Phase discrimination and a high accuracy algorithm for PIV image processing of particle–fluid two-phase flow inside high-speed rotating centrifugal slurry pump

PIV technology is an efficient and powerful measurement method to investigate the characteristics of fluid flow field. But for PIV particle image post-processing, some problems still exit in two-phase particles discrimination and velocity field algorithm, especially for high-speed rotating centrifugal slurry pump. In this study, through summarization and comparison of the various phase discrimination methods, we proposed a two-phase identification method based on statistics of gray-scale level and particle size. The assessment of performance through experimental PIV images shows that a satisfying effect for particle identification. For high speed rotation of the impeller, a combination of adaptive cross-correlation window deformation algorithm and multistage grid subdivision is presented. The algorithm is applied to experimental PIV images of solid–liquid two-phase flow in a centrifugal slurry pump, the results show that the algorithm in the present study has less pseudo vector number and more matching particle pairs than those of fixed window and window translation methods, having the ability to remove pseudo vector efficiently. It confirmed that the algorithm proposed in the present study has good performance and reliability for PIV image processing of particle–fluid two-phase flow inside high-speed rotating centrifugal slurry pump.     

Saving the photons: mapping X-rays by position-tagged spectrometry

Since the early years of X-ray spectrometry in electron microscopes, mapping the locations of chemical elements has been important. The X-rays needed in large numbers for this are rare, owing to poor production efficiency compared with electron signals, and at risk of loss by many mechanisms such as missing the limited solid angle of the detector, absorption before reaching the detector and pulse pile-up conventional digital mapping hardware reduces the information contained in the X-ray spectrum at each pixel to the itegrated counts from a few regions of interest.
The acquisition technique of position-tagged spectrometry eliminates the conflict between the desire to see full frame X-ray images quickly versus the analytical advantages of having complete spectra for each pixel. As the beam is scanned rapidly relative to traditional X-ray mapping, photons are counted in a virtual 3-D multichannel analyser on disk, preserving both spatial and spectral information. Along with the sophisticated post-processing allowed by storing an entire spectrum per pixel, a unique degree of dynamic interaction with the developing data is made possible by integrating many short scans instead of using a single long dwell time at each pixel.     

水基流延法制备低温共烧陶瓷生带材料新工艺

为实现硼硅酸盐玻璃陶瓷基低温共烧陶瓷生带材料的低成本、安全无毒化生产,采用以水性乳胶作为粘结剂的水基流延工艺进行制备;采用数字旋转黏度计分别对分散剂、固相、粘结剂含量对浆料黏度的影响进行了研究,利用扫描电镜对烧结前后生带材料的微观形貌进行了分析.结果表明:利用硼硅酸盐玻璃+Al<,2>O<,3>粉体作为固相,苯丙乳液作为粘结剂,苯丙烯酸铵作为分散剂,甘油作为增塑剂,成功制备出了固含量高、稳定性好、干燥快的水基流延浆料;制备的生带材料表面光滑、强度高,容易在室温下叠层,经过850℃×30 min烧结,其致密度可以达到96.45%.     

镁合金半固态触变压铸技术研究现状

镁合金半固态成形技术比普通成形技术有许多显著优点,对其展开探讨总结将有助于丰富半固态成形理论,加速半固态成形技术的工业化运用。本文在等温热处理方法制备半固态非枝晶组织取得的成果基础之上,概述了通过等温热处理方法制备镁合金半固态非枝晶组织的进展,总结了半固态等温热处理触变压铸成形技术的现状,指出了镁合金在半固态触变压铸中存在的一些问题,最后展望了镁合金半固态触变压铸的发展趋势。     

X-ray-based machine vision system for distal locking of intramedullary nails

In surgical procedures for femoral shaft fracture treatment, current techniques for locking the distal end of intramedullary nails, using two screws, rely heavily on the use of two-dimensional X-ray images to guide three-dimensional bone drilling processes. Therefore, a large number of X-ray images are required, as the surgeon uses his/her skills and experience to locate the distal hole axes on the intramedullary nail. The long-term effects of X-ray radiation and their relation to different types of cancer still remain uncertain. Therefore, there is a need to develop a surgical technique that can limit the use of X-rays during the distal locking procedure. A robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery system has been developed at Loughborough University to assist orthopaedic surgeons by reducing the irradiation involved in such operations. The system simplifies the current approach as it uses only two near-orthogonal X-ray images to determine the drilling trajectory of the distal locking holes, thereby considerably reducing irradiation to both the surgeon and patient. Furthermore, the system uses robust machine vision features to reduce the surgeon's interaction with the system, thus reducing the overall operating time. Laboratory test results have shown that the proposed system is very robust in the presence of variable noise and contrast in the X-ray images.     

