Parametric study of unsteady forced convection with pressure gradient

By an extension of differential method, this paper has successfully examined the unsteady forced convection heat transfer from a flow over a flat plate. Transient state is inherent to a sudden change on the heat flux density at the surface of a plate. The general case where the pressure along the direction of flow is not constant is presented. The differential momentum and heat transfer equations are solved numerically. The results are given for different values of pressure gradient parameter m, in the cases of attached boundary layer, and for several values of Prandtl number corresponding to usual fluids (0.71 ⩽ Pr ⩽ 100). The dependences of transient behaviours with Pr number and parameter m are evidenced from the evolutions in time of temperature profile, Stanton number, and duration of unsteady process. Solutions given from the beginning of transient state to the ultimate steady state are discussed. Moreover, analytical solutions, as function of Pr and m, are deduced for Stanton number and duration of unsteady regime.     

Cryogenic capillary screen heat entrapment

Cryogenic liquid acquisition devices (LADs) for space-based propulsion interface directly with the feed system, which can be a significant heat leak source. Further, the accumulation of thermal energy within LAD channels can lead to the loss of subcooled propellant conditions and result in feed system cavitation during propellant outflow. Therefore, the fundamental question addressed by this program was: “To what degree is natural convection in a cryogenic liquid constrained by the capillary screen meshes envisioned for LADs?” Testing was first conducted with water as the test fluid, followed by liquid nitrogen (LN₂) tests. In either case, the basic experimental approach was to heat the bottom of a cylindrical column of test fluid to establish stratification patterns measured by temperature sensors located above and below a horizontal screen barrier position. Experimentation was performed without barriers, with screens, and with a solid barrier. The two screen meshes tested were those typically used by LAD designers, 200 × 1400 and 325 × 2300, both with Twill Dutch Weave. Upon consideration of both the water and LN₂ data, it was concluded that heat transfer across the screen meshes was dependent upon barrier thermal conductivity and that the capillary screen meshes were impervious to natural convection currents.     

Analysis on the convection cooling process of crushed-rock embankment of high-grade highway in permafrost regions

As an important engineering measure for the proactive cooling frozen-soil roadbed, Crushed-rock embankment reduces the roadbed temperature by adjusting its heat convection process. An engineering test is conducted to study the actual application effects of the crushed-rock embankment in the condition of the widened highway. Results from monitoring ground temperature reveal not only the cooling process of the crushed-rock embankment, but also its actual cooling efficiency. The study results show that compared with the general embankment, crushed-rock embankment has a higher cooling efficiency and more obvious directionality of cooling process. It is found that through the first field monitoring of convection that 1) advection is the major convection mode in the crushed-rock layer, proving the leading role of heat convection in horizontal direction; 2) the advection intensity within the crushed-rock layer is largely limited to the width of subgrade, causing the temperature field under the left shoulder to be higher than that under the right; and 3) heat transfer process of the crushed-rock embankment changes with the seasons, the annual heat-flux density is − 0.07 W/m², being a mild heat-releasing state, while the annual heat-flux density of the general embankment is 0.22 W/m², being a stable heat-absorbing state. For high-grade highway characterized by wide asphalt pavement, the widening of embankment will inevitably further reduce the ventilation capacity of the crushed-rock layer, resulting in the loss of heat convection. Therefore, the separated construction or integrated control is the good choice for high-grade highway.     

Non-isothermal flow of a power law fluid past a rectangular obstacle (of aspect ratio 1 × 2) in a channel: Drag and heat transfer

A two-dimensional numerical study has been carried out to investigate the drag and Nusselt number characteristics under forced convection conditions between a streaming power law liquid and a rectangle (with its longer side aligned with the direction of flow) placed symmetrically between two solid walls. In particular, the values of the individual and total drag coefficients, and of the Nusselt number are obtained as functions of the flow behaviour index (1.4 ⩾ n ⩾ 0.5), of Reynolds number (5 ⩽ Re ⩽ 40) and of the Peclet number (5 ⩽ Pe ⩽ 400) for a fixed value of the blockage ratio (1/8). Within these ranges of kinematic and rheological conditions, the drag and Nusselt number show only fair to moderate deviation from the corresponding Newtonian values at the same values of the Reynolds and Peclet numbers. Qualitatively speaking, the shear-thinning behaviour (n < 1) augments the drag and heat transfer while the shear-thickening behaviour (n > 1) causes both the drag and heat transfer to drop below the corresponding Newtonian values. The power-law fluid behaviour does not seem to alter the streamline, isovorticity and isotherm plots in a significant manner, except for the fact that the shear-thinning behaviour not only delays the formation of a visible wake but the resulting wake is also somewhat shorter than that in a Newtonian fluid. The shear thickening, on the other hand, has exactly the opposite influence on wake formation.     

