A lattice Boltzmann approach for free-surface-flow simulations on non-uniform block-structured grids

In this paper, we present a hybrid volume-of-fluid-based algorithm for the simulation of free-surface-flow problems. For the solution of the flow field, the lattice Boltzmann method is used. The additional advection equation for the volume-of-fluid (VOF) fill level is discretized with a classical finite volume method. For the interface reconstruction, a piecewise linear interface reconstruction in 3D has been implemented. The free-surface-tracking algorithm is embedded into the 3D, non-uniform, lattice-Boltzmann-based solver VirtualFluids; Freudiger et al. (2009) [1], Freudiger (2009) [2]. The advection algorithm is verified and validated with well-known advection test cases. For the validation of the free-surface algorithm, we present simulations of a breaking-dam benchmark.     

Multi-rate optimizing control of simulated moving beds

This paper presents an optimizing control scheme for simulated moving beds (SMB) that enables to incorporate multi-rate (MR) sampled measurements into the control and estimation problem in a clear and transparent manner. This is particularly relevant for chiral separations where online monitoring requires the combination of various analytical techniques that may operate on widely varying time scales. An MR periodic linear time-varying (PLTV) model is derived for the SMB process. The cyclic nature of the process is exploited by formulating the MR-PLTV model within a repetitive model predictive control framework. Simulation results for the chiral separation of the guaifenesin enantiomers are presented. The proposed multi-rate controller is able to deliver increased productivity while respecting the process and product specifications.     

A model of self-limiting residual acid diffusion for pattern doubling

Pattern doubling by cross-linking of a spacer triggered by residual acid diffusion from a previously developed primary structure into the spacer is a possible option to create the necessary structure widths for the 32 nm node with current exposure technology by pattern doubling. A particular advantage of this process step would be the self-alignment to the primary structure, which would render a second exposure step unnecessary. In the paper, we present a new prototypical model of the bake step of this process and discuss the dependency of the desired behavior on parameters of the model.     

Structural changes of casein micelles in a rennin gradient film with simultaneous consideration of the film morphology

The effect of rennin on the micelle structure and microstructure of casein films was investigated with micro-beam grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering and optical microscopy. Size distributions of casein micelles and colloidal calcium phosphate particles were determined as a function of rennin concentration within a rennin gradient film. While the size of the casein micelles decreased with increasing rennin concentration, the size of the colloidal calcium phosphate clusters remained constant. In accordance with a first-order enzyme reaction mechanism, the rennin-induced decay of the micellar sizes could be well described by an exponential function. Two distinct film morphologies at high and low rennin concentration were observed. At intermediate rennin concentration a two-phase surface structure was found, in which both film morphologies coexisted. The conclusions drawn on the behaviour of casein micelles in films can generally be applied to the rennin-induced changes in casein micelles in bulk solutions.     

Damage tolerance investigations on rails

The paper summarises damage tolerance investigations on railway rails which the authors have carried out in the context of the German-French joint project NOVUM (novel methods for quantitative prediction of rail performance at increased service loads) [Girardi L, Heyder R, Dider L, Boulanger D. IDR2-NOVUM promises lower rail maintenance costs. Railway Gazette Int 2005;(July):439-41[1]]. The investigations include the determination of the crack driving force as a function of the various loading components a rail is subjected to and the simulation of residual lifetime. Features such as the local load input at the rail-wheel interface, dynamic effects and statistical aspects of crack resistance are explicitly taken into account.     

Atmospheric trace gas analysis with cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is a highly sensitive laser absorption method. It can be used for quantitative analysis of molecular species at the sub-ppb level. The absorption cell (cavity) is sealed by two high-reflective mirrors on each side, which results in an effective absorption path-length of some kilometers. Our experiments for atmospheric gas analysis have been carried out so far with an Excimer pumped dye laser in the UV-VIS and a CO overtone sideband laser in the wavelength region around 3 μm. Experiments with an all solid-state difference frequency laser system will follow. In the UV-VIS region, we measured trace gas molecules like SO₂, NO₂, and CH₂O. In the mid-infrared, around 3 μm, we measured hydrocarbons like CH₄, C₂H₆, and C₂H₄ with a detection limit of less than 1 ppb. The noise equivalent absorption coefficients in the MIR are in the order of 1.7·10⁻⁹ cm⁻¹. Due to the high data acquisition rate and the high sensitivity, CRDS enables real-time detection of trace gases in ambient air.