The measurement of blood flow waveforms from X-ray angiography. Part 1: Principles of the method and preliminary validation.

The principles and implementation of a method for measurement of blood flow waveforms from X-ray angiography are described. Contrast medium mass values are obtained at multitudinous positions along individual vessels and from numerous images in a time sequence. These values are represented as a matrix of grey levels in a parametric image. This image is normalized to represent contrast medium concentration, and the movement over time of isoconcentration portions of the contrast bolus is recovered to determine blood flow. Preliminary validation has been undertaken using parametric images generated in two ways: synthesis from a computer model of vascular pulsatile flow and analysis of cine-angiograms of physical models (plastic and perspex tubes) carrying known pulsatile flows. Two distinct methods for interrogation of parametric images by digital image processing were employed; both provided accurate flow measurements.     

Velocity measurement in solid–liquid flows using an impact probe

The use of a modified impact type of probe for velocity field measurement in the flow of multi-sized (d₅₀=71 μm) particulate slurries is described. The impact probe has a sensor similar to a two hole offset probe but has a modified pressure sensing system which prevents blockage of the probe by the solid particles. The probe system has been successfully used in slurry flows over a wide range of solid concentrations (0–40% by weight) and flow velocities (1.67–2.95 m/s). The data presented in this paper have revealed some special features of velocity distribution in the flow of multi-sized particulate suspensions.     

Soft X-ray contact imaging of nucleolar chromatin using synchrotron radiation: a comparative scanning and transmission electron microscope study

Contact images (CI) of dehydrated, nucleolar chromatin from amphibian oocytes have been produced by soft X-rays from a synchrotron radiation source. These CI have been compared with the morphology of the original chromatin as seen in scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The quality and informational content of the CI depend very much on certain preparative procedures. The following factors have a marked effect on image quality and need to be carefully controlled: the total X-ray dose, the time and nature of development and the distance of the specimen from the photoresist. The preparation of the chromatin itself, providing that it is critically point dried, is less important. By following a regime of high X-ray dose, sufficient for penetration of the rather thick chromatin rings, and gentle development so that fine detail is not dissolved from the resist surface, it has been possible to obtain images which closely resemble the original chromatin, although the detailed resolution of the CI is not as clear. The smallest biological structures clearly resolved in the CI are ribonucleoprotein granules, which vary in size from 200 to 800 nm. However, by further refinement of preparative conditions it should be possible to improve on the informational content of these images.     

多级粗糙间隙内的两相微流动数值模拟

以带沟槽抛光垫多级粗糙间隙内的固液两相微流动为研究对象,基于计算机模拟生成多级粗糙表面,利用格子Boltzmman方法(Lattice Boltzmann method,LBM)计算微观流场,对抛光液在多级粗糙间隙内的流动过程以及固体颗粒的运动轨迹进行分析。探讨将这种新的抛光液两相微流动分析方法用于平坦化机理研究的可行性,并初步研究固体颗粒在多级粗糙间隙内的运动和碰撞过程,分析固体颗粒的运动特性。研究表明,多级粗糙表面的计算机模拟生成技术结合稀疏两相流模拟可以用来分析多级粗糙间隙内抛光液流动和固体颗粒运动轨迹。通过对抛光垫多级粗糙间隙内两相微流动的研究,有助于揭示晶片表面缺陷产生的机制,并提出减少缺陷的抛光垫微结构设计及修整方案。     

固体火箭推进剂燃烧微粒场的激光全息诊断

大幅度提高金属燃料的含量是实现高能高效推进剂配方的一个发展方向。现针对含铝量2／%,粒度及含铝量6%,粒度15±2μm的两种推进剂展开了一系列的研究工作。应用离轴4F全息技术,进行了固体火箭推进剂燃烧流场的粒子分布研究。在常压、2MPa和4MPa实验工况下,获得了清晰的全息图。     

原位凝固制备Al-Al2O3复合材料坯体的研究

介绍了采用原位凝固注模成形法制备Ａｌ－Ａｌ２Ｏ３复合材料坯体的基本工艺过程;研究了复合材料浆料的固相含量,原位凝固剂等对坯体性能的影响。结果表明,原位凝固剂可以使浆烊的位凝固,通过调节固相含量及凝固剂的含量可以控制凝固时间和坯体的强度;坯体具有足够的脱模强度,较高的密度均匀性和合适的孔隙率以及尺寸变化率小等特点。     