In vitro evaluation of osteoconductivity and cellular response of zirconia and alumina based ceramics

Developed ceria/yttria stabilized zirconia and ceria/yttria stabilized zirconia toughened alumina supported formation of apatite layer when immersed in simulated body fluid without any prior surface treatment. The formed mineral layer was confirmed as hydroxyapatite through X-ray diffraction patterns. The calcium/phosphate atomic ratio obtained from energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was found to be little less (Ca/P = 1.5) than that of pure hydroxyapatite (Ca/P = 1.7) which indicates the probability of mixed type calcium-phosphate compound formation. The achieved thickness of apatite layer was estimated through a surface profilometer and as high as ~ 17 μm thickness was found after 28 days of soaking. The biocompatibility of the developed materials was ensured through in vitro human osteoblast like cell (MG63) culture on ceramic discs. The morphology of attached cells was characterized through scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy which show multilayered interconnected cell growth within 8 days of culture period. Moreover, differentiation of MG63 cells was evaluated through MTT assay, total protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity.     

Evaluation of hardness and surface quality of different wood species as function of heat treatment

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on surface roughness and hardness of four wood species, namely black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.), red oak (Quercus falcata Michx.), Southern pine (Pinus taeda L.) and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Samples were exposed to heat treatment schedules having two temperature and exposure levels of 120 °C and 190 °C for 3 and 6 h, respectively. Average hardness value of red oak samples exposed to a temperature of 190 °C for 6 h was 41.7% lower than that recorded before the heat treatment. Temperature of 190 °C produced 7.9% lower hardness values for black alder with the increased exposure time from 3 h to 6 h. No significant differences were found between same type of Southern pine and yellow poplar specimens before and after the heat treatment in terms of their hardness values. Among the four species considered in this study red oak having the most porous anatomical structure showed the roughest surface. An improvement in surface quality (R_a) with 7.46% with extending exposure time from 3 h to 6 h at the temperature level of 190 °C was noticed. However all four types of wood species kept in the oven at 190° for 6 h presented smoother surface quality. It was found that increased temperature from 120 °C to 190 °C for both exposure times showed significant differences from the surface quality of nontreated samples at 95% confidence level. The anatomical structure of samples was also observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and some damage of the cell wall was determined due to heat treatment. The findings of this study demonstrated that heat treatment resulted in adverse effect on hardness characteristics of the samples. It appears that strength losses can be limited through alternative modified heat treatment techniques. On the other hand, surface quality of the samples from all species was enhanced as a result of heat treatment. Therefore such heat treatment would be considered to improve surface quality of the sample for furniture applications where smooth surfaces are ideal adding potential value on wood material to be used more effectively in furniture manufacturing.     

Apatite-forming ability and magnetic properties of glass-ceramics containing zinc ferrite and calcium sodium phosphate phases

Fine particles of zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) and calcium sodium phosphate [NaCaPO₄] were crystallized in bulk x(ZnO, Fe₂O₃)(65?x)SiO₂20(CaO, P₂O₅)15Na₂O (6 ≤ x ≤ 21 mol %) glassy matrix by heat treatment. Initial magnetization curves reveal that samples with x = 6 and 9 mol % zinc–iron oxide exhibit both ferrimagnetic and paramagnetic contributions, whereas, samples with x > 9 mol % zinc–iron oxide exhibit only ferrimagnetic contribution. This observation is supported by the disappearance of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) absorption line centered at g ≈ 4.3 in samples with x > 9 mol % zinc–iron oxide. Apatite-forming ability of the glass-ceramic samples was investigated by examining apatite formation on the surface of the samples treated in simulated body fluid (SBF). Increase in apatite-forming ability was observed with an increase in zinc–iron oxide content. The results obtained have been used to understand the evolution of the apatite surface layer as a function of immersion time in SBF and glass-ceramic composition. A good correlation has also been observed between the magnetic nature of the samples and their apatite-forming ability. These materials are expected to find application as thermo-seeds in hyperthermia treatment of bone cancer.     

