by identifying an efficient order picking strategy. (1) Background: The literature review shows the application of order picking strategies, but research related to their selection lacks an integrated approach. (2) Methods: The authors use the discrete event simulation method for the analysis of order picking strategies. The application of the discrete event simulation method enables various scenario tests in retail warehouses, allowing one to benchmark order picking strategies. By using the simulation model, experiments were designed to evaluate order picking strategies that are dependent on the delivery of the product distance variable. This research uses analysis of cost components and helps to identify the best possible order picking strategy to improve the overall warehouse performance. The authors benchmarked order picking strategies and pre... [more]

When a commercial vehicle is driving with the sunroof open, it is easy for the problem of sunroof buffeting noise to occur. This paper establishes the basis for the design of a commercial vehicle model that solves the problem of sunroof buffeting noise, which is based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation technology. The large eddy simulation (LES) method was used to analyze the characteristics of the buffeting noise with different speed conditions while the sunroof was open. The simulation results showed that the small vortex generated in the cab forehead merges into a large vortex during the backward movement, and the turbulent vortex causes a resonance response in the cab cavity as the turbulent vortex moves above the sunroof and falls into the cab. Improving the flow field characteristics above the cab can reduce the sunroof buffeting noise. Focusing on the buffeting noise of commercial vehicles, it is proposed that the existing accessories, including sun visor... [more]

In a steel-refining ladle, the properties of manufactured steel can be notably degraded due to the presence of excessive inclusions. Stirring via gas injection through a porous plug is often used as part of the steel-refining process to reduce these inclusions. In this paper, 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is used to analyze transient multiphase flow and inclusion removal in a gas-stirred ladle. The effects of gas stirring with bubble-inclusion interaction are analyzed using the Euler−Euler approach for multiphase flow modeling, while the effects of inclusions aggregation and removal are modeled via a population balance model (PBM).

The aerodynamic performance of the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) is obviously affected by the motion of the platform, and becomes much more complicated considering the effect of tower shadow. In view of this, this paper aims at investigating the aerodynamic performance of the floating offshore wind turbine with and without a tower under the three most influential motions (surge, pitch and yaw) by computational fluid dynamic (CFD). The results show that the power of the wind turbine is reduced by 1.58% to 2.47% due to the tower shadow effect under the three motions, and the pressure difference distribution is most obviously interfered by the tower shadow effect under yaw motion and concentrates at the root and tip of the blade. In addition, the degree of interference of the tower shadow effect on the wake flow field is different under the three motions, resulting in a more complex wake structure. These conclusions can provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for the o... [more]

The assessment of heating systems is not only interested in the efficiency of the heating system itself, but also in the quality of the environment that the heating system creates. The quality of the environment and the heat-humidity microclimate is closely related to thermal comfort. A suitable environment has a positive effect, for example, on the efficiency of work at the workplace. The range of temperatures, humidity and operating temperatures in workplaces is often also legally prescribed in such a way that there is no thermal discomfort for users in the heated space. In terms of savings, it is therefore best to use heating systems that can create a comfortable environment with the lowest possible energy costs. During their development, variations are possible with temperature gradients, the size of the heat exchange area, or the ratio of the radiant and convective components of heat transfer. When developing such systems, it is appropriate to consider CFD simulations. The compari... [more]

Due to the inadequate pre-dispersion and high dust concentration in the grading zone of the turbo air classifier, a new rotor-type dynamic classifier with air and material entering from the bottom was designed. The effect of the rotor cage structure and diversion cone size on the flow field and classification performance of the laboratory-scale classifier was comparatively analyzed by numerical simulation using ANSYS-Fluent. The grinding process performance with an industrial classifier was also tested on-site. The results revealed that an inverted cone-type rotor cage is more suitable for the under-feed classifier. When the rotor cage’s top-surface diameter to bottom-surface diameter ratio was too large or too small, the radial velocity and tangential velocity at the outer surface of the rotor cage greatly fluctuated. Furthermore, the diameter of the diversion cone also affected the axial velocity and radial velocity of the flow field. Models T-C(1-0.8) and T-D(1-0.7) were determined... [more]

