Modelling and simulation of heat transfer by convection in aerogel treated nonwovens

Simulation and numerical modeling are becoming increasingly popular due to the ability to seek solutions for a problem without undertaking real-life experiments. For the problems of heat transfer, these techniques to generate relevant data by incorporating different changes to the input parameters. Heat transfer property of textile materials is a major concern since it influences comfort properties of clothing. In this paper, numerical simulation was applied to evaluate the heat flux, temperature distributions, and convective heat transfer coefficients of the fibrous insulating materials treated with aerogel. The computational model simulated the insulation behavior of nonwoven fabrics without and with aerogel. Ansys and Comsol were used to model and simulate heat transfer. The simulation was performed assuming laminar flow and since the Mach number was < 0.3, the compressible flow model with Mach number < 0.3 was used. The results of simulation were correlated to experimental measurements for validation. Furthermore, aerogel-treated fabric samples showed better thermal performance. Using this model, the heat transfer properties of the nonwoven fabrics treated with aerogel can be optimized further.     

Editorial

This editorial provides an overview of a special issue dedicated to the 7th conference on Process Integration, Modeling and Optimization for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction—PRES 2004. Eight papers have been selected and peer-reviewed covering various subjects of heat transfer engineering, focusing on the recent development of various features of heat transfer equipment design and optimization. This is the fourth special issue of Heat Transfer Engineering dedicated to selected contributions from PRES conferences [1 Kleme?, J. and Stehlík, P. Heat Transfer Engineering. PRES Conference—Challenges in Complex Process Heat Transfer. vol. 23, pp.1–2. no. 6 [Google Scholar], 2 Stehlík, P. and Kleme?, J. Heat Transfer Engineering. Selected Papers from the PRES 2002 Conference. vol. 25, pp.1–3. no. 5 [Google Scholar], 3 Kleme?, J. and Stehlík, P. Heat Transfer Engineering. Selected Papers from the PRES 2003 Conference. vol. 26, pp.1–3. no. 5 [Google Scholar]].     

Relationship between chemical and rheological properties of two asphalts of different origins

The chemical and rheological properties of two asphalts selected from different sources (Urals, Russia; Cold Lake, Canada) were investigated. Analyses of chemical (elemental composition, fractional composition, molecular weights) and physical properties (complex viscosity, loss tangent, shear compliance) were performed on all original and aged (rolling thin film oven test, RTFOT; pressurized aging vessel, PAV) samples. The analyses of the chemical properties of both asphalts revealed higher asphaltene content, higher heteroatom content, and lower aging susceptibility of the Cold Lake asphalt (less significant changes in group composition). Based on its chemical composition, the Cold Lake asphalt was expected to perform better in the rheological tests than the Urals asphalt. The rheological tests confirmed this hypothesis and revealed better low- and high-temperature properties of the Cold Lake asphalt and a slower deterioration of its physical properties upon oxidative aging.     

Comparison of microstructural properties and Charpy impact behaviour between different plates of the Eurofer97 steel and effect of isothermal ageing

The microstructure and fracture properties of the Eurofer97 steel plates of thickness 14 mm and 25 mm were investigated in as-received state and in state after long-term thermal ageing (550 °C/5000 h). Detailed microstructure studies were carried out by means of optical light, electron and quantitative electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated by means of Charpy impact testing and hardness testing and fracture surfaces were fractographically analysed in macro and microscales. The microstructure of the Eurofer97 consisted of tempered martensite with M₂₃C₆ and MX precipitates. Microstructure of 14 mm plate was more homogenous and fine grained than 25 mm plate. Due to different microstructure the t_DBTT of thicker plate was on +10 °C higher than for 14 mm plate for which reached −60 °C. Slight microstructural changes on the level of subgrain consisting of their partial recrystallization and slight carbide coarsening were observed after applied ageing. The isothermal ageing caused evident shift in t_DBTT about +5 °C, which was most likely caused by recrystallization of subgrains.     

