Investigation of radiative contribution in a high temperature fluidized-bed using the alternate-slab model

The modified alternate-slab model of Gabor is examined for the prediction of radiative contribution to the total heat transfer from a high temperature fluidized-bed system of air-sand to an immersed surface. The results are compared with the predictions of other models and experimental data on average heat transfer coefficient, and percentage radiative contribution as a function of various influencing parameters. The heat transfer coefficients are overestimated by the model within reasonable limits and approach the experimental data for high values of heat transfer surface temperature. The percentage radiative contribution is substantial for large values of particle diameter, surface and bed temperatures. The model is found reliable and simple to handle over a wide temperature range. Results are also presented for air-ash and air-dolomite systems in view of their practical significance.     

Isochromatic Demodulation by Fringe Scanning

Abstract:  RGB calibration is the fastest isochromatic demodulation technique, as it does not require unwrapping as in the case of phase-shifting method. The technique is based on constructing a look up table (LUT) of fringe order against RGB triplet from digital images and decoding the test image from the LUT. Research has shown that the technique, though very fast, is limited to fringe orders up to three with the conventional white light. The colours tend to merge beyond that and make it difficult to obtain a unique value of RGB triplet. Changes in fringe gradient caused by stretching/bunching of fringes in test model further add to errors. Special light sources with narrow-band spectral response are required with fringe tracking algorithms to demodulate higher fringe orders. The calibration technique is also sensitive to geometric and chromatic variations. This paper presents a cost-effective alternative solution to conventional RGB technique using a flatbed scanner. The system is capable of demodulating higher fringe order and incorporates information from other colour spaces. It does not require separate light sources and cameras, and is found to be insensitive to geometric and chromatic variations. Curve fitting technique has been proposed to determine accurate fringe orders.     

A Phenomenological Model for Slurry Erosion Prediction of Thermal Spray Coatings

Erosion is a serious concern for machinery dealing with particle-laden fluids. For protection against erosion, coatings are usually recommended. Laboratory experiments are conducted to evaluate the erosion rates of these coatings. Alternatively, one could consider the use of modeling and simulation to predict the erosion rates. Although several models are available in literature for bulk materials, there is limited work reported in this direction for coatings. In present work, several models from literature were evaluated for their ability to predict the slurry erosion of coatings. A model based upon contact-fracture theory (CFT), proposed in present work, was also evaluated. Another variant of this model considered the effect of splat size. It was observed that none of the existing models evaluated in the present work could predict the erosion rates of the coatings. The proposed CFT model was able to predict the erosion rates with reasonable accuracy, whereas another variant of this model based upon splat size was observed to be inappropriate for predicting erosion rates of coatings. Possible reasons for the observed disparity are discussed.     

Computer modelling of the interaction between human choriogonadotropin and its receptor

Primary structural homology between the hormone binding siteof the LH/CG receptor and the enzyme binding site of chymotrypsininhibitor has been identified. This has led to the applicationof a knowledge-based approach of molecular modelling to describethe interaction of choriogonadotropin (CG) with the LH/CG receptor.A tertiary structural model for the mode of recognition betweenthe hormone and the receptor has been proposed. As in othersuch processes at the molecular level, the recognition betweenCG and its receptor is mediated through non-covalent interactions.The specificity of recognition is achieved by complementarityin van der Waals surfaces, hydrogen bonding and non-polar associations.The model shows nine hydrogen bonds between the hormone andthe receptor involving polar side chains as well as backboneamine and carbonyl groups. A hydropbobic cluster involving sidechain groups at the interface is also important in stabilizationof the intermolecular interactions     

The second messenger cAMP elicits eating by an anatomically specific action in the perifornical hypothalamus

We have previously shown that a membrane-permeant analog of cAMP, 8-bromo-cAMP (8-br-cAMP), elicits a vigorous eating response when microinjected into the perifornical hypothalamus (PFH) or lateral hypothalamus (LH) of satiated rats, suggesting that increases in cAMP in these areas may be important in the neural control of eating. To determine the locus of this effect, we compared the ability of 8-br-cAMP (1-100 nmol/0.3 microl) to elicit eating after microinjection into the PFH, LH, or the following bracketing areas: the anterior and posterior LH, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, thalamus, and amygdala. 8-br-cAMP at 50 nmol elicited eating (>/=3.4 gm in 2 hr) exclusively in the PFH and LH. At 100 nmol, 8-br-cAMP elicited a larger response in these areas and elicited a smaller, more variable response in the thalamus. We similarly mapped the feeding-stimulatory effects of compounds that increase endogenous cellular cAMP in naive rats. Combined microinjection of matched doses (300 nmol) of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and 7-deacetyl-7-O-(N-methylpiperazino)-gamma-butyryl-forskolin was effective exclusively in the PFH, eliciting an average 2 hr food intake of 8.4 +/- 2.0 gm. Collectively, these results suggest that increases in cellular cAMP within a specific brain site, the PFH, may play a role in the neural stimulation of eating.     

Identifiability of linear and nonlinear dynamical systems

This short paper considers the identification of dynamical systems from input-output data. The problem of parameter identifiability for such systems is approached by considering whether system outputs obtained with different parameter values can be distinguished one from another. The results are stated formally by defining the notion of "output distinguishability." Parameter identifiability is then defined precisely in terms of output distinguishability. Relationships have been developed with the other definitions such as least square identifiability and identifiability from the transfer function. Several results for linear and nonlinear systems are presented with examples.     

Design and Development of High-Velocity Slurry Erosion Test Rig Using CFD

Slurry erosion (SE) is commonly observed in almost all kinds of components and machineries involved in fluid (liquid) transfer and delivery. During design and development phase of these components, test rigs are usually required to evaluate their performance; however, only few detailed designs of test rigs are available for SE investigations. Among the existing designs of SE test rigs, most of them belong to rotary type. In the present study, design of a new type of SE test rig has been proposed, which is simpler in construction and working. This newly designed test rig could possibly eliminate some of the limitations (velocity-concentration interdependence and lack of acceleration distance) found in the existing set-ups. Calibration of the test rig was done for jet velocity and erodent concentration. Commissioning of the rig was undertaken by evaluating the effect of operating parameters (concentration and impingement angle) on the erosion rates of aluminum and cast iron. Results show that the rig was able to capture the traditional responses of ductile and brittle erosion behaviors being observed for these materials. Repeatability of the test rig was ensured, and the results were found to be within the acceptable error limits.