A numerical analysis of molten steel flow under applied magnetic fields in continuous casting

Although continuous casting process has highly developed, there still remain many problems to be considered. Specifically, two vortex flows resulting from impingement against narrow walls make a flow field unstable in a mold, and it is directly related to internal and external defects of steel products. To cope with this instability, EMBR (Electromagnetic Brake Ruler) technique has been lately studied for the stability of molten steel flow, and it is revealed that molten steel flow in a mold can be controlled with applied magnetic field. However, it is still difficult to clarify flow pattern in an EMBR caster due to complex correlations among variables such as geometric factors, casting conditions, and the place and the intensity of charged magnetic field. In the present study, flow field in a mold is focused with different conditions of electromagnetic effect. To accurately analyze the case, three dimensional low Reynolds turbulent model and appropriate boundary conditions are chosen. To evaluate the electromagnetic effect in molten steel flow, dimensionless numbers are employed. The results show that the location and the intensity of the applied magnetic field significantly influence the flow pattern. Both impingement and internal flow pattern are changed remarkably with the change of the location of applied magnetic field. It turns out that an insufficient magnetic force yields adverse effect like channeling, and rather lowers the quality of steel product.     

X-ray analysis and mapping by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in an electron microscope

A compact and easy-to-use wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometer using a multi-capillary X-ray lens attached to a scanning (transmission) electron microscope has been tested for thin-film analysis. B-K spectra from thin-film boron compounds (B4C, h-BN, and B2O3) samples showed prominent peak shifts and detailed structural differences. Mapping images of a thin W/Si double-layer sample resolved each element clearly. Additionally, a thin SiO2 film grown on a Si substrate was imaged with O-K X-rays. Energy and spatial resolution of the system is also discussed.     

Study of the parametric dependence of erosion wear for the parallel flow of solid–liquid mixtures

The phenomenon of erosion wear due to the cutting action of solid particles in solid–liquid mixture flows has been studied in a slurry pot tester. Special fixtures and design modifications were incorporated in a slurry pot tester in order to ensure that the erosive wear on the wear piece is primarily due to parallel flow of the mixture. Experiments performed at various solid concentrations, particle sizes and velocities, show that the parallel flow wear increases with increase in solid concentration, particle size and velocity. The parametric dependence on velocity is comparatively much stronger as compared to that on either solid concentration or particle size.     

A modified cross-correlation algorithm for PIV image processing of particle-fluid two-phase flow

PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) technique for flow field measurement has achieved popular self-identify through over ten years development, and its application range is becoming wider and wider. PIV post-processing techniques have a great influence on the success of particle-fluid two-phase flow field measurement and thus become a hot and difficult topic. In the present study, a Phase Respective Identification Algorithm (PRIA) is introduced to separate low-density solid particles or bubbles and high-density tracer particles from the PIV image of particle-fluid two-phase flow. PTV (Particle Tracking Velocimetry) technique is employed to calculate the velocity fields of low-density solid particles or bubbles. For the velocity fields of high-density solid particles or bubble phase and continuous phase traced by high-density smaller particles, based on the thought of wavelet transform and multi-resolution analysis and the theory of cross-correlation of image, a delaminated processing algorithm (MCCWM) is presented to conquer the limitation of conventional Fourier transform. The algorithm is firstly testified on synthetic two-phase flows, such as uniform steady flow, shearing flow and rotating flow, and the computational results from the simulated particle images are in reasonable agreement with the given simulated data. The algorithm is then applied to images of actual bubble-liquid two-phase flow and jet flow, and the results also confirmed that the algorithm proposed in the present study has good performance and reliability for post-processing PIV images of particle-fluid two-phase flow.     