Wall pressure issues in the aeration of bulk material silos

Operators of bulk material silos frequently face various flow defects. These include defects in flow continuity, vaults, stick rings, and dead zones in the bulk material. The application of aeration systems in bulk material silos is an effective method used in order to eliminate the above defects. This paper presents a study of the effect of an aeration system on wall pressures σ_W of bulk material in a silo during a targeted bulk material aeration and relaxation process, and analyses the results in light of the calculation standards for designing bulk material silos, namely ?SN 73 5570 a DIN 1055.     

The Scent of a Partner: Ambrosia Beetles Are Attracted to Volatiles from Their Fungal Symbionts

Invasive fungus-growing ambrosia beetles are an emerging threat to forest ecosystems and fruit industries, but management tools are lacking. Here we explored the potential of beetle symbionts–ambrosia fungi–as a source of attractants. Our focus was the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, and its symbiotic fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, which are devastating lauraceous hosts in the southeastern United States. We also tested three additional co-occurring beetle species and their symbionts. Each beetle species was consistently attracted to the odors of its symbiotic fungal species, occasionally also to symbionts of other species, but never to non-symbiotic Trichoderma. We further confirmed attraction to ethanol (positive control) in some species. Thus, ambrosia fungi produce volatiles attractive to their vector beetles, which may have potential as novel lures for ambrosia beetle management.     

Effect of enzyme and plasma treatments of bark cloth from Ficus natalensis: morphology and thermal behavior

Bark cloth fabric has been in production in Uganda since the thirteenth century. In a move to preserve its cultural heritage, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed in 2005 that Ugandan bark cloth is a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” Plant fibers require surface treatment before aimed at impurity reduction and for enhancement of fiber to matrix adhesion in composites. An exploratory investigation of enzymatic and plasma treatment of bark cloth is reported. The morphology of the fabric was investigated using scanning electron microscope. Thermal behavior of the fabric was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer were used to evaluate the surface functional groups. Enzyme-treated fabrics were cleaner and thermally stable compared to plasma and untreated fabrics.     

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on basalt/polysiloxane composites: mechanical and thermal characterization

In the present investigation, a novel technique has been developed to fabricate composite materials containing TiO₂ nanoparticles, polysiloxane resin, and basalt fabric. A high-intensity ultrasonic probe was used to obtain a homogenous molecular mixture of TiO₂ nanoparticles and polysiloxane resin, thus the nanoparticles were infused into the resin through sonic cavitation. The loading effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the thermal and mechanical properties of basalt fabric reinforced polysiloxane composite materials has been investigated. Composite samples were prepared, each using two layers of basalt fabric with TiO₂ nanoparticles loading from 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3% by weight. Size distribution of nanoparticles was observed by particle size analyzer and the prepared fabric nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Tensile testing was performed as per American standard for testing of materials (ASTM) standards. The dependence of dynamic mechanical parameters E′, E′′, tan (delta), T _g, and heat distortion temperature (HDT) are associated with the filler content and can be controlled by the curing conditions. Tensile results show that 1.5 wt.% loading of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the nanocomposites resulted in highest improvement in tensile modulus compared to the neat system. DMA studies also revealed that 1.5 wt.% doped system exhibits highest storage modulus as compared to the neat and other loading percentages. DSC and TGA studies show that T _g and HDT of the composite increases with the increase in wt.% of nanofillers in the composite. Based on these results, it is clear that miscibility of nanoparticles in the resin is of prime importance with regard to performance.     

Thermoelectric Power Generation Utilizing the Waste Heat from a Biomass Boiler

The objective of the presented work is to test the possibility of using thermoelectric power to convert flue gas waste heat from a small-scale domestic pellet boiler, and to assess the influence of a thermoelectric generator on its function. A prototype of the generator, able to be connected to an existing device, was designed, constructed, and tested. The performance of the generator as well as the impact of the generator on the operation of the boiler was investigated under various operating conditions. The boiler gained auxiliary power and could become a combined heat and power unit allowing self-sufficient operation. The created unit represents an independent source of electricity with effective use of fuel.