Comparative analysis of the natural convection process between hollow concrete brick layer and crushed rock layer

On the basis of cooling mechanisms and its factors of crushed rock layer widely used in the Qinghai–Tibet railway, a new hollow concrete brick layer is proposed for the Qinghai–Tibet freeway. A high-precision macro wind velocity detector was employed to study the natural convective characteristics of both types of rock layers and their differences. The natural convection velocity in both types of rock layers resulting from the temperature difference was investigated for the first time through modeling experiment. Natural convection velocity in the hollow concrete brick layer with weak convection resistance was higher than that in the crushed rock layer. Their maximum velocities were 0.10 m/s and 0.08 m/s, respectively. The different heat transfer processes and their intensities resulting from the boundary temperature fluctuations were the primary reasons for inner asymmetric temperature fluctuation and decline. The cooling process closely related to convection time and convection velocity. The temperature difference was the key factor in the occurrence of convection and its intensity change, although the air temperature changes also had an effect on the airflow process. The occurrence of natural convection required a start-up temperature difference. Moreover, a linear relationship was observed between natural convection velocity and temperature difference.     

Jet impingement heat transfer in a frost-free refrigerator: The influence of confinement

Heat transfer characteristics of a slot air jet (width w) impinging on a circular cylinder (diameter d = w) located 5d from the jet exit in a confined space have been studied for Reynolds number (based on cylinder diameter and mean jet velocity) in the range of 1000–12,000. This situation is found in a frost-free refrigerator, amongst other rapid food refrigeration applications. The results reveal that the slot jet impinging on a circular cylinder in a confined space yields heat transfer rates that are between those for the corresponding uniform cross-flow (lower limit) and slot jet impingement on a non-confined cylinder (upper limit) cases. A dimensionless confinement spacing H/d = 10 was found at which the heat transfer rate was a minimum. CFD analysis revealed that this was due to periodic jet flapping and generation of large flow structures between the cylinder and the confining wall.     

Properties of solid wood and laminated wood lumber manufactured by cold pressing and heat treatment

Physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of solid wood lumbers which were cold pressed in a press and then heat treated in a kiln. Two different kinds of domestic thinning small-diameter softwood (Ginko biloba L.) and hardwood (Tilia amurensis Rupr.) were used in this study. First 50 mm thick lumbers were cold pressed until 35 mm (30% of control lumber) using a stopper for 5 min. Then the cold pressed lumbers were heat treated in an electric kiln at 180 °C for 6, 12, 24, or 48 h. To increase the utilizability of woods, the LVLs were produced from 4 mm thick veneers prepared from the heat treated lumbers using a veneer saw. Each LVL sample consisted of 5 layers which were subsequently 48 h-, 24 h-, 12 h-, and 6 h-treated veneers and untreated veneer (from top layer to bottom layer). The shrinkage rates of softwood and hardwood were considerably decreased with increasing temperature. The mechanical properties of heat treated samples were better than those of unpressed control samples. The bending strength and modulus of elasticity of the LVLs manufactured from cold pressed and then heat treated lumbers were slightly lower than those of untreated woods. The colour values obtained from the heat treated wood samples showed a clear effect of the temperature on the colour changes.     

Effects of C and Cr content on high-temperature microstructures of Fe–9Al–30Mn–xC–yCr alloys

This investigation elucidated the effects of C and Cr content on the high-temperature microstructures of Fe–9Al–30Mn–xC–yCr alloys by means of optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. With increasing Cr content, the phase transition sequence within the α phase was found to be α + B2 → α + B2 + DO₃ → α + DO₃. And with increasing C content, a γ → (γ + κ) phase transition was observed within the γ phase. The κ phase carbides ((Fe,Mn)₃AlC_x) had an ordered L′1₂-type structure with lattice parameter a = 0.368 nm and were formed by a spinodal decomposition during quenching. The amounts of Cr₇C₃ increased with the C and Cr content. Moreover, the Al and Mn content played important roles in expanding the (α + γ) region. These features have not been previously reported in the Fe–Al–Mn–C–Cr alloy system.     

Influence of oxidation on fatigue crack initiation and propagation in turbine disc alloy N18

Fatigue crack initiation and propagation behaviour in subsolvus heat treated turbine disc alloy N18 has been assessed in air and vacuum at 650 and 725 °C under three-point loading. Fatigue crack initiation processes have been evaluated using single edge U-notch specimens under a 1-1-1-1 trapezoidal loading waveform along with interrupted tests at 650 °C to allow intermittent observations of the notch surface. The results show apparent grain boundary (GB) oxidation can occur under an oxygen partial pressure of 10⁻²–10⁻³ Pa. Cracks mainly initiate from grain boundaries or γ/γ′ interfaces due to the formation and subsequent cracking of Cr-rich and/or Co-rich oxides, and occasionally initiate from surface pores. Fatigue life in these tests appears to be dominated by this crack initiation process and is significantly reduced by increasing temperature and/or application of an oxidizing environment. Crack growth tests conducted under 1-1-1-1 and 1-20-1-1 loading waveforms indicate that oxidation significantly degrades the crack growth resistance of N18 and is associated with more intergranular fracture surface features. Additional oxidation effects on propagation caused by higher temperature or prolonging dwell time appear limited, whereas a prolonged dwell period seems to instead promote additional creep process, which further enhance crack growth, especially at higher temperature.     

Zeta potential of alumina powders with different crystalline phases in simulated body fluids

The zeta potential of alumina (Al₂O₃) powder with different crystalline phases, prepared by heat treatment of boehmite, was measured in simulated body fluids in order to discuss the mechanism on in vivo formation of a calcium and phosphorus (CaP)-rich layer on bone cement containing δ-Al₂O₃-based bead powder. γ, δ, and θ-Al₂O₃ powders were obtained by heat treatment of boehmite powder at 600 °C, 900 °C, and 1025 °C, respectively. It was found that δ-Al₂O₃ gave a negative zeta potential in an acidic simulated body fluid, whereas γ-Al₂O₃ and θ-Al₂O₃ gave a positive potentials. During the bone fracture healing process, acidic conditions are maintained at the site of fracture for several days. Consequently, it is speculated that the negative surface potential of δ-Al₂O₃ in an acidic body fluid, similar to the fracture site, might be responsible for the in vivo formation of the CaP-rich layer on the overlying bone cement, given that the negatively charged surface of δ-Al₂O₃ would attract calcium ions from the surrounding body fluid, thereby facilitating the formation of the CaP-rich layer.     

Enhancement of ferromagnetic and dielectric properties of lanthanum doped bismuth ferrite nanostructures

Cylindrical-shaped multiferroic Bi_1?xLa_xFeO₃ (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) were synthesized successfully by hydrothermal method. All samples were found to be rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure. Diameter of the cylindrical particles reduces from ～450 nm for x = 0.0 to ～100 nm for x = 0.1 prepared under the same conditions. The Neél temperature as well as the dielectric constant was also found to increase with the increase in lanthanum content. Lanthanum doping also enhanced the magnetic properties. Magnetization measurements above room temperature show a significant increase in magnetization at around 400 °C. Enhanced magnetic properties due to lanthanum doping are caused by the breakage of spin cycloid as observed by electron spin resonance study.     

Microstructure and tribological characteristics of aged Co–28Cr–5Mo–0.3C alloy

In this study, an attempt to investigate the role of isothermal aging on the microstructure and tribological characteristics of Co–28Cr–5Mo–0.3C alloy was made. Regarding the results, isothermal aging at 850 °C and 950 °C for at least 16 h contributed to the formation of lamellar-type carbides at the grain boundary regions. Moreover, at higher aging times (over 16 h), the amount of lamellar-type carbides decreased. The wear properties of as-cast and heat treated samples were determined at 0.5 ms⁻¹ speed several under normal applied loads such as 50, 80, and 110 N. At the lowest applied load (50 N), the samples were isothermally aged at 850 °C for 8 and 16 h and also the ones were aged at 950 °C for 16 h had higher wear resistance probably due to more volume fraction of lamellar-type carbides when compared to as-cast and the other aged samples, but, at higher applied loads (80 and 110 N) due to the formation of adhesive oxide layer on the as-cast sample surface, the wear rate of as-cast samples is lower compared with all heat treated ones.     

Design optimization of backup seal for sodium cooled fast breeder reactor

Design optimization of static, fluoroelastomer backup seals for the 500 MWe, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is depicted. 14 geometric variations of a solid trapezoidal cross-section were studied by finite element analysis (FEA) to arrive at a design with hollowness and double o-ring contours on the sealing face. The seal design with squeeze of 5 mm assures failsafe operation for at least 10 years under a differential pressure of 25 kPa and ageing influences of fluid (air), temperature (110 °C) and γ radiation (23 mGy/h) in reactor. Hybrid elements of 1 mm length, regular integration, Mooney–Rivlin material model and Poisson’s ratio of 0.493 were used in axisymmetric analysis scheme. Possible effects of reduced fluoroelastomer strength at 110 °C, ageing, friction, tolerances in reactor scale, testing conditions during FEA data generation and batch-to-batch/production variations in seal material were considered to ensure adequate safety margin at the end of design life. The safety margin and numerical prediction accuracy could be improved further by using properties of specimens extracted from seal. The approach is applicable to other low pressure, moderate temperature elastomeric sealing applications of PFBR, mostly operating under maximum strain of 50%.     

