Two-phase air-water flows: Scale effects in physical modeling

Physical modeling represents probably the oldest design tool in hydraulic engineering together with analytical approaches. In free surface flows, the similitude based upon a Froude similarity allows for a correct representation of the dominant forces, namely gravity and inertia. As a result fluid flow properties such as the capillary forces and the viscous forces might be incorrectly reproduced, affecting the air entrainment and transport capacity of a high-speed model flow. Small physical models operating under a Froude similitude systematically underestimate the air entrainment rate and air-water interfacial properties. To limit scale effects, minimal values of Reynolds or Weber number have to be respected. The present article summarizes the physical background of such limitations and their combination in terms of the Morton number. Based upon a literature review, the existing limits are presented and discussed, resulting in a series of more conservative recommendations in terms of air concentration scaling. For other air-water flow parameters, the selection of the criteria to assess scale effects is critical because some parameters （e.g., bubble sizes, turbulent scales） can be affected by scale effects, even in relatively large laboratory models.     

Rheoreaction impacts dispersal of fish larvae in restored rivers

Connectivity of nurseries and spawning habitats for young of the year life stage is essential for successful recruitment of fish populations and therefore provides a key indicator for river restoration measures. Models for dispersal offer the potential to draw conclusions regarding restoration scenarios and to fill knowledge gaps about possible implications for fish populations. A newly developed rheoreaction‐based correlated random walk model (RCRW), in combination with a three‐dimensional numerical model and a non‐steady‐state particle tracing model, was applied for nase carp larvae (Chondrostoma nasus) before and after a restoration project on the river Danube, Austria. Spatio‐temporal patterns of dispersal of virtual larvae, attached with rheoreactive behaviour, were analysed within both scenarios. In comparison to the heavily modified river reach, the restored reach enabled a greater amount of upstream movement from the release site and showed a generally higher variability of spatio‐temporal distribution patterns. In contrast, estimated total settlement of rheoreactive larvae was substantially higher for the situation prior to the restoration measure. By comparing model results with a previously field experiment it was found that model simulations including rheoreaction as a single behaviour for navigation could not explain the whole pattern of larval dispersal. Therefore it is highly recommended for future studies to develop larval dispersal models by considering other factors (i.e., behaviour, bio‐energetics and environmental factors) of existing and future individual‐based models, which could serve as a tool to analyse the effect of restoration measures for recruitment of riverine fish populations.     

A Parsimonious Hydrological Model for a Data Scarce Dryland Region

Inapplicability of state of the art hydrological models due to scarce data motivates the need for a modeling approach that can be well constrained to available data and still model the dominant processes. Such an approach requires embedded model relationships to be simple and parsimonious in parameters for robust model selection. Simplicity in functional relationship is also important from water management point of view if these models are to be coupled with economic system models for meaningful policy assessment. We propose a similar approach, but rather than selecting (through calibration) processes from a set of processes predefined in terms of functionalities or modules, we model already known dominant processes in dryland areas (evaporation, Hortonian overland flows, transmission loses and subsurface flows) in a simple manner by explicitly programming them as constraints and obtain parameters by minimizing a performance based objective function. Such use of mathematical programming allows flexible model calibration and simulation in terms of available data and constraints. The model results of the approach are however not perfect given its infancy. Nonetheless its imperfections can guide us to further improvements, in particular with regards to model structure improvement.     

Smart Grids – die Zukunft der elektrischen Stromnetze

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

An investigation of the dip-Ion Layer Gas Reaction process to produce ZnO films with increased deposition rates

Intrinsic ZnO thin film layers have previously been deposited using the dip-ILGAR ‘Ion Layer Gas Reaction’ method. This deposition method and material has been effectively employed to deposit the buffer layers in chalcopyrite solar cells [M. Bär, H.-J. Muffler, Ch.-H. Fischer, S. Zweigart, F. Karg, M.C. Lux-Steiner Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl. 10 (2002) 173]. The original parameters for the ZnO dip ILGAR deposition process were optimised for film quality. These parameters, however, were not suitable for an up-scaled technology transfer to tape deposition as the dip speed and growth rate meant impractically long deposition times. The results presented here are from an investigation, using the laboratory scale ILGAR apparatus with 2.5 × 5 cm² substrates, into parameters e.g. solvent, salt and apparatus parameters, which could allow an increased deposition rate and dip speed yet retains film quality. Simple dip mechanics and the Landau-Levich equation, which describes film thickness as a function of dip withdrawal speed, gravitational acceleration and the properties of the solution, are considered. The recently optimised deposition parameters given here will allow a dip speed of more than 7 m/min and deposition rate of 7.5 nm/cycle.     

Magnetic ground state of a thin-film element

By means of three-dimensional numerical calculations we studied possible micromagnetic configurations in a rectangular Permalloy-like thin-film element. The parameters were chosen to be compatible with the so-called micromagnetic standard problem 1. We demonstrate that for these parameters a diamond domain pattern is the lowest energy state that replaces cross-tie patterns favorable in larger elements. Only at smaller sizes does the originally envisaged Landau pattern form the ground state. The transition to high-remanence structures (or what would be comparable to a “single-domain” state) is found for lateral sizes that are an order of magnitude smaller than the benchmark parameters. The transitions among the different domain patterns become plausible in view of the energy of symmetric Neel walls in extended thin films. The features of the high-remanence structures can be derived from the principle of uniform charge distribution     

Immobilized pH gradient gel cell to study the pH dependence of drug lipophilicity

An experimental setup to study the pH dependence of standard ion-transfer potentials at the water/NPOE interface is presented. The system is composed of a microhole generated by laser photoablation in a 12-microm polyethylene terephthalate film, the aqueous phase consisting of a commercial immobilized pH gradient gel reswelled in electrolyte solution and a droplet of organic solution. Two electrodes are used, an Ag/AgCl aqueous electrode and an Ag/AgTPBCl organic electrode. This setup is applied to the study of two ionizable compounds (pyridine, 2,4-dinitrophenol). Thermodynamic parameters such as the standard transfer potential, the Gibbs energy of transfer, and the partition coefficients of the ionized forms as well as the neutral forms of these drug compounds are evaluated by differential pulse voltammetry. The data obtained are summarized in ionic partition diagrams, which are a useful tool for predicting and interpreting the transfer behavior of ionized drugs at the liquid/liquid interfaces mimicking the biological membranes.     

A new built-in screening methodology to achieve zero defects in the automotive environment

Efficient screening procedures for the control of the defectivity are vital to limit early failures especially in critical automotive applications. Traditional strategies based on burn-in and in-line tests are able to provide the required level of reliability but they are expensive and time consuming. This paper presents a novel built-in reliability testing methodology to screen out gate oxide and crystal related defects in Lateral Diffused MOS transistors. The proposed technique is based on an embedded circuitry that includes logic control, high voltage generation, and leakage current monitoring.