基于加权最小二乘滤波和引导滤波的铸件DR图像融合

为了让两张不同灰度窗宽和窗位的铸件X射线DR图像包含的缺陷呈现在一张图像中,发展了一种基于加权最小二乘滤波和引导滤波(guided filter)的铸件X射线DR图像融合方法。选择其中一张图像作为底层图像,另一张作为细节图像。使用两种具有边缘保护性质的滤波提取细节图中包含的缺陷信息。对底层图像作加权最小二乘滤波作为框架,再用底层图像和框架做差,分离出底层图像本身包含的缺陷信息。利用引导滤波把这两类缺陷信息加权求和。最后用框架承接加权求和后的结果后得到融合后的图像。实验结果表明获得的融合结果能够显示来自不同灰度窗宽和窗位的两张DR图像的共5个缺陷或3张铸件DR图像的共7个缺陷。本文方法可应用于铸件射线无损检测。     

Detection of ultra-soft X-rays with a variable geometry proportional counter fitted to a transmission electron microscope (TEM)

The ability of an end-window variable geometry flow proportional counter to detect the ultrasoft BeK and SiL X-ray lines induced by the electron beam of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) has been demonstrated. This counter has been used in the current work in the energy dispersive mode, and has been equipped with a Formvar window about 400 nm thick, aluminized on both sides with a layer of 65 nm total thickness. X-ray peaks generated by specimens of other light elements such as boron, carbon, oxygen, fluorine and aluminium, and detected with this technique, are also reported. In the case of the BK line, the counting rate obtained with this detector has been evaluated and compared with that of a crystal spectrometer equipped with a conventional side-window flow proportional counter. Finally, a linear relationship between X-ray energy and detected pulse height was found for the lines examined, i.e. from the SiL up to the SiK X-rays.     

X-ray microscopy and imaging of Escherichia coli, LPS and DNA

Ultrastructural examination by transmission and scanning electron microscopy involves a series of specialized preparation steps which may introduce artefacts in the micrographs. X-ray microscopy can take instant images of speci-mens but is mostly restricted to a few synchrotron X-ray sources. We have utilized a bench-top nanosecond laser-plasma to produce a single-shot source of nanosecond X-rays tuned for maximum contrast with carbon-rich material. To examine the ultrastructure by absorption profiles, we utilized a laser-produced plasma generated by a single-shot laser (1.06 μm wavelength, 5 × 10¹² W cm⁻² intensity) focused on to a silicon target as an X-ray source for high-resolution X-ray microscopy. This approach eliminates the specimen preparation steps. Whole hydrated cells of Escherichia coli and purified preparations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and chromosomal DNA (cDNA) were streaked onto poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-coated grids (resist). This resist was exposed to X-rays under vacuum at a distance of 2.5 cm from the target disc. The silicon plasma produced by a 10-ns burst of laser energy (at 20 J) radiates strong emission lines in the region of 300 eV. The X-rays penetrate the sample and their absorption profile is transferred on to the resist where PMMA acts as a negative to generate an image. By atomic force microscopy imaging of this photoresist we have visualized layers around cells of E. coli , darker areas inside the cell probably corresponding to cDNA, and preliminary images of LPS and DNA molecules. This technique has resolution at the 100 Å level, produces images similar to the space-filling models of macromolecules and may be of great value in the study of the ultrastructure of hydrated live biological specimens.     

Numerical simulation of the unsteady combustion of solid rocket propellants at a harmonic pressure change

This study focuses on a numerical investigation of the unsteady burning rate of solid propellants at a harmonic pressure change in the combustion chamber of a solid propellant rocket engine. The physico-mathematical model includes the equations of heat transfer and decomposition of the oxidizer in the solid phase and two phases, the dual velocity, and the two-temperature reaction flow of gasification products. The boundary conditions on the solid fuel surface implement the conservation of energy fluxes and the mass of components. We numerically calculate the unsteady burning rate of metallized solid propellant and nitroglycerin powder under a harmonic pressure change in the combustion chamber of a solid propellant rocket engine and determine the dependence of the burning rate amplitude on the frequency of pressure oscillations. The amplitude of the burning rate depends nonmonotonously on the oscillation frequency. With increasing frequency, the amplitude first rises and then declines.

     

Application of high speed slurry flow finishing method for finishing of inner wall of fine hole die: Effects of the hardness of die material on the polishing characteristics

In order to warrant the quality of drawn metal wires, the inner wall of the hole die which has been used in the drawing of metal wire, has been usually finished by hand work for a long time using a bar daubed the kneaded paste containing diamond powder. High speed slurry flow finishing method which has been recently developed for the finishing of inner wall of capillary has been applied to the finishing of the hole die. It is found that the surface roughness of inner wall of the hole decreases with the increasing number of slurry flow pass in a relatively short finishing time, and that surface roughness reduction rate depends on the hardness of die materials. Experiments show that the bell mouth shape is spontaneously formed in the high speed slurry flow finishing.