Cyclic torsion very high cycle fatigue of VDSiCr spring steel at different load ratios

Cyclic torsion fatigue tests with superimposed static torsion loads are performed with VDSiCr spring steel with shot-peened surface in the high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime. Fatigue properties are investigated at load ratios R = 0.1, R = 0.35 and R = 0.5 up to limiting lifetimes of 5 × 10⁹ cycles with a newly developed ultrasonic torsion testing method. Increasing the load ratio reduces the shear stress amplitude that the material can withstand without failure. Fatigue cracks are initiated at the surface in the HCF regime. In the VHCF regime, cracks are preferentially initiated internally in the matrix, below the surface layer with compression residual stresses, and less frequently at the surface. Cyclic and mean shear stresses with 50% survival probability in the VHCF regime are presented in a Haigh diagram. Linear line approximation delivers a mean stress sensitivity of M = 0.33 for load ratios between R = −1 and R = 0.5.     

Sinking and recirculation of large intruders in vertically vibrated granular beds

A series of experiments are described in which air-immersed grains within different containers are exposed to vertical vibrations. When the peak acceleration relative to gravity exceeded Γ = 6 at 49 Hz), tilted cavitating beds were formed. Then, when a large, low-density object was put onto the free surface, the vigorous granular convection dragged it into the bed. The large object was not being dragged into the bed at Γ > 6 when the air pressure inside the container fell well below1 Torr. These findings, as well as those from computer simulations, confirm the key role played by large air cavities such as swallow holes in submerging large, low-density objects into a granular bed.     

Enhanced apatite formation on Ti metal heated in PO2-controlled nitrogen atmosphere

The oxynitridation of biomedical titanium metal under a precisely regulated oxygen partial pressure (P_O2) of 10^? 14 Pa in nitrogen atmosphere at 973 K for 1 h strongly enhanced apatite formation compared with that on Ti heated in air. The factors governing the high apatite-forming ability are discussed from the viewpoint of the surface properties of Ti heated under a P_O2 of 10^? 14 Pa in nitrogen atmosphere determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential measurements. Nitrogen (N)-doped TiO₂ (interstitial N) was formed on pure Ti heated under a P_O2 of 10^? 14 Pa in nitrogen atmosphere at 973 K. The XPS O1s main peak shifted toward a lower binding energy upon heating under a P_O2 of 10^? 14 Pa. This shift may be due to the formation of oxygen vacancies. This Ti surface had a positive zeta potential of approximately 20 mV. According to time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy results, PO₄^3 ? ions were predominantly adsorbed on Ti soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) after heat treatment, followed by calcium ions. It was concluded that the apatite formation kinetics can be described using the Avrami–Erofeev equation with an Avrami index of n = 2, which implies the instantaneous nucleation of apatite on the surface of Ti soaked in SBF after heat treatment at 973 K under a P_O2 of 10^? 14 Pa.     

Research on the microstructure,fatigue and corrosion behavior of permanent mold and die cast aluminum alloy

Permanent mold (PM) and high pressure die cast (HPDC) AlMg5Si2Mn are employed to investigate the microstructure, fatigue strength and corrosion resistance. Results indicated that the mechanical properties (R_m, R_0.2 and δ) of HPDC specimens (314 MPa, 189 MPa and 7.3%) are significantly better than those of PM specimens (160 MPa, 111 MPa and 2.5%) due to the finer grain size and less cast defects. Fatigue cracks of PM samples dominantly initiated from shrinkage pores and obscure fatigue striations are observed in crack growth region. Corrosion and pitting potentials of PM and HPDC AlMg5Si2Mn alloy are around −1250 mV, −760 mV and −1220 mV, −690 mV respectively. Numerous pits are observed around the grain boundaries because the corrosion potential of Mg₂Si is more anodic than that of α-Al matrix. In addition, the superior corrosion resistance of HPDC samples can be attributed to the fine grain size and the high boundary density which improved the formation of oxide layer on the surface and prevented further corrosion.