Ethanol is considered as a renewable transport fuels and demand is expected to grow. In this work, trends related to bio-ethanol production are described using Thailand as an example. Developments on high-temperature fermentation and membrane technologies are also explained. This study focuses on the application of membranes in ethanol recovery after fermentation. A preliminary simulation was performed to compare different process configurations to concentrate 10 wt% ethanol to 99.5 wt% using membranes. In addition to the significant energy reduction achieved by replacing azeotropic distillation with membrane dehydration, employing ethanol-selective membranes can further reduce energy demand. Silicalite membrane is a type of membrane showing one of the highest ethanol-selective permeation performances reported today. A silicalite membrane was applied to separate a bio-ethanol solution produced via high-temperature fermentation followed by a single distillation. The influence of contami... [more]

The equivalent continuum method an effective approach for modeling heat transfer in fractured geothermal reservoirs. However, presently there is a lack of systematical and profound study on application conditions of the equivalent porous media (EPM) method. In this study, we numerically investigated the application conditions of the EPM method based on geological data of Yangbajing geothermal field. The results indicate that when fracture spacing is within 3−25 m, the results of the EPM method are basically in the same levels as those of the MINC method. However, when the fracture spacing is within 25−300 m, differences of the EPM method from the MINC method increase with the fracture spacing, so when the fracture spacing is within 25−300 m, it is unreasonable to adopt the EPM method to simulate the fractured reservoirs. With the fracture spacing increasing within 25−300 m, the system production temperature and electric power will gradually decrease; the injection pressure, reservoir i... [more]

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is gaining popularity for producing fibres for smart textiles and energy harvesting due to its operational simplicity and high throughput. The whole SBS process is significantly dependent on the characteristics of the attenuation force, i.e., compressed air. Although variation in the fibre morphology with varying air input pressure has been widely investigated, there is no available literature on the experimentally determined flow characteristics. Here, we have experimentally measured and calculated airflow parameters, namely, output air pressure and velocity in the nozzle wake at 12 different pressure values between 1 and 6 bar and 11 different positions (retracted 5 mm to 30 mm) along the centreline. The results obtained in this work will answer many critical questions about optimum protrusion length for the polymer solution syringe and approximate mean fibre diameter for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at given output air pressure and velocity. The highes... [more]

The inlet gas void fraction (IGVF) has a great effect on the power performance of the multiphase pump, and the effect is even greater under the cavitation condition. To reveal the effect of the IGVF on the cavitation evolution and the work performance of the multiphase pump at different cavitation stages, the cavitation flow was calculated numerically for the pump under different inlet gas void fractions (IGVFs) of 0%, 10% and 20%. Meanwhile, the numerical simulation method was verified experimentally. The results showed that the increase of the IGVF could improve the cavitation performance of the multiphase pump and inhibit the increasing rate of the vapor. With the aggravation of the cavitation, the output power of the impeller decreased gradually under different IGVFs. In addition, the variation trend of the output power and the net energy gained by the fluid within each domain were exactly the same. At the same time, the position of better work performance was located in the impell... [more]

Wheel braking devices is some of the most widely used landing deceleration devices in modern aircraft. Jet pipe pressure servo valves are widely used in large aircraft wheel brake control systems because of their high anti-pollution ability, high sensitivity and fast dynamic response. However, most brake systems suffer vibration phenomena during the braking process. The pressure servo valve is an important part of the hydraulic brake system, and also an important factor affecting the vibration of the system. In order to solve the vibration problem in the brake system this paper present a two-stage brake pressure servo valve design. We place feedback channels at both ends of the main spool to stabilize the output pressure. In addition, modeling, simulation and experimental verifications are carried out. Firstly, the principle and structure of the pressure servo valve are described. An accurate mathematical model of the two-stage brake pressure servo valve and the testing system is estab... [more]