Electromagnetic phase differences in the coherent backscattering enhancement mechanism for random media consisting of large nontransparent spheres

Phase curves of intensity are calculated for light scattering in media randomly packed with large nontransparent spheres (x=125), the surfaces of which reflect according to the Fresnel equations. We consider three values of refractive index: m = 0.73 + i5.93 (metal Al), 1.6 + i1.72 (metal Fe), and 1.5 + i0.1 (black glass). We use a Monte Carlo ray-tracing approach. Different kinds of electromagnetic phase differences of reciprocal trajectories are investigated for the second and third orders of scattering; the highest orders give comparatively small contributions due to the backward-scattering indicatrix of large nontransparent spheres. We find that the main electromagnetic phase difference between the direct and time-reversal (reciprocal) trajectories is the outer phase difference that depends only on the relative positions of the first and last points of the ray reflections and the phase angle. The inner phase difference is connected with the changing path length of the ray inside the medium. This depends on the particle size and the phase angle that is the angle between the source and receiver from the scatterer, i.e., 180 degrees minus the scattering angle. The inner phase difference can give oscillations in the phase curve consisting of second-order components if the medium consists of strictly monodisperse spheres. Usually the coherent backscattering enhancement is calculated ignoring the shadow-hiding effect. We show that accounting for the shadowing of the reciprocal trajectory is important for the formation of the backscattering effect. The third-order scattering surge is a superposition of wide and narrow opposition spikes that correspond to two different types of scattering trajectories, closed and opened ones. The first type is due to scattering by two particles; the second one corresponds to scattering by three particles.     

Molar mass and molar mass distribution of polystyrene particle size standards

Monodisperse polystyrene microspheres and nanospheres are often used as particle size standards for calibration of size-measuring instruments. They are potentially useful as the mass standards for particle mass spectrometry as well. We demonstrated in this work that it is possible to achieve high-precision mass determination for single polystyrene spheres using a quadrupole ion trap. We introduced the particles into the trap by laser-induced acoustic desorption and probed them with light scattering. Mass-to-charge ratios of the individual particles were determined from applied trap-driving frequencies, voltage amplitudes and the observed starlike oscillatory trajectories projected on the radial plane. Creation of one-electron differentials through charge-state changes by electron bombardment allowed determination for the absolute mass of a single trapped particle to a precision better than 0.1%. Both molar mass and molar mass distribution were deduced from a large number of measurements for NIST polystyrene particle size standards (SRMs 1690 and 1691). Our results are in excellent agreement with the size measurement for the 0.895-microm spheres (NIST SRM 1690), but a small discrepancy (4%) in number-average mass was found for the 0.269-microm spheres (NIST SRM 1691).     

NON-INTRUSIVE PARTICLE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR PARTICULATE FLOWS AND VIBRATED GRANULAR BEDS

A unique, non-intrusive particle tracking system based on the principle of magnetic induction coupling is presented. In this system, small transmitters are mounted inside the particle being tracked, and a set of receiving antennae surrounding the experimental apparatus. Based on the measured signals for induced voltages in the antennae, the three-dimensional trajectory of the particle is resolved by solving the inverse problem. The experimental system development, including hardware and data acquisition aspects, is also described. The system was tested through test experiments which include a real time trajectory. The results indicate that a system with three mutually orthogonal transmitters provides accurate results. This system is ideally suited for experimental investigation of segregation in vibrated beds. Results for such study of real trajectories of a single sphere rising in a mass of other spheres in a vibrated bed are also shown to demonstrate phenomena such as period doubling and bifurcation.     

SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF CLUSTERS INHERENT IN RANDOM DISPERSIONS OF EQUAL SPHERES WITH A COAGULATION RADIUS

The spatial structure of a computer-simulated random dispersion of equal spheres is investigated. The sphere of influence, i.e. the coagulation radius, is assumed for each particle without any particle movement. If the distance between sphere centers lies within the coagulation radius, the spheres are regarded as being connected to each other to form a cluster. Various sizes of clusters exist inherently in the random dispersion. The effects of the coagulation radius and the bulk-mean particle volume fraction on the size distribution of clusters are discussed theoretically and experimentally.     

SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF CLUSTERS INHERENT IN RANDOM DISPERSIONS OF EQUAL SPHERES WITH A COAGULATION RADIUS

Abstract

The spatial structure of a computer-simulated random dispersion of equal spheres is investigated. The sphere of influence, i.e. the coagulation radius, is assumed for each particle without any particle movement. If the distance between sphere centers lies within the coagulation radius, the spheres are regarded as being connected to each other to form a cluster. Various sizes of clusters exist inherently in the random dispersion. The effects of the coagulation radius and the bulk-mean particle volume fraction on the size distribution of clusters are discussed theoretically and experimentally.     

NON-INTRUSIVE PARTICLE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR PARTICULATE FLOWS AND VIBRATED GRANULAR BEDS

ABSTRACT

A unique, non-intrusive particle tracking system based on the principle of magnetic induction coupling is presented. In this system, small transmitters are mounted inside the particle being tracked, and a set of receiving antennae surrounding the experimental apparatus. Based on the measured signals for induced voltages in the antennae, the three-dimensional trajectory of the particle is resolved by solving the inverse problem. The experimental system development, including hardware and data acquisition aspects, is also described. The system was tested through test experiments which include a real time trajectory. The results indicate that a system with three mutually orthogonal transmitters provides accurate results. This system is ideally suited for experimental investigation of segregation in vibrated beds. Results for such study of real trajectories of a single sphere rising in a mass of other spheres in a vibrated bed are also shown to demonstrate phenomena such as period doubling and bifurcation.     

RESEARCH ON AN AERODYNAMIC PARTICLE SEPARATOR (THE EPS)

This report presents an account of the research work carried out in support of the development of a new particle separator.* The EPS, as it is designated, produces multiple fractions simultaneously at a high throughput rate. The cut sizes are roughly in the range 10 to 200 µm. The principle is that particles dissimilar with respect to any of size, density, or shape will follow different and distinct trajectories when injected into a uniform laminar flow of air.

The report outlines the theoretical analyses and experimental measurements made to verify the design concepts. A detailed model of the flow field permits the calculation of particle trajectories, and hence the prediction of coarse grade efficiency and sharpness of cut. The measurements made with glass spheres and other irregular particles (e.g., carbon, cement) provide a general verification of the analytical results.

Sharpness of cut values better than 0.8 are achieved down to cut points of about 10µm. Maximum throughput rates are not yet known, but separations have been made at 480 kg/hr in a separation zone 100 mm wide. Scale-up to larger capacity is straightforward.     

Application of permeable collectors in deep-bed filtration

A study on the possible use of media composed of permeable spheres in deep-bed filtration was conducted. The permeable spheres were made of thin fibers and have different porosities. With such media, particle retention takes place at the outside surfaces as well as throughout the entire body of the spheres. Theoretical analysis based on trajectory calculations using cell models to characterize both the interphere and intrasphere flow fields was carried out for estimating the particle collection efficiency. A parametric study was made to examine the effect of the various operating variables. In contrast to conventional deep-bed filtration using impermeable grains, filtration using permeable spheres performs better in particle collection. This conclusion was confirmed by experiments presented in the second part of this study.     

Influence of NH4 + on the preparation of carbonaceous spheres by a hydrothermal process

The influence of NH₄ ⁺ on the preparation of carbonaceous spheres by a hydrothermal process was studied. A scanning electronic microscope and laser particle size analyzer were used to observe and measure the morphology and size distribution of the spheres. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the functional groups of the spheres. The results show that the addition of NH₄ ⁺ has a significant influence on the morphology, size, and yield of the spheres. The slight addition of NH₄ ⁺ greatly increases the diameter of the spheres and simultaneously improves their dispersion. With the change of NH₄ ⁺ concentrations, the as-received spheres have sizes from 0.2 to 20 μm in diameter. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that the C = O group disappears in the samples with NH₄ ⁺ addition, different from the obvious peak at 1700.2 and 1305.6 cm^?1 in the samples with no NH₄ ⁺ addition. A possible mechanism of the formation and growth of the spheres with the addition of NH₄ ⁺ is also proposed in the paper.     

Use of equivalent spheres to model the relation between radar reflectivity and optical extinction of ice cloud particles

The effect of ice crystal size and shape on the relation between radar reflectivity and optical extinction is examined. Discrete-dipole approximation calculations of 95-GHz radar reflectivity and ray-tracing calculations are applied to ice crystals of various habits and sizes. Ray tracing was used primarily to calculate optical extinction and to provide approximate information on the lidar backscatter cross section. The results of the combined calculations are compared with Mie calculations applied to collections of different types of equivalent spheres. Various equivalent sphere formulations are considered, including equivalent radar-lidar spheres; equivalent maximum dimension spheres; equivalent area spheres, and equivalent volume and equivalent effective radius spheres. Marked differences are found with respect to the accuracy of different formulations, and certain types of equivalent spheres can be used for useful prediction of both the radar reflectivity at 95 GHz and the optical extinction (but not lidar backscatter cross section) over a wide range of particle sizes. The implications of these results on combined lidar-radar ice cloud remote sensing are discussed.     

DEM simulations and experiments for projectile impacting two-dimensional particle packings including dissimilar material layers

The dynamic response of a two-dimensional ordered particle packing composed of nylon-66 spheres 6.35 mm in diameter impacted by a spherical projectile was investigated both experimentally and numerically using the discrete element method (DEM). First, the influence of the number of layers in the particle packing on wave propagation and post-impact movement were examined. As the number of layers increased, the contact forces reaching the base plate decreased together with the rebound velocity of the projectiles. Next, the effects of dissimilar material layers were examined. The spheres in one or two layers of the particle packing were replaced with spheres made of dissimilar materials, that is, alumina ceramic (Al₂O₃) or steel, and it was found that the scattering of the nylon spheres above the dissimilar material layers increased. The experimental results obtained using force sensors at the base plate showed that the dissimilar material layers reduced the contact forces at the base plate. Furthermore, as the mass of the dissimilar material spheres increased, the magnitude of the contact forces at the base plate decreased, and the rebound velocity of the projectile increased.     

氧化亚铜/碳纳米管超细复合球的合成及性能研究

采用溶液法原位制备了氧化亚铜/多壁碳纳米管(Cu₂O/MWNTs)超细复合球. 通过扫描隧道显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、紫外-可见分光光度计(UV-vis)和差热分析(DSC)等手段对产品进行了形貌分析和性能检测. 结果表明: 碳纳米管均匀嵌镶在Cu₂O球中; 相比于同粒径纯Cu₂O球, 复合球的特征吸收峰发生蓝移, 复合球使高氯酸铵(AP)的高温分解温度进一步降低了11.5℃. 另外, 对复合球的形貌影响因素及生长机理进行了探讨, 发现明胶是复合物成球的关键, 而聚乙二醇影响复合球粒径的均匀性.     

Impact of process flow conditions on particle morphology in metal powder production via gas atomization

Additive manufacturing processes as for instance selective laser melting or electron beam melting are becoming more common and just turning into standard manufacturing processes for metal components. Nevertheless, these processes are still new compared to classic powder metallurgy manufacturing routes such as pressing and sintering. Hence not all necessary requirements for the powders in use are fully known yet. This makes an increase in control of the powder properties a crucial task to achieve. To reach this goal one must understand the different influences on the powder production process from the beginning of the whole production route. In this work, the influence of the spray chamber flow on the particle morphology is examined. The nozzle system used to produce the metal powders is a close-coupled atomization system with a convergent-divergent gas nozzle configuration. The particle morphology as well as the particle size distribution have been analyzed to examine the influence of the atomization gas flow compared to an additional use of a coaxial gas flow. To review the changes of the flow patterns, computational fluid dynamic simulations have been performed. The particle trajectories were calculated to assess the change in particle behavior as well. Atomization experiments have been conducted with an AISI 52100 (1.3505) steel in a small batch atomization plant to evaluate the influence of the change in flow on the particle size distribution and circularity. The experimental results show that a use of additional coaxial gas leads to an increase in particle circularity up to 10% for relevant particle sizes. An approach for the quantification of satellite occurrence is given by examination of the shift of the particle size distribution to smaller diameters.     

ISOTHERMAL PREDICTION OF PARTICLE AND GAS FLOW IN A COAL-FIRED REACTOR

The steady, turbulent gas flow with entrained coal particles in a laboratory-scale axisymmetric coal gasification reactor is numerically analyzed. The reactor is designed to provide rapid mixing and heatup of the coal in a configuration which results in a nearly isothermal and uniform flow in the main reaction chamber so as to allow controlled study of coal gasification. A detailed knowledge of the reactor dynamics is required in order to interpret experimental results. The nonreacting, isothermal flow pattern is first presented as a base case. Calculations are performed with an iterative, implicit scheme suitable to the elliptic nature of the gas flow equations in an Eulerian frame-work. The turbulent motion is resolved using the eddy-viscosity concept with the standard k-ε turbulence model. Coal particle trajectories are then calculated using the Lagrangian form of the momentum equations. The influence of solid particles on the gas phase is neglected. Particle trajectories and residence time distributions are presented for a variety of particle sizes and particle inlet locations. The influence of the inlet conditions, turbulent diffusion, and gravity on the particle motion, are investigated. Implications of the predictions, with respect to the design of the reactor, are discussed.     

Numerical model of particle deposition on fin surface of heat exchanger

Dust particle deposition on fin surface has a significant influence on the performance of fin-and-tube heat exchangers, and the purpose of this study is to develop a numerical model for predicting the particle deposition rate on fin surface. In the model, the particle trajectories were calculated by the particle motion equation; the particle deposition on the fin surface was described based on the critical impact angle and the critical sticking velocity of incident particles; the particle deposition on the formed fouling layer was described based on the critical impact angle, the critical sticking velocity and the critical removal velocity of incident particles. The particle distributions on fin surface predicted by the model agree well with the images captured in the visualization experiment. The predicted particle deposition weight per unit area can describe 88% of the experimental data within a deviation of ±20% and the mean deviation is 12.8%.     

硅油/煤沥青乳液制备中间相炭微球

以中温煤沥青为原料,耐高温硅油为分散剂和导热介质,通过在反应釜中混合形成硅油/煤沥青乳液来制备中间相炭微球(Mesocarbon Microbeads,MCMB)。利用SEM、激光粒度仪和XRD分析等,研究了硅油用量对MCMB形成的影响。结果表明:硅油添加量对MCMB的形成有重要影响,当加入少量硅油后,MCMB粒径显著减小,分布均匀,小球表面较光滑,粘结现象减少,微晶结构得到改善,但四氢呋喃不溶物(THFI)收率降低。增加硅油用量,MCMB的粒径大小和微晶结构变化不大,小球之间粘结少,THFI收率增加,但小球表面附着小颗粒。当硅油/煤沥青的质量比为3∶1时,可得到粒径分布窄,D50为0.82μm,表面比较光滑,收率为8.2%的MCMB。     

Effect of explosive characteristics on the explosive welding of stainless steel to carbon steel in cylindrical configuration

The aim of this research is to study the influence of explosive characteristics on the weld interfaces of stainless steel AISI 304L to low alloy steel 51CrV4 in a cylindrical configuration. The effect of ammonium nitrate-based emulsion, sensitized with different quantities and types of sensitizing agents (hollow glass microballoons or expanded polystyrene spheres) and Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) explosives on the interface characteristics is analyzed. Research showed that the type of explosive and the type and proportion of explosive sensitizers affect the main welding parameters, particularly collision point velocity. The morphology of the wavy weld interfaces, chiefly the amplitude and length of the waves, is affected both by the impact velocity and the type and particle size of the explosive sensitizers, and increases with particle size. All the weld interfaces, except welds done with ANFO, displayed localized melted and solidified regions, whose chemical composition resulted from the contribution of both flyer and base metal.     

Rattle‐Type Fe3O4@SiO2 Hollow Mesoporous Spheres as Carriers for Drug Delivery

Rattle‐type Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ hollow mesoporous spheres with different particle sizes, different mesoporous shell thicknesses, and different levels of Fe₃O₄ content are prepared by using carbon spheres as templates. The effects of particle size and concentration of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ hollow mesoporous spheres on cell uptake and their in vitro cytotoxicity to HeLa cells are evaluated. The spheres exhibit relatively fast cell uptake. Concentrations of up to 150 µg mL^?1 show no cytotoxicity, whereas a concentration of 200 µg mL^?1 shows a small amount of cytotoxicity after 48 h of incubation. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), an anticancer drug, is loaded into the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ hollow mesoporous spheres, and the DOX‐loaded spheres exhibit a somewhat higher cytotoxicity than free DOX. These results indicate the potential of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ hollow mesoporous spheres for drug loading and delivery into cancer cells to induce cell death.     

The Evolution of Microstructure in Three-Component Granulation and Its Effect on Dissolution

The relationship between microstructure and dissolution rate of three-component granules was investigated. Granules were prepared by fluid bed granulation from sucrose spheres as model excipient, sodium chloride as model active ingredient, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as in situ melt binder. A novel method for controlling the distribution of active ingredient within the granule was developed, based on suspending its particles in the binder prior to granulation. Granule microstructure was varied by systematically changing the NaCl particle size and the active/excipient ratio in granules. The dissolution rate of granules in water was measured by conductometry. A minimum was found in the functional dependence of dissolution time on NaCl fraction in the granule, in line with earlier computer simulations. The primary particle size was found to influence dissolution time in a nonlinear way depending on the fraction of available particle surface immersed in the binder. The intrinsic binder dissolution can therefore be rate-controlling if primary particles of the active ingredient are totally coated by binder. This was confirmed by comparing the dissolution times of granules prepared with PEGs of different